Marriage rate

The marriage rate has fallen to 5.48 per 1,000 people, representing a 3.6% decline from 2025. The marriage rate has continued to fall over the past year as changing societal attitudes toward marriage and increased cohabitation, especially among Millennials and Gen Zers, have led people to seek marriage less often. Elevated economic uncertainty in 2026 has also dampened couples' willingness to get married.

The marriage rate fluctuated significantly in the first half of the current period. In 2021, as pandemic restrictions began to lift and venues reopened, pent-up demand led to a significant spike in marriages, from record lows in 2020, with growth of 17.6% in 2021 and 3.3% in 2022. However, as this demand was satisfied, the marriage rate returned to pre-pandemic trends, dropping since 2023.

Larger trends have also applied downward pressure. Rising labor force participation and earnings among women have altered household dynamics. An aging population and higher divorce rates have continued to contribute to fewer new marriages. Increased contraception use and declining male labor force participation have weakened traditional marriage drivers, particularly among men ages 25 to 34.

Economic conditions have reinforced these patterns. Continuing inflation and rising housing costs following the pandemic, along with student debt burdens, have reduced the financial feasibility of marriage. This is especially evident among individuals with lower levels of education and lower incomes.