Democrats or Republicans, Who Divorces More?

Divorce Rates in Democrats vs. Republicans

This chart of states with the highest divorce rates in 2021, alongside the 2024 electoral map, reveals that most of the top five states for divorces lean Republican, with Nevada as a notable swing state (also called a purple state, which can lean toward either party). While the states with Democratic identification slightly lead with the fewest divorces, the margin is narrow. [1]

U.S. States with the Highest Divorce Rates:

U.S. States with the Lowest Divorce Rates:

When reviewing the data, it becomes clear that three out of the five states with the lowest divorce rates lean Democratic. However, Democrats do not have exclusive ownership of low divorce rates, as the other two states, Texas and Kansas, are Republican-leaning.

According to Pew Research, 69% of Democrats think that people often remain in unhappy marriages for too long, while only 41% of Republicans share this view. [2]

Characteristics commonly associated with Democrats might influence divorce propensity:

• Higher education levels, often linked with Democrats, correlate with lower divorce rates.
• Support for policies like food stamps and immigration laws may reflect a more progressive approach to family structures, which can affect marital stability.

Characteristics linked to the Republican Party might influence divorce rates:

• The divorce rates are often higher in states that lean Republican, particularly in the southern United States.
• The tendency for them to marry at younger ages can partially contribute to higher divorce rates.
• Republican-leaning regions facing economic challenges or possessing lower educational attainment levels may see heightened divorce rates.

Do Democrats Have Lower Marriage Rates Compared to Republicans?

When examining marriage rates, several factors distinguish Democratic Party members from those in the Republican Party. Democrats tend to have lower marriage rates as they often opt to marry later in life, resulting in fewer marriages. If fewer democrats are married, it follows that democrats are far less likely to get divorced.

Marriage rates reveal an 18% gap between the two parties, with 53% of Democrats married compared to 71% of Republicans. [4]

Influence of Political Ideology on Marital Relationships

Political ideology can significantly influence personal relationships, including marriage dynamics and divorce rates. While comprehensive studies directly comparing divorce rates between Democrats and Republicans specifically are limited, political beliefs often align with broader value systems that impact relationship stability.

• Shared Values and Ideology: Couples with similar political views may experience fewer conflicts, as shared ideology often reflects similar stances on critical issues such as social welfare programs, gun control, and immigration laws.
• External Influences: Political climates can also affect relationships. Policies championed by the Republican Party or Democratic Party, especially during Presidential Elections or under controversial leadership (like Donald Trump), may cause conflict affecting marriages, contributing to relationship strain.

Party Values and Marital Expectations

Party values significantly shape marital expectations, influencing divorce rates among Democrats and Republicans in the United States. Generally, Republicans, often associated with conservative values and traditional family structures, tend to emphasize the importance of marriage. They often support social issues such as family stability, which may contribute to lower divorce rates.

In contrast, Democrats are typically more liberal in their social views, supporting individual freedoms and social welfare programs. It can sometimes translate into a more flexible approach to marriage and divorce. Democrats may be more willing to embrace divorce if marital expectations are unmet, with a focus on personal fulfillment.

Factors Influencing Divorce Rates by Party:

Despite these general tendencies, the influence of political party affiliation on divorce is complex.

Economic issues, regional differences, and cultural shifts also play crucial roles in marital dissatisfaction.

According to the Pew Research Center, understanding the correlation between political affiliation and divorce requires considering broader social and economic factors. [3]

Reach out to the divorce lawyer Adam Sacks at The Law Offices of Sacks & Sacks, P.A. today for a free consultation if you are considering divorce in Florida.

Sources:

[1] Divorce. (2025, August 20). Stats of the States. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/state-stats/more-maps/divorce.html

[2] Greenwood, S., & Greenwood, S. (2025, March 19). 3. Views of divorce and open marriages. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2023/09/14/views-of-divorce-and-open-marriages/

[3] Pew Research Center. (2024, April 14). The states of marriage and divorce. https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2009/10/15/the-states-of-marriage-and-divorce/

[4] It’s Still About the Economy: A Response to ‘The Republican Marriage Advantage.’ (n.d.). Institute for Family Studies. https://ifstudies.org/blog/its-still-about-the-economy-a-response-to-the-republican-marriage-advantage-