Marriage trends across the U.S. reveal surprising differences by state, shaping how likely Americans are to say “I do.”
In this breakdown of states where Americans are most and least likely to get married, we explore data from Schmidt & Clark based on the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey.
From Wyoming and Idaho, where over 70% of residents aged 15+ have married, to Georgia and Connecticut, where fewer than 36% have done so, these statistics highlight how culture, cost, and lifestyle influence marital choices.
Whether you’re curious about marriage hotspots or states where tying the knot is rarer, here’s what the numbers say.
Top 10 States Where Americans Are Most Likely to Get Married
1. Wyoming
Wyoming tops the list, with an impressive 72.25% of residents aged 15 and older having tied the knot. Despite its small population of just under half a million, the state’s residents show a strong inclination toward marriage.
Interestingly, Wyoming also has the fifth‑highest divorce rate, highlighting that while people here often marry, those marriages don’t always last.
2. Idaho
In Idaho, 71.60% of people aged 15+ have married at least once. The Gem State also has the highest divorce rate in the country, suggesting a culture where people may marry young but also separate more often. With a population nearing 1.5 million, Idahoans seem very open to giving love a formal chance.
3. Maine
Maine follows closely, with 71.07% of residents aged 15+ ever married. Known for its charming coastal towns and quiet lifestyle, Maine might create an environment where couples are eager to commit.
Despite its relatively small population of around 1.1 million, marriage remains a common life step here.
4. West Virginia
In West Virginia, 70.89% of people aged 15+ have walked down the aisle. Economic challenges and rural culture often contribute to early marriages here.
The Mountain State’s nearly 1.5 million residents have one of the highest marriage participation rates, reflecting traditional values.
5. Arkansas
With 70.68% of residents aged 15+ married at least once, Arkansas keeps marriage traditions strong.
Its population of about 2.4 million sees marriage as a common milestone, although the state’s divorce rate remains high. Family and community ties might play a key role in this trend.
6. Kentucky
In Kentucky, 70.22% of residents have ever married. Known for Southern hospitality and close‑knit communities, Kentucky’s culture supports settling down. With a population exceeding 3.6 million, marriage remains deeply woven into social life here.
7. Montana
Montana shows 70.17% of residents aged 15+ have been married. Wide open spaces and small communities encourage traditional family structures. Though its population is under one million, the Treasure State keeps marriage rates high.
8. Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, 69.83% of residents aged 15+ have tied the knot. The state also stands out for its low average wedding cost, around $16,000, making marriage more financially accessible. With over 3 million people, Oklahoma combines affordability with strong family traditions.
9. New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s 69.74% marriage rate comes alongside the lowest divorce rate in the U.S., suggesting longer‑lasting unions.
Its population of about 1.1 million leans toward stable, traditional relationships, perhaps supported by a strong community focus.
10. Kansas
Rounding out the top ten, Kansas has 69.33% of residents aged 15+ who’ve married. Like Oklahoma, Kansas keeps average wedding costs low, about $16,000. Its population of over 2.3 million sees marriage as an attainable and culturally valued life goal.
Top 10 States Where Americans Are Least Likely to Get Married
1. Georgia
Georgia ranks lowest, with only 35.12% of residents aged 15+ ever married, despite a large population of over 8.6 million.
Busy urban centers like Atlanta may create lifestyles less focused on marriage, with younger populations delaying or skipping the tradition.
2. Connecticut
In Connecticut, just 35.55% of residents have married. High living costs, a highly educated population, and a trend toward marrying later may explain the lower marriage participation among its 3 million residents.
3. Maryland
Maryland shows 35.62% of residents aged 15+ have tied the knot. Proximity to major metropolitan areas like Washington, D.C., and a large professional workforce might encourage career focus over early marriage, even with a population exceeding 5 million.
4. Illinois
Only 35.88% of Illinois residents aged 15+ have ever married. Chicago’s vibrant, fast‑paced urban life and the trend of marrying later may drive this low rate among over 10 million residents.
5. New Mexico
New Mexico’s marriage rate is 36.25%. Cultural diversity, economic challenges, and shifting social norms may influence lower marriage participation among its 1.7 million people.
6. Louisiana
In Louisiana, 36.27% of residents aged 15+ have been married, and the state also has a low marriage rate of just 4.4 per 1,000 people in 2023. Economic concerns and changing social values might play a role among its 3.7 million residents.
7. Massachusetts
Massachusetts has only 37.14% of residents aged 15+ ever married. High educational attainment, a focus on careers, and later‑in‑life partnerships are common themes among nearly 5.8 million people.
8. California
California shows 37.76% of residents aged 15+ have married, and weddings here average a steep $33,000. With over 32 million people and a culture that often celebrates non‑traditional relationships, marriage rates stay low.
9. Rhode Island
Only 38.06% of Rhode Island residents aged 15+ have ever married. Small population (about 924,000) and urban‑centric lifestyles might contribute to fewer formal marriages.
10. New York
New York rounds out the list with 38.61% of residents aged 15+ married. The state also has one of the highest average wedding costs, around $33,000, possibly discouraging formal ceremonies among its 16 million residents, many of whom live in fast‑paced urban areas.
Alicia Richards