Tennessee Divorce Rates

Tennessee divorce rates rank among the highest in the nation, according to Census Bureau data and the American Community Survey, with current statistics showing 3.3 divorces per 1,000 people in the state's total population. Analysis of Tennessee's rate of divorce reveals demographic patterns, county-level variations, and trends affecting residents age 15 and older seeking marital dissolution, providing important context for families navigating divorce while highlighting how Tennessee compares to both the state with the highest divorce rates and the state with the lowest divorce rates nationally.

Current Tennessee Divorce Rate Statistics

The Census Bureau and American Community Survey provide comprehensive data on Tennessee divorce rates, showing how the state compares to national averages and trends.

2021-2024 Divorce Rate Data

In 2021, the divorce rate for Tennessee was 3.3 per 1,000 total population. This represents a significant decline from historical highs but still places Tennessee among states with elevated divorce rates compared to national averages. The population of Tennessee was estimated by the Census Bureau to be 7,126,489 on July 1, 2023. Tennessee's projected 2024 population growth is 1.16 percent for a total population of 7,217,315, with a rank of 15 among the states.

Historical Context and Trends

Marriage rates have been declining for three decades in most states, including Tennessee. In 200,0, the marriage rate in Tennessee was 15.5 per 1,000 total population residing in the area. In 2019, the marriage rate was 7.5 per 1,000 total population residing in the area, less than half the marriages in less than two decades. The 2021 marriage rate for Tennessee was up slightly, with 7.6 per 1,000 total population, but still well below the year 2000 rate.

Divorces Per 1,000 Population Over Time

Fewer marriages translate to fewer divorces per total population residing in the area. In 2000, the Tennessee divorce rate was 5.9 per 1,000 total population in the area. In 2019, the divorce rate was 3.5 per 1,000 total population residing in the area. The 2021 rate of 3.3 divorces per 1,000 represents a continuation of the overall downward trend despite Tennessee maintaining higher rates than many other states.

Tennessee's National Ranking for Divorce

Tennessee consistently ranks among states with higher divorce rates compared to national averages, though the specific ranking varies depending on measurement methodology.

Tenth-Highest Divorce Rate

In Tennessee, there are 19.1 divorces per 1,000 married people, making it the state with the tenth highest divorce rate in the nation, according to an analysis of census data. Most recent data from the World Population Review suggests that Tennessee's divorce rate of 3.3 percent per 1,000 people is among the highest divorce rates in the country. Tennessee will continue to rank among the top states for divorce despite overall declining rates.

Comparison to the Highest and Lowest States

• Arkansas remained the state with the highest divorce rate in the US, with 23.27 divorces per 1,000 married women in 2022.
• The state with the highest divorce rate in the nation is Arkansas, with 23.4 divorces per 1,000 married people.
• Vermont reported the lowest divorce rate in the US at 9.2 divorces per 1,000 married women.
• The state with the lowest divorce rate is Massachusetts, with 12.3 divorces per 1,000 married people and a low unemployment rate of 3.7 percent.

Geographic and Regional Patterns

• The South contained 10 out of the 14 states in the top quartile for the US divorce rate, along with no states in the bottom quartile.
• The Northeast predominantly consisted of states in the bottom quartile, with no states in the third or top quartiles.

There was variation in quartile representation in the Midwest and West regions, with each region containing at least one state in all four quartiles. Tennessee's position reflects broader Southern regional patterns of higher divorce rates.

Tennessee Divorce Demographics by Age

The American Community Survey provides detailed demographic breakdowns showing how divorce rates vary across different age groups in Tennessee's population aged 15 and older.

Adults 15 and Older Divorce Statistics

According to the 2021 U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey regarding Tennessee, of the estimated 2,713,115 men 15 years of age and older, 50.8 percent are married, 3 percent are widowed, and 11.0 percent are divorced. Of the estimated 2,877,358 women 15 and older, 40.7 percent are married, 9.4 percent are widowed, and 13.3 percent are divorced. These statistics show women in Tennessee experience slightly higher divorce rates than men across the adult population.

Highest Divorce Rates by Age Group

Married couples between the ages of 15 and 24 are more likely to divorce than any other age group. The 15-24 age group had a divorce rate of 27 per 1,000 people who were currently married. The 2019 data shows adults between the ages of 25 and 39 had a divorce rate of 24 per 1,000 people currently married. The 2019 divorce rate for adults between 40 and 49 was 21 per 1,000 currently married.

Gray Divorce and Older Adults

Of all divorcing adults in the U.S., 36 percent are 50 years of age or older. Of all age groups, the only increasing divorce rate is among those 65 and older. Of adults 55 to 64 years of age who were ever divorced, the divorce rate is 43 percent. For those aged 65 to 74, the divorce rate is 39 percent. For adults ages 75 and older, the divorce rate is 24 percent. The rate of divorce for those 50 and older has more than doubled since the 1990s.

Tennessee Divorce Rates by County

County-level analysis reveals significant geographic variation in divorce rates across Tennessee, with some counties showing rates substantially higher than the state average.

Counties with the Highest Divorce Rates

With Tennessee's 22,359 total divorces in 2020, the counties with the highest divorce rates per 1,000 people that year paint a clear picture of regional variation:

Counties with Lowest Divorce Rates

Tennessee counties with the lowest divorce rates per 1,000 people in 2020 included:

Regional Patterns Across Tennessee

Divorce rates in Tennessee counties Madison, Tipton, Montgomery, Cumberland, and McNairy will continue to rise above the 2021 rate of 3.3 per 1,000. Divorce rates in Roane, Jackson, Meigs, Carroll, and Marion will continue to fall below 3.3 per 1,000. These county-level variations reflect differences in demographics, economic conditions, and cultural factors affecting marriage stability across different regions of the state.

Marriage Rates and Their Impact on Divorce Statistics

Tennessee marriage rates directly affect divorce statistics, with declining marriage rates contributing to lower absolute numbers of divorces even as the state maintains relatively high rates among married populations.

Current Tennessee Marriage Rates

Tied with the State of Alaska, Tennessee has an estimated 49.2 percent married rate for 2024 as compared to Utah's 55.8 percent highest rate and Louisiana's 43.7 percent lowest rate. In 2020, the percentage of Tennessee marriages by population was 51.1 percent. This placed Tennessee just below Alaska at 51.2 percent and just above Missouri at 50.9 percent.

Declining Marriage Trends

Marriage rates have been declining for three decades in most states, including Tennessee. The 2021 marriage rate for Tennessee was 7.6 per 1,000 total population, representing less than half the 2000 rate of 15.5 per 1,000 total population. Tennessee's marriage rate will continue to fall below the 2021 rate of 7.6 per 1,000, contributing to the continued decline in absolute divorce numbers.

Economic Factors Affecting Tennessee Divorce Rates

Research consistently shows correlations between economic conditions and divorce rates, with Tennessee's economic profile contributing to its higher divorce statistics.

Income and Unemployment Correlations

States with lower median family incomes tend to have higher rates of divorce, and states with higher median family incomes tend to have lower rates of divorce. Tennessee's unemployment rate is 4.8 percent, meaning financial stressors could contribute to its high divorce rate. This makes sense considering the state's poverty rate at 15.8 percent is higher than the national average of 14 percent.

Financial Stress as a Divorce Factor

After "married too young" came financial issues and the "lack of family support" as major reasons for divorce, with financial security identified as the number one reason given for getting married. Economic pressures affect marriage stability throughout Tennessee, particularly in counties with higher unemployment and lower median incomes.

Divorce Risk Periods and Marriage Duration

National research on divorce timing reveals specific high-risk periods during marriage that apply to Tennessee couples seeking divorce.

High-Risk Divorce Periods

Two periods in a marriage may have a greater frequency of divorce:

• Years 1-2 : The first two years of a marriage are believed to be the high-risk period for divorce
• Years 5-8 : After years 3 through 4 have an average risk of divorce, years 5 through 8 mark the next high-risk period
• Years 3-4 and 15-20 : Average risk of divorce
• Years 9-15 : Relatively low risk period

Average Marriage Duration Before Divorce

Most first marriages that end in divorce do so in just under 8 years. By contrast, second marriages ending in divorce have a duration of about 7 years. High risk periods of divorce will continue to be the first two years, 1-2, and 5-8. Average risk periods for divorce will continue to be marriage years 3-4 and 15-20. Low risk periods for divorce will continue to be marriage years 9-15.

Divorce Rates by Marriage Order

The rate of divorce increases in relation to the number of times married. Those who remarry are 2.5 times more likely to divorce. About 8 years is the average length of first marriages ending in divorce, representing a divorce rate of around 50 percent. About 7 years is the average length of second marriages ending in divorce, representing a divorce rate of around 67 percent. The divorce rate for third marriages is around 75 percent.

National Context for Tennessee Divorce Rates

Placing Tennessee divorce rates in a national context helps explain how the state compares to broader American trends affecting marriage and divorce.

U.S. Divorce Rate Trends

The U.S. divorce rate peaked in 1979-1981, with 53 percent of all marriages ending in divorce. Following the CDC's reporting of marriage and divorce statistics, the U.S. divorce rate has steadily decreased over the past two-plus decades, right alongside the marriage rate. In 2021, the marriage rate was 6.0 per 1,000 total population, while the divorce rate was 2.5. For every 6.0 people who get married, 2.5 will be divorced, putting the 2021 crude divorce rate at 42 percent.

COVID-19 Impact on Divorce Rates

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the U.S. has seen a 12 percent reduction in administrative counts of divorces. The American Community Survey shows a parallel trend with a nearly 10 percent decline in the adjusted divorce rate from 15.5 in 2019 to 14.0 in 2020. The divorce rate in 2021 remained stable at 14 divorces per 1,000 married women. After reaching a 40-year record low for two consecutive years (2020 and 2021 at 14.0 divorces per 1,000 married women), the divorce rate rose slightly in 2022 to 14.56 divorces per 1,000 married women.

What Tennessee Divorce Rates Mean for Families

Tennessee divorce rates provide important context for families considering divorce or seeking to strengthen marriages, while highlighting factors contributing to marital dissolution.

Common Causes of Divorce

The number one reason given for why marriages fail is "lack of commitment," followed by "infidelity" and then "excessive conflict." Near the top of the list of reasons leading to the breakdown of marriage are "lack of compatibility" and "lack of intimacy." Financial issues and "lack of family support" also contribute significantly to Tennessee divorces.

Resources for Tennessee Families

Whether Tennessee divorce rates rise or fall in the coming years, families facing marital challenges benefit from accessing appropriate resources, including marriage counseling, financial planning, legal guidance, and support services. Every marriage is unique, and so is every divorce. Families navigating divorce must prioritize protecting their rights, children, and assets while working toward fair outcomes that serve everyone's best interests during this difficult transition.

Tennessee divorce rates reflect the complex interplay of economic factors, demographic patterns, cultural influences, and individual circumstances affecting marriages throughout the state. From county-level variations showing Madison County at 9.9 divorces per 1,000 people to statewide statistics placing Tennessee among the top ten states for divorce, these numbers tell important stories about Tennessee families.

While overall trends show declining marriage and divorce rates, Tennessee maintains its position with higher rates than many states, reflecting regional patterns common throughout the South. Families considering divorce benefit from awareness of these statistics while remembering that behind every divorce rate statistic are real people, children, and families navigating one of life's most challenging transitions, deserving compassionate support, competent legal guidance, and access to resources that help them move forward successfully.