The age at which people are saying “I do” is steadily on the rise. According to the Pew Research Center, as of 2021, a record-setting 25% of 40-year-old Americans have never been married (that’s approximately 5 million people)! This is an increase from 20% in 2010.
Today, more and more people are choosing to marry later in life. But it’s not just about finding the right partner. People are building their careers, exploring their passions, and enjoying life before tying the knot. Whether you’re planning your wedding or just intrigued by this trend, we’ll unpack why taking your time before getting hitched is becoming increasingly popular.
What is the average age at first marriage?
Nowadays, people are enjoying singledom a bit longer before settling down! According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the average age at first marriage has increased significantly over the past few decades. As of 2024, the average age for men is around 31.1 years, and for women, it’s approximately 29.2 years. So, if you’re still savoring the single life, you’re right on trend!
Historically, the average age for first marriages was much younger. For example, in the 1950s, the average age was about 23 for men and 20 for women. The recent shift toward older first-marriage ages reflects broader social changes and evolving personal priorities that we’ll dive into further.
So, what exactly is causing people to get married later these days?
Why the delay, you may ask? Well, there are a host of factors that have contributed to this trend. According to the National Marriage Project’s analysis of the data gathered in a book called “The Marriage Paradox: Why Emerging Adults Love Marriage Yet Push it Aside,” between 70% and 80% of young adults ages 18-33 agree that delaying marriage typically leads to greater maturity for both partners. They believe this delay increases the likelihood of becoming good spouses, achieving personal goals, and having more time to manage their finances effectively.
Education and career
These days, many people are focusing on their education and careers before thinking about marriage. This often means pursuing advanced degrees or climbing the career ladder, which naturally pushes back the timing of marriage.
In a recent Pew Center Research survey, a whopping 57% of adult men and 46% of adult women view enjoying their job as being essential to living a fulfilled life. Comparatively, only 16% of men and 17% of women view being married as an essential part of living a fulfilled life.
Financial stability
Financial independence and stability are also big priorities. With mounting student loan debt, young adults are putting off major life events, like getting married. Research shows that young adults today who are 21 years old or less are less likely than their predecessors in 1980 to have already reached key life milestones, including getting married.
However, by the time they reach 25, they’re closer to their predecessors in 1980 as it relates to having a full-time job and financial independence. Ultimately, these numbers seem to indicate that people today want to feel secure and established financially before committing to marriage.
Cohabitation trends
Changing attitudes about marriage and the growing trend of living together before marrying means that people are taking their time to make sure they’re ready. Although the proportion of adults currently cohabiting is still much lower than those who are married, the percentage of individuals aged 18 to 44 who have lived with an unmarried partner at some point (59%) has exceeded the percentage who have ever been married (50%).
Changing societal norms
It’s now more common to prioritize personal growth and life experiences before settling down. Marriage isn’t necessarily seen as a must-do milestone right after graduating or starting a career.
Andrew Cherlin, a respected family sociologist at Johns Hopkins University, pointed out that marriage has shifted from being a “cornerstone” where young couples start building their lives to becoming more of a “capstone,” marking a complete transition into adulthood. Back in the day, folks used to get married much younger. But nowadays, it’s pretty common to see couples waiting until they feel more settled and confident in their lives before taking that big step.
What’s the best age to get married?
What if I told you that there’s a statistically ideal age range that often correlates to a stronger, longer-lasting relationship? Don’t believe me? Well, the numbers don’t lie! When it comes to finding the statistically “best” age to get married, research and data suggest that certain age ranges tend to have higher success rates for marriages. Here’s a look at what the numbers say:
Statistically optimal age range–The “Goldilocks Theory”
Studies often show that getting married between the ages of 28 and 32 tends to be associated with a lower risk of divorce and a higher likelihood of a successful marriage. By this age, people typically have more life experience, emotional maturity, and financial stability. This idea is that this combination can provide a solid foundation for a lasting marriage.
Why these ages are optimal
If you tie the knot before turning 25, statistics suggest you might face a higher risk of divorce. Based on the data from the National Survey of Family Growth (2006-2010), if you marry as a teen, there’s a 38% chance of divorce within the first five years.
Marrying between the ages of 20 and 24 brings that risk down to 27%. But here’s the good news: if you wait until you’re 25 to 29, your chance of divorce drops to 14%, and if you hold off until you’re 30 to 34, it’s even lower at just 10%. Marrying in your early twenties could be riskier statistically, as many people are still figuring out their personal and professional lives. This age is often associated with higher divorce rates.
On the other hand, tying the knot in your late 20s to early 30s is associated with favorable outcomes for a couple of reasons. The idea is that people in this age range often have a clearer sense of self and a more established career, which in turn can contribute to a more stable marriage. This age range also strikes a balance between youthful energy and mature decision-making skills, making it a sweet spot for long-lasting relationships.
Main takeaway
Choosing the right time to get married is a deeply personal decision, but if you’re looking at the numbers, tying the knot in your late twenties to early thirties tends to offer a solid foundation for a lasting relationship. This age range often combines emotional maturity, financial stability, and self-awareness, which are key ingredients for a successful marriage. However, remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer—what truly matters is being ready and finding the right partner for you. So, whether you’re embracing the statistical sweet spot or charting your own course, focus on what makes your own relationship strong and fulfilling. Here’s to finding love at any age and making it last a lifetime!
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