The Highest Divorce Rates In The Country: Where Nevada Ranks

An unhappy couple stands back to back in an empty room. On the left is the wife, wearing a white long-sleeve and jeans. On the right is the husband in a light blue button up and jeans. Nevada Divorce.

Divorced Couple

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We see a lot of marriages in Las Vegas. With all of our little chapels offering quickie ceremonies or drive-through nuptials, it's not hard to take that plunge. But how many of those Nevada marriages end up in divorce?

The emphasis on marriage has declined over the last several years. A survey conducted this summer by the Thriving Center of Psychology showed that 2 out of 5 young people across the country believe marriage is an outdated tradition. And, surprisingly, 25% of those who hold that belief were young women. While only 41% were young men.

The study also showed the potential reasons for this mindset. 73% of the young Millenials and Gen Zers surveyed said it was too expensive too get married. But a surprising 85% said marriage wasn't necessary for them to feel like their relationship is fulfilling. The emphasis on marriage just isn't where it was 40 years ago.

So does Nevada have more or fewer divorced couples when compared to other states in the U.S.?

Another comprehensive study, conducted recently by the KGN Law Firm, collected data from sources to review the current landscape of marriages in the United States. Sources for this study included the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Marriage and Divorce Rate Trends, and Divorce Rates by State.

Some very interesting key findings were that while 48% of adults in America are married, 34.2% never have been. With changing social norms, many people are choosing to live together rather than get legally married. Another interesting discovery from kgnlawfirm.com showed that women in the work force had the highest likelihood of divorcing.

Age, gender and racial dynamics were also considered in this study. You can see it in its entirety here. -Wendy Rush, 96.3KKLZ

Now the big question: with so many marriages happening all the time in Nevada, where do we rank in the divorce game?

Here are the top five states in the U.S. with the highest divorce rates, according to kgnlawfirm.com.

5. Idaho/Florida

Bride and groom separating

Idaho, as of 2021, has a divorce rate of 3.4 per 1,000. Florida has the same. So they tie for the fifth highest divorce rates in the country.

4. Alabama/Arkansas

Couple Silhouette Standing Away From Each Other

Angry Couple Silhouette

Another tie. As of 2021, Alabama has a divorce rate of 3.6 per 1,000 people. And Arkansas has the same. They both come in at fourth highest state divorce rates.

3. Wyoming

Newlywed coupe sitting on a sofa angry at each other in a middle of an argument. Young couple problem concept outdoor.

andreonegin via Getty Images

Wyoming was revealed to have the third highest divorce rate in the country. They came in at 3.7 per 1,000 people. So they're almost on par with Alabama and Arkansas.

2. Oklahoma

Serious sad woman thinking over a problem, man aside, meeting therapist, poor chance of getting pregnant after 40, unmet expectations, unable to handle family finances, interested in different things

Couple getting divorced

Coming in at just one tenth of a point higher than the last two is Oklahoma. The comprehensive study showed that they have a divorce rate of 3.8 per 1,000 people, as of 2021.

1. Nevada

Newlywed Couple Walking From the Church to Their Limousine

Newlywed Couple In Las Vegas

While we probably don't love that we're number one on this list, it's probably not a surprise. We have so many marriages that happen in Las Vegas, it's just inevitable some of those will end and increase our score. Our score jumped 0.4 points over Oklahoma's. At a divorce rate of 4.2 per 1,000 people.

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Wendy RushEditor

Wendy Rush is the midday host on one of Vegas's top stations, 96.3 KKLZ. She has been with the station for ten years and comes with a diverse career background. In addition to being a radio host, Wendy has lived the Vegas life as an entertainer. She has been a celebrity impersonator, rock band singer, and improv comedian. As a content creator for 96.3 KKLZ, Wendy writes about music, celebrities, mental health and wellness, and life as a Las Vegas local.