Divorce Statistics and Trends 2026 

The most recent data from the CDC shows North Carolina’s divorce rate at 2.7 per 1,000 residents in 2023, continuing a steady decline that has persisted since the early 2000s. Two decades ago, the state’s divorce rate was considerably higher—around 5.1 divorces per 1,000 people in 2000—before falling to 3.7 per 1,000 in 2011 and 3.2 per 1,000 by 2016 according to the North Carolina State Center for Health Statistics.

This downward trajectory mirrors national patterns, indicating that couples are marrying later, cohabiting before marriage is more common, and longer waiting periods before marriage often translate to longer-lasting unions. While divorce remains a common legal process, the data suggest that North Carolinians today are more deliberate about marriage, contributing to fewer dissolutions overall.

Marriage rates in North Carolina have shifted alongside the decline in divorces. As of 2023, the CDC reports a marriage rate of 6.0 per 1,000 people, down from over 7.0 in the early 2000s. This trend indicates that fewer residents are marrying relative to population size, and those who do are often older and more financially or emotionally prepared for long-term commitment.

These declining marriage and divorce rates are closely linked: when fewer people marry, fewer divorces naturally occur. Yet the broader story is one of societal change—North Carolinians are delaying marriage, prioritizing education and career stability, and viewing marriage as a more intentional partnership.

For family law attorneys, this shift often means handling fewer but more complex divorce cases involving significant shared assets, property, and long-term planning considerations.

While statewide averages tell part of the story, North Carolina’s divorce rates vary widely by county and demographic group.

In 2016, for example, Cumberland County reported a divorce rate of 4.8 per 1,000 residents, compared to just 1.5 per 1,000 in Davie County, according to the N.C. State Center for Health Statistics. Rural counties and middle-aged adults—particularly those between ages 40 and 54—tend to experience higher divorce rates, often reflecting economic pressures, lifestyle differences, or longer-term marital strain.

For the Raleigh area, the picture looks slightly different. Wake County’s 2016 divorce rate was approximately 2.8 per 1,000, below the statewide average, suggesting that local economic factors and population demographics may contribute to lower divorce rates in urban centers.

For clients of Doyle Divorce Law, this means that while divorce remains a reality for many families, the likelihood and nature of each case can vary significantly based on where you live, your age, and your life circumstances.

A growing share of divorces in 2025 involve couples who lived together for many years before marrying. While cohabitation once correlated with lower divorce risk, recent Census Bureau data suggests that long cohabitation before marriage—especially when combined with financial strain—may increase the likelihood of relationship dissolution. Analysts believe this reflects couples feeling “committed by circumstance” rather than intentional long-term planning.

One trend emerging in 2025 is the widening gap between urban and rural divorce rates. Urban areas with strong job markets and higher educational attainment continue to experience lower divorce rates, while rural regions—affected by economic instability, limited mental health access, and aging populations—see disproportionately higher numbers. This divergence highlights how geography and community resources strongly influence relationship stability.

Across the country, more couples are turning to online platforms to manage separation, mediation, and uncontested divorce filings. This accelerated shift toward digital legal processes—initially driven by the pandemic—has continued into 2025 as states modernize court systems. For many families, virtual mediation reduces conflict, travel, and costs, making it a new and unique option for amicable separations

One of the strongest predictors of marital stability is the age at which couples marry and their level of education.

In a 2024 study, the U.S. Census Bureau notes that “people marrying later in life and those with higher educational attainment are less likely to divorce.” Marrying too young often means facing major life transitions—career changes, financial instability, or raising children—before both partners are fully prepared to manage them together.

In North Carolina, this pattern closely mirrors the national data. The state’s overall decline in divorces can be partly attributed to couples delaying marriage until they are more financially and emotionally secure. As a result, those who do marry tend to have stronger communication skills, better economic foundations, and a greater likelihood of sustaining long-term partnerships.

Financial strain remains one of the most common stressors on marriages, and its influence is reflected in regional divorce statistics. The National Center for Family and Marriage Research (NCFMR) reports that counties with higher unemployment and lower median income tend to have higher divorce rates, reflecting the link between economic stability and marital longevity.

Economic uncertainty can amplify conflict, create resentment, and increase the likelihood of marital breakdown.For individuals in the process of divorce, understanding their financial landscape—assets, debts, employment prospects, and future stability—is essential. At Doyle Divorce Law, we often see how careful financial planning and open communication about money can reduce conflict and help clients achieve fair, balanced outcomes during and after the divorce process.

North Carolina’s legal structure directly impacts when and how divorces appear in state statistics. The one-year (and one day) separation requirement before filing for an absolute divorce introduces a built-in delay between separation and the final decree, which can make annual divorce counts appear lower or shift year-to-year totals.

Regional factors also play a role. Areas with large military populations, such as Cumberland and Onslow Counties, often record higher divorce rates due to deployment-related strain and mobility challenges. Meanwhile, more urban counties like Wake County and Mecklenburg County typically show lower rates, reflecting stronger economic conditions and greater access to family support services.

For families in the Raleigh area, recognizing how these legal and regional differences influence divorce timelines and outcomes helps manage expectations throughout the divorce process.

Evolving social attitudes have dramatically reshaped how couples approach relationships and marriage. Many North Carolinians now choose to cohabit before marriage, delay having children, or forgo marriage entirely—decisions that naturally reduce both marriage and divorce rates over time.

National data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that as people delay or opt out of marriage, the overall pool of legally married individuals shrinks, leading to fewer recorded divorces. For couples who do choose marriage, this shift highlights the growing importance of proactive planning—such as creating prenuptial agreements, defining financial boundaries, and discussing long-term goals early on.

These steps can help protect both parties and reduce the risk of conflict if the marriage eventually dissolves.

The downward trend in North Carolina’s divorce rate is expected to continue, though future declines may be modest. With the rate currently around 2.7 divorces per 1,000 residents (CDC, 2023), experts suggest the state may approach a statistical “floor,” meaning it could level off between 2.4 and 2.5 per 1,000 rather than falling sharply. This stabilization reflects the balance between fewer marriages overall and longer-lasting unions among those who do marry.

For family law practitioners and clients alike, this trend indicates a more stable—but not risk-free—environment. While the likelihood of divorce may remain moderate, individual outcomes will still depend heavily on age, income, and personal circumstances rather than broad societal changes alone.

One of the most significant national developments in recent years is the rise of the so-called “grey divorce”—separations that occur later in life, often after decades of marriage. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, divorces among individuals aged 50 and older have increased even as rates among younger adults have declined. Though North Carolina–specific data are limited, the state’s aging population suggests similar patterns may emerge locally.

For clients in their 50s, 60s, or beyond, divorce often brings unique financial considerations: division of retirement accounts, pension benefits, real estate, and long-term care planning. At Doyle Divorce Law, we understand that later-life divorces require careful legal and financial guidance to ensure equitable outcomes and long-term stability.

Economic conditions and shifting lifestyles will continue to shape marriage and divorce patterns in the years ahead. Events such as recessions, housing costs, and employment trends can all influence whether couples stay together or separate. Additionally, remote work, population growth, and high in-migration to North Carolina—particularly in regions like the Triangle and Charlotte—are reshaping family dynamics and household stability.

Technological change also plays a growing role: online communication, dating apps, and even the availability of virtual legal consultations are altering how relationships form, evolve, and end. For a law firm like Doyle Divorce Law, staying informed about these macro-trends helps us provide clients with forward-thinking, realistic advice that reflects both current realities and future possibilities.

Analysts predict that rising housing costs, increased consumer debt, and continued inflation may drive a modest increase in separations in 2026. Historically, economic instability contributes to marital strain, and if financial pressure continues nationwide, divorce rates may temporarily rise—particularly among middle-income families balancing mortgages, childcare, and employment changes.

Millennials, now the largest demographic entering their 40s, are reaching peak earning years and accumulating more property, retirement savings, and business interests. As a result, 2026 may see an increase in complex, high-asset divorces involving investment portfolios, equity compensation, multiple real estate holdings, and shared businesses. Family law practitioners expect these cases to require more sophisticated financial analysis and long-term planning.

Experts anticipate that in 2026, more divorcing couples will choose mediation or collaborative divorce, driven by a desire to reduce legal costs, speed up timelines, and minimize adversarial conflict—especially for families with young children. States continue to expand access to alternative dispute resolution, and cultural attitudes increasingly favor cooperation over courtroom battles, suggesting a continued move toward less contentious divorce pathways.