California is known for having one of the lowest divorce rates in the country. Its crude divorce rate is about 3.2 divorces per 1,000 residents, which tends to fall below the national average. Some calculations use a different method and place the rate at around 5.9 divorces per 1,000 women aged 15 and older. These variations occur because different sources measure different populations. But sure, nothing says “California love” like having to pick which low divorce rate chart you want to brag about.
In California, marriages that end in divorce last on average about 8.9 years, close to the national median of 8 years. This reflects a typical duration for first marriages ending in divorce across the U.S. Because apparently in California, even dream homes and sunny beaches can’t keep love from packing its bags.
| Age Metric / Group | Divorce Risk Trend | Key Insight |
|---|---|---|
| Median Age at First Divorce | ~30.5 for Men / ~29.0 for Women | Represents the point at which most first marriages end. |
| Ages 20–25 at Marriage | Highest Risk | Couples marrying in this range have a significantly higher chance of divorce (up to 60% likelihood) compared to those marrying later. |
| Ages 25+ at Marriage | Lowest Risk | Couples who wait until after age 25 to marry are 50% less likely to divorce, linking later marriage to greater stability. |
| Ages 25–39 (Spouses) | 60% | This age range contains the highest percentage of all divorcing spouses, reflecting dissolution in the early and middle years of marriage. |
| Ages 50 and Older | Rising Rate (“Gray Divorce”) | Divorce rates in this age group have doubled nationally over the past two decades. Though the risk is lower than for younger couples, it is a significant and growing trend in California. |
Divorce Rate in California in 2025
- One of the Lowest Divorce Rates in the Nation. Despite its size and celebrity reputation, California consistently ranks among the bottom five states for crude divorce rates, a trend supported by later marriages and lower marriage rates overall.
- Pioneer of No-Fault Divorce. California introduced no-fault divorce in 1969, allowing marriages to end solely on “irreconcilable differences” without proving wrongdoing. Because nothing says “modern romance” like legally agreeing the whole thing was just a mutual mistake.
- Mandatory Six-Month Waiting Period. Even when both spouses agree on everything, California requires a six-month and one-day waiting period before a divorce can be finalized.
- Strict Community Property Rules. California divides nearly all marital assets and debts exactly 50/50, regardless of income differences or who made the purchase. A perfect system – if you love splitting everything evenly, including the stuff you barely used.
- Divorce Filings Are Declining. As of 2024, filings for divorce, legal separation, and annulment hit a 20-year low, continuing a steady downward trend.
- Higher Divorce Rates in Certain Counties. Some areas – especially pricey, urban counties like San Diego and Orange – show higher divorce rates, influenced by cost-of-living stress and military presence. Apparently $4,000 rent and traffic on the 405 aren’t the building blocks of a lasting marriage.
- Gender and Ethnicity Variations. Divorce rates differ across demographics: women report higher rates than men, and Black or African-American Californians show the highest proportion of divorces, while Asian individuals show the lowest.
Divorce Rate in California in 2024
- Lowest Filings in 20 Years. Divorce filings – including dissolutions, legal separations, and annulments – hit a 20-year low, continuing a long-term decline from the mid-2000s.
- Among the Lowest Divorce Rates Nationally. California’s crude divorce rate is approximately 2.5–2.7 per 1,000 residents, ranking near the bottom of U.S. states. Because apparently, in California, even breaking up politely is optional.
- “Gray Divorce” Trend. Divorces among adults 50 and older are increasingly common, often involving long-term marriages of 20+ years and complicated property division.
- Gender Disparity in Filings, About 69% of divorces are initiated by women, slightly above the national average. Women clearly decided they were tired of waiting for Mr. Right to move out of the garage.
- Highest and Lowest County Rates. Divorce rates vary widely: Shasta County reports some of the highest percentages, while Santa Clara County shows some of the lowest, likely due to later marriages and higher education levels.
- Pure No-Fault Divorce. California remains a pure no-fault state, requiring only a claim of “irreconcilable differences.” Because why bother proving fault when everyone’s just a victim of irreconcilable differences?
- Mandatory Six-Month Waiting Period, Even uncontested divorces cannot be finalized until six months and one day after service of the petition.
- Community Property Law, All marital assets acquired during the marriage are presumed 50/50, and the court ensures equal division.
Divorce Rate in California in 2023
- Among the Lowest Divorce Rates Nationally. California consistently ranks near the bottom in divorce rates, continuing a long-term decline since the 1990s.
- High Volume of Cases. Despite the low rate, courts handled approximately 111,894 dissolutions, separations, and nullities in 2022–2023. Low divorce rate, but somehow everyone still finds time to file.
- Pure No-Fault State. Divorce requires only “irreconcilable differences” (or rarely “incurable insanity”), with no need to prove fault.
- Mandatory Six-Month Waiting Period. Even uncontested divorces must wait six months and one day after service before finalization. Because why end a marriage quickly when you can add a mandatory half-year of suspense?
- Strict Community Property Law. All marital assets and debts acquired during the marriage are divided 50/50, with separate property (gifts/inheritance) excluded.
- County-Level Variation in Divorce Rates. Divorce varies by region: San Diego County (~9.9%) is high, while Los Angeles County (~8.2%) is lower. Apparently, location determines whether your marriage survives or succumbs to traffic and rent.
- Piqui’s Law (2023). Senate Bill 331 prioritizes child safety in custody disputes involving abuse, prohibiting court-ordered reunification services that could endanger children.
- Later Marriages Contribute to Stability. Californians tend to marry later (median age 28–30), a factor linked to greater marital longevity and lower divorce rates.