2020 divorce statistics for the state of Michigan: what’s changed and what remains the same?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 79% of households in Michigan were headed by married couples in 1960. Today, that statistic has dropped significantly to just 47%.

To be fair, this trend reflects the national average, as people are choosing to make other living arrangements over choosing marriage. Using data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau, let’s examine the recent trends we’ve been seeing:

In Michigan, marriage and divorce rates are trending downward.

The divorce rate in Michigan has been trending downward since 1960 and right now, it’s the lowest it’s ever been. At the same time, the marriage rate is also at an all-time low.

People are waiting longer to get married, which is contributing to the drop in marriage rates. 

On average, women wait until age 27, and men wait until age 28 to get married.

The U.S. Census Bureau indicates that only 23% of people between 18 and 34 in Michigan live with a spouse. 12% of Michigan residents from this same age group have chosen to live with an unmarried partner.

More and more people are choosing not to get married. 

Approximately 62% of residents in Michigan between 35 and 64 were married in 2018. This is down by two percent from where it was in 2010.

Meanwhile, the number of Michigan adults who are either divorced or widowed has remained steady. However, what has changed is the percentage of Michigan residents who have never been married.

30% of Michigan households in 2018 had only a single person living in the home. This number is up by 2% from 2010.

Northern Michigan contains the highest percentage of married residents in the state.

Keweenaw county is Michigan’s least populated area and also contains the highest percentage of adult residents who are married. The U.S. Census Bureau also estimates that 62% of adults over the age of 15 in this county are married. Following close behind are Leelanau (61%), Antrim (61%), Barry (61%), and Presque Isle (60%) counties.

Counties in North Michigan also rank highest for adults who are divorced in the state.

According to Census estimates for 2014-2018, Roscommon has the most adult residents who are divorced and have not remarried. Approximately 21% of adults in this area over the age of 15 are divorced. Following close behind are Oscoda (21%), Iron (17%), Iosco (17%), and Montmorency (16%) counties.

COVID-19 could cause a spike in the divorce rate.

When COVID-19 appeared at the beginning of 2020, the pandemic added loads of stress for families in Michigan who were already struggling. No one knows when this global health crisis will finally end, and the frustration could cause divorce rates around the nation to spike.

For some spouses, being confined together in the home exacerbates issues for people who already experience marital problems.

Below are a few factors directly linked to COVID-19 that could contribute to an increased divorce rate:

• Economic hardship
• Anger management issues
• Increased domestic violence
• Lack of individual freedom
• Drug and alcohol abuse

Although it’s too early to measure 2020 final divorce statistics, the state of Michigan could very well see a spike in divorces following the pandemic.