Oklahoma consistently ranks among the states with the highest divorce rates in the U.S. The crude divorce rate is about 3.5 divorces per 1,000 residents. Using the refined measure, which accounts for married women specifically, the rate rises to roughly 19.6–20.7 divorces per 1,000 married women. Both figures place Oklahoma well above the national average. Apparently, Oklahomans take “til death do us part” as more of a polite suggestion.
The median length of marriage in Oklahoma is about 17.9 years. This accounts for both current marriages and those that have ended in divorce. So, Oklahoma couples tie for one of the shortest marriages in the country – guess commitment isn’t their strongest suit.
| Age Group (Years) | U.S. Divorce Rate per 1,000 Married Women (2021) | Key National Trend Observations | Oklahoma Overall Divorce Rate (Recent Estimates) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15–24 | 19.7 | Highest rate — this group has the highest probability of divorce nationally. | 19.6 per 1,000 married women (Refined Rate, 2023) |
| 25–34 | 16.3 | High rate, though declining for younger generations nationally due to later marriage. | Crude Rate: 2.7 to 4.1 per 1,000 total population (varies by estimate) |
| 35–44 | 14.9 | Marriages that last the median duration (8 years) often place the individuals in this age bracket for their divorce. | Key Risk Factor: Oklahoma residents often marry younger than the national average |
| 45–54 | 14.1 | Rate is stable and lower than younger groups. | |
| 55–64 | 11.8 | Part of the “Gray Divorce” trend; the rate for this older group has risen significantly since 1990. | |
| 65 and older | 5.5 | Lowest rate, but fastest-growing demographic for divorce since 1990. |
Divorce Rate in Oklahoma in 2024
- Highest Refined Divorce Rate. Oklahoma had the highest refined divorce rate in the U.S., with about 20.7 divorces per 1,000 married women, compared to the national average of 14.2.
- High Crude Divorce Rate. The state’s crude divorce rate was 3.5–4.1 per 1,000 residents, well above the national average of ~2.5.
- Short Median Marriage Duration. Marriages in Oklahoma end sooner than in many states, with a median duration of only 17.9 years before divorce.
- Socioeconomic Factors. Lower median household income and a higher rate of early marriages contribute to divorce. Financial stress and marrying young are major factors.
- Hybrid Fault & No-Fault Stat. Oklahoma recognizes both no-fault divorces (“incompatibility”) and 11 specific fault grounds like adultery, extreme cruelty, and habitual drunkenness.
- Preference for Joint Custody (Effective 2024). Courts now favor joint custody, requiring judges to explain deviations in writing, making shared parental responsibility easier to obtain in contested cases.
- Mandatory Waiting Periods. Couples with children face a 90-day mandatory waiting period before the final decree.
- Equitable Distribution of Property. Oklahoma divides marital property fairly but not necessarily equally, following equitable distribution rules rather than community property.
- Remarriage Restriction. After divorce, there is a six-month wait before remarriage, except to the former spouse.
Divorce Rate in Oklahoma in 2023
- Among the Highest Divorce Rates. Oklahoma consistently ranks in the top five states for divorce, with about 3.5 divorces per 1,000 residents, well above the national average of ~2.5.
- Demographic Drivers. High divorce rates are linked to lower income levels and lower educational attainment compared to states with fewer divorces.
- Short Waiting Period (No Children). Divorces without minor children require only a 10-day waiting period, one of the shortest in the U.S.
- Long Waiting Period (With Children). Divorces with minor children require a 90-day waiting period and usually attendance in a parenting class.
- Hybrid Grounds State. Oklahoma recognizes both no-fault (“incompatibility”) and 12 fault-based grounds, including adultery, extreme cruelty, and habitual drunkenness.
- Fault Doesn’t Usually Punish. Courts rarely use fault to penalize a spouse, unless misconduct affected the other spouse’s financial needs.
- Residency Requirements. One spouse must have lived in Oklahoma for six months, and in the filing county for 30 days, before filing.