California’s divorce rates have been steadily declining in recent years, positioning the state among those with the lowest rates in the nation. Though marriage remains less common, the proportion of marriages that end in divorce has been moving downward. Here is a look at the most recent divorce data, trends, and factors shaping relationship outcomes in California.
Current Divorce Figures for California
- In 2023, California’s divorce rate was 7.45%, meaning about 75 out of every 1,000 residents were divorced—a rate well below the national average and ranking among the lowest across U.S. states.
- For 2022, another commonly cited metric reports a rate of 5.88 divorces per 1,000 women in California—equivalent to nearly six women per 1,000 divorcing in a given year.
These numbers reflect continued decline from past highs: in 2014, California’s divorce rate stood near 9.8%.
How California Compares Nationally
California has consistently maintained one of the lowest divorce rates in the U.S. For example:
- By mid-2023, California had one of the lowest separation and divorce rates of major cities like Fremont, San Jose, and Irvine, which ranked among the happiest cities in the nation which is a correlation often tied to low divorce figures.
- Nationally, CDC data (based on 45 states with reporting) shows a divorce rate of around 2.4 per 1,000 people in 2023. That figure is not directly comparable to California’s per‑1000‑women measure but indicative of broader trajectory.
What’s Driving Declines in Divorce Rates?
Several factors offer insight into why divorce rates in California, and across the U.S. are trending downward:
- Fewer people marrying. As marriage rates decline, the pool of people at risk of divorce also shrinks.
- Later age at first marriage. Couples marrying later tend to have lower risk of divorce.
- Better relationship resources. Increased access to mediation, counseling, and prenuptial agreements helps decrease risk of formal divorce.
- Cultural shifts. Changing attitudes toward cohabitation, marriage, and commitment contribute to more stable unions or delaying marriage outright.
Marriage Outcomes by Type and Demographics
- About 41‑50% of first marriages in the U.S. now end in divorce; second and third marriages have higher failure rates at approximately 60% and 73%, respectively.
- Grey divorce,divorce later in life, typically post‑50—is also on the rise, mirroring national trends in California as well.
Trending Downward
- California’s divorce rate is among the lowest in the U.S.
- Rates have declined from around 9.8% in 2014 to 7.45% in 2023.
- Multiple factors such as delayed marriage, fewer marriages overall, mediation, and cultural shifts are all contributing to lower divorce rates.
- Divorce in later life remains an emerging demographic trend.
- While marriage rates drop, divorce rates are trending down as well, pointing to shifting social patterns around unions in the state.
California’s divorce statistics highlight a state in transition: fewer people marrying, and those who do are less likely to divorce than in previous decades.