Couples in This State Are Most Likely to Get Divorced

Although the nation’s divorce rates have been declining over the years, divorce is still all too common. Chances are at least two people in your social circle are divorced. And every time you turn on the television or glance at your social media feeds, there seems to be yet another celebrity couple splitting up.

We took a look at data provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics. We also analyzed data in recent WalletHub studies. Here are the 15 states with the highest divorce rates.

15. Washington

• Divorce rate (per 1,000 people): 3.4

According to CDC data, the divorce rate in Washington is 3.4 as of 2015, which is slightly down from 3.6 the previous year. Washington’s highest divorce rate within the past several years was in 1990 at 5.9 per 1,000 people. If you’re thinking of getting a divorce in Washington, you’re in luck. It’s one of the best states to get a divorce. Only one spouse has to be a resident of the state to file. In addition, there is no minimum residency requirement. The filing fee is just $280.

14. Utah

• Divorce rate (per 1,000 people): 3.6

Utah’s highest divorce rate within the past several years was in 1990 at 5.1 per 1,000 people. If you want to file for a divorce in Utah, either you or your spouse must have been a resident for a minimum of three months. In addition, divorcing couples with minor children are required to take a parenting course on how to meet their children’s needs throughout the divorce process.

13. Arizona

• Divorce rate (per 1,000 people): 3.6

Arizona’s highest divorce rate within the past decades was in 1990 at 6.9 per 1,000 people. If you want to file for divorce in Arizona, either you or your spouse must have lived in the state for a minimum of 90 days. If you’re concerned about explaining to the court why you want to get divorced, you can rest easy. Arizona is a no-fault divorce state, so neither you nor your spouse are required to prove blame to end the marriage.

12. Kentucky

• Divorce rate (per 1,000 people): 3.7

Kentucky’s highest divorce rate within the past several years was in 1990 at 5.8 per 1,000 people. Kentucky’s divorce rate might come as little surprise considering how unhappy most residents of this state are. A WalletHub study ranked the state 44 on a scale of 1 to 50 (50 is worst) when it came to the overall level of happiness among U.S. residents. The state also ranked poorly (46 on a scale of 1 to 50) when it came to emotional and physical well-being.

11. Colorado

• Divorce rate (per 1,000 people): 3.7

Colorado’s highest divorce rate within past decades was in 1990 at 5.5 per 1,000 people. Colorado is a no-fault divorce state, so neither you nor your spouse are required to prove blame to end the marriage. If you want to get divorced in Colorado, you or your spouse must have lived in Colorado for a minimum of 90 days before filing. In addition, you are required to file in your county of residence.

10. Tennessee

• Divorce rate (per 1,000 people): 3.7

Tennessee’s highest divorce rate within the past several years was in 1990 at 6.5 per 1,000 people. Stress from living in a dangerous environment might be taking a toll on some couples. According to WalletHub and FBI crime statistics, Tennessee is one of the most dangerous states. Tennessee also ranks low when it comes to happiness. It received a rank of 42 on a scale of 1 to 50 (50 is worst) on WalletHub’s list of happiest states.

9. Alabama

• Divorce rate (per 1,000 people): 3.9

Alabama’s highest divorce rate within recent years was in 1990 at 6.1 per 1,000 people. If you want to file for a divorce in Alabama either you or your spouse must have been a resident for a minimum of six months. In addition, couples have the option of filing for an uncontested divorce. These divorces are quicker and can often be completed without an attorney.

8. West Virginia

• Divorce rate (per 1,000 people): 4

West Virginia’s highest divorce rate within the past several years was in 1990 at 5.3 per 1,000 people. Part of the reason for West Virginia’s divorce rate could be how unhappy most residents of this state are. A WalletHub study ranked the state 50 on a scale of 1 to 50 (50 is worst) when it came to the overall level of happiness among U.S. residents. The same survey found those who call West Virginia home also have a low level of emotional and physical well-being.

7. Florida

• Divorce rate (per 1,000 people): 4

Things aren’t so sunny for marriages in the Sunshine State. According to CDC data, the divorce rate is 4 per 1,000 people. The divorce rate remained flat from 2014 to 2015. Florida’s highest divorce rate within the past several years was in 1990 at 6.3 per 1,000 people. In addition, stress from living in a dangerous environment might be taking a toll on some couples. According to WalletHub and FBI crime statistics, Florida is one of the most dangerous states.

6. Wyoming

• Divorce rate (per 1,000 people): 4.1

The county of Converse has the highest divorce rate in Wyoming, with 5.9 divorces per 1,000 people. Wyoming’s highest divorce rate within the past several years was in 1995, with 6.6 divorces per 1,000 people. In addition to having a high divorce rate, Wyoming also has a high suicide rate. In fact, it ranked No. 1 on our list of states with the highest suicide rates.

5. Alaska

• Divorce rate (per 1,000 people): 4.1

Alaska’s highest divorce rate within the past several years was in 1990 at 5.5 per 1,000 people. This state is one of the best places to file for divorce. There is no minimum residency requirement, and it only takes 30 days to process a divorce filing. What’s more, the filing fee is an affordable $150. Couples in Alaska likely soothe the pain caused by their marital woes with a drink or two (or three). Roughly 20% of Alaska’s adults reported binge drinking during the past year, according to the CDC.

4. Idaho

• Divorce rate (per 1,000 people): 4.1

Idaho’s highest divorce rate within recent years was in 1990 at 6.5 per 1,000 people. If you want to get divorced in Idaho, you’ll have to live in the state for a minimum of six weeks. Idaho allows no-fault divorces. For a divorce to be granted, you or your spouse must state that the union is “irretrievably broken,” or that you do not get along anymore.

3. Oklahoma

• Divorce rate (per 1,000 people): 4.4

Oklahoma’s highest divorce rate within the past several years was in 1990 at 7.7 per 1,000 people. If you want to get divorced in Oklahoma, you’ll have to live in the state for a minimum of six months. Oklahoma requires fault grounds for divorce. However, the state also allows no-fault divorces on the grounds of incompatibility. If you’re looking for shiny, happy couples, you might not find a lot in Oklahoma. The WalletHub study found Oklahoma is one of the least happy states, receiving a rank of 49 out of 50 (50 was the worst score).

2. Nevada

• Divorce rate (per 1,000 people): 4.6

Although Nevada is a popular wedding destination, it’s also known for having the country’s highest divorce rates. Part of the reason for this state’s high divorce rate is that there is no waiting period for a divorce. The state also has lenient residency requirements. You’ll only need to live in the state for six weeks to be considered a resident. Consequently, couples could move to Nevada to wait out the six weeks and then file for divorce.

1. Arkansas

• Divorce rate (per 1,000 people): 4.8

Arkansas may have a high rate of divorce, but it also has a high percentage of people who get married multiple times, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Being unhappy can ultimately lead to divorce. And Arkansas is one of the least happy states, according to WalletHub, receiving a rank of 46 out of 50 (50 was the worst score). It also scored the worst when it came to overall emotional and physical well-being, with a score of 50 on a scale of 1 to 50

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