Marriage does not always last a lifetime. In fact, many couples in the state of New York eventually choose to divorce. However, compared to many other states in the United States, New York divorce rates remain lower than the national average.
If you’re going through the divorce, it is important to simply learn more about family law in New York. By looking at the latest divorce statistics, we can better understand how common divorce is in New York, how it compares to other states, and what social and legal factors may play a role.
What Are the Current New York Divorce Rates?
As of 2025, the New York divorce rate is one of the lowest in the United States. According to the CDC and other reports, New York has about 2.2 divorces per 1,000 residents. This is lower than the national average, which hovers around 3.4 divorces per 1,000 people.
In fact, New York has consistently remained in the category of states with the lowest divorce rates. For example:
- In 2022, New York had the fifth-lowest divorce rate in the nation, with just 5.71 divorces per 1,000 married women.
- The United States average for the same year was about 14.56 divorces per 1,000 married women.
- Some states with the highest divorce rates, like Arkansas and Wyoming, reported nearly double New York’s rate.
This means fewer marriages end in divorce in New York compared to most other states.
Why Is the Divorce Rate in New York Lower?
Several factors contribute to New York’s low divorce rates:
- Higher marriage age: In New York, people tend to marry later. On average, men marry at 31.4 years old, and women marry at 29.7 years old. Marrying later often reduces the risk of divorce.
- Education and income levels: The state has a higher level of education and household income, which studies suggest are linked to lower divorce rates.
- Cultural factors: Some couples choose to stay married even during difficult times due to cultural expectations or financial concerns, especially in larger cities.
- Legal options: Since 2010, couples can file for no-fault divorce in New York, citing an irretrievable breakdownof the marriage. This has made divorce simpler and more private, but it has not led to a significant increase in filings.
How Do Divorce Rates Vary Across New York?
Divorce rates are not the same in every part of the state. In fact, certain counties and cities have higher divorce rates, while others report much lower numbers.
- Highest divorce rates: Ulster County (11.8%), Niagara County, and Onondaga County are among the areas with the highest rate of divorces in New York.
- Cities with high divorce rates: Jamestown, Rome, Long Beach, Niagara Falls, and Rochester.
- Lowest divorce rates: New York City and Ithaca tend to have fewer divorces compared to other cities.
These differences often reflect local economic conditions, marriage rates, and social trends.
Gender Differences in Divorce Statistics
Similar to the United States overall, women in New York file for divorce more often than men. Historically, about 60% to 70% of divorces are initiated by women. This trend continues in New York due to various factors, including concerns over child custody, financial independence, and personal well-being.
What Are the Common Reasons for Divorce in New York?
Most divorces in New York today are filed under no-fault grounds, specifically for an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage lasting at least six months. This allows couples to end their marriage without blaming each other in court.
Other reasons for divorce include:
- Adultery
- Abandonment
- Cruelty or abuse
- Imprisonment for more than three years
However, fault-based divorces are now less common because proving fault is time-consuming and costly.
How Does Divorce Affect Families in New York?
Nearly half of divorces in New York involve minor children, which leads to important decisions about child custody, child support, and visitation. New York courts prioritize the best interests of the child when deciding custody arrangements.
National Comparison: How Does New York Compare to Other States?
When compared to other states, New York divorce rates are significantly lower than the national average. For example:
State | Divorces per 1,000 people (2024) |
Arkansas (Highest Rate) | 11.9 |
New Mexico | 10.5 |
Kentucky | 9.9 |
United States Average | 3.4 |
New York | 2.2 |
New York remains one of the states with the lowest divorce rates, alongside Massachusetts, Illinois, and New Jersey.
Trends Over the Years
Over the last decade, New York divorce rates have shown small fluctuations but generally remain stable:
- 2010-2012: 2.9 divorces per 1,000 residents
- 2019: 2.9 per 1,000
- 2020: Drop to 1.8 per 1,000 (likely due to the pandemic)
- 2021: Rise to 2.2 per 1,000
- 2024: Holds steady at 2.2 per 1,000
While the rate of divorce in New York is lower than in many other states, divorce is still a common life event. Couples considering divorce should consult with a New York divorce lawyer to understand their rights, whether they are facing a fault divorce, an uncontested divorce, or a complex case involving property or child custody.