Only 51% of US adults are married

December 21, 2011

The percentage of American adults who are married declined from 72% in 1960 to 51% in 2010, according to a new report from the Pew Research Center.

In 1960, 72% of adults were married, 5% were divorced or separated, 9% were widowed, and 15% had never married. In 2010, 51% of adults were married, 14% were divorced or separated, 6% were widowed, and 28% had never married.

Between 1960 and 2010, the median age of first marriage for men rose from 22.8 to 28.7, while the median age of first marriage for women rose from 20.3 to 26.5.

 

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Further information:

• Barely Half of U.S. Adults Are Married -- A Record Low (Pew Research Center)