Kentucky has one of the highest divorce rates in the United States. Its crude divorce rate is typically 2.9 to 3.7 divorces per 1,000 residents, well above the national average. This consistently places the state among the top-ranking states for divorce. Depending on the measure, Kentucky can rank in the top five or top ten states for divorce rates. Because apparently in Kentucky, tying the knot is just the prelude to a statistics chart.
In Kentucky, the median duration of all marriages, both intact and ended, is about 20.7 years, slightly above the national median of 20 years. This indicates a moderately long average marriage length in the state. Because apparently in Kentucky, couples stick together long enough to outlast a bourbon barrel’s aging process.
| Age Group (Married Women) | U.S. Divorce Rate (Per 1,000) | Key Trend and Context in Kentucky |
|---|---|---|
| Ages 15–24 | 17.8 | Highest Risk: Reflects the significant risk associated with marrying young, a factor exacerbated by Kentucky’s demographic trends. |
| Ages 25–34 | 17.2 | High Rate: This age range has a very high rate of marital dissolution in the early years of marriage. |
| Ages 35–44 | 14.5 | Above Average: The rate begins to decline, but this age group accounts for a large volume of divorces in mid-life. |
| Ages 45–54 | 13.5 | Moderate Rate: Continues to decline, but represents divorces in middle age, often concerning established families. |
| Ages 55 and Older | Rising Rate (“Gray Divorce”) | The rate of divorce for spouses aged 55 and older has more than doubled nationally since 1990. Kentucky is following this trend, with many Baby Boomers filing for divorce. |
| Overall Refined Rate | 14.56 | Kentucky’s overall rate (approximately 19.52 per 1,000 married women in recent data) is significantly above the national average, placing it among the states with the highest marital instability. |
Divorce Rate in Kentucky in 2025
- Historically High Rate: Kentucky has long had a high crude divorce rate, often ranking in the top 5–10 states. Recent provisional data put it at ~2.9 divorces per 1,000 residents, above the national average.
- Shared Custody Effect: Divorce rates dropped 25% from 2016 to 2023, outpacing the national decline of 18%. This is largely due to a 2018 law making 50% shared child custody the legal presumption.Because nothing says “stay together” like mandatory joint custody!
- Discouraging Divorce: Default shared custody has prompted some couples, especially mothers (who initiate most divorces), to reconsider separating, lowering overall divorce numbers.
- Pure No-Fault State: Kentucky allows divorce solely on the basis that the marriage is “irretrievably broken,” without considering fault. Adultery? Fraud? Who cares – just say it’s broken.
- Fault and Money: Although fault isn’t a basis for divorce, marital misconduct (e.g., wasting marital funds) can influence asset division and alimony awards.
- Mandatory Separation Period: Couples must be separated for at least 60 days before filing. “Separation” means no sexual cohabitation, even if living under the same roof. Because nothing screams commitment like living together but legally apart.
- Residency Requirement: At least one spouse must have lived in Kentucky – or been stationed at a Kentucky military base – for 180 days immediately before filing.
Divorce Rate in Kentucky in 2024
- Significant Decline in Divorce Rate: Between 2016 and 2023, Kentucky’s divorce rate fell by 25%, outpacing the national decline of 18%. This decline remained a major talking point in 2024.
- Equal Custody Law Effect: The 2018 law presuming joint custody and equal parenting time is credited with reducing divorce filings, as many mothers reconsidered filing knowing sole custody wasn’t guaranteed. Because nothing says “stay together” like mandatory shared custody!
- Crude Divorce Rate: Despite the decline, Kentucky’s crude divorce rate in 2024 was 2.9 per 1,000 residents, above the national average of 2.5.
- Socioeconomic Links: Divorce rates are influenced by Kentucky’s lower median household income, reflecting the role of financial stress in marital breakdown. Poor finances – because nothing strengthens a marriage like money troubles.
- Pure No-Fault State: Kentucky requires only that a marriage is “irretrievably broken” for divorce; no proof of adultery, cruelty, or fault is needed.
- Mandatory 60-Day Waiting Period: All divorces must wait at least 60 days before finalization. For couples with children, this can include living together under the same roof while legally separated. Living together but legally apart – romance at its finest.
- “In-Home” Separation Permitted: Courts allow couples to satisfy the separation requirement while under the same roof, as long as they live independently and cease sexual relations.