South Dakota Divorce Rates

South Dakota divorce rates have experienced significant fluctuations over the past several decades, with current data showing the state maintains divorce statistics near or slightly below the national average. For South Dakotans considering marriage or navigating divorce, knowing how the state's divorce patterns compare to national trends, what factors drive these numbers, and how rates have changed over time provides valuable context for personal and policy decisions.

Current South Dakota Divorce Rates

Recent data from the National Center for Health Statistics and the U.S. Census Bureau reveal South Dakota's divorce rates have reached historic lows while showing some year-to-year variation.

2022-2024 Statistics

South Dakota's crude divorce rate, the count of divorces per 1,000 people in the total population, stood at 2.3 divorces per 1,000 people in 2022, representing a decrease from the 2020 rate of 2.5 per 1,000 residents. This 2022 figure marks one of the lowest crude rates South Dakota has reported since 1972.

The crude divorce rate provides a simple measure by dividing the total number of divorces by the total state population and multiplying by 1,000. While easy to calculate and compare across states, this measure doesn't account for the proportion of the population actually married and eligible for divorce.

Refined Divorce Rate

The refined divorce rate, calculated as divorces per 1,000 married women ages 15 and older, provides a more accurate picture of divorce probability among those actually at risk. South Dakota's refined divorce rate has shown more variation than the crude rate.

In 2023, estimates suggested South Dakota's divorce rate reached approximately 20.1 per 1,000 married women, notably higher than the national average of 14.2 divorces per 1,000 married women. This unusually high refined rate estimate contrasts with South Dakota's typically moderate crude rates, suggesting the state's married population divorces at rates higher than the overall population statistics might indicate.

Marriage Rates Rising, Divorce Rates Declining

Data from the CDC and the South Dakota Department of Health show an encouraging trend. Since 2021, marriage rates have been steadily climbing in South Dakota. The state saw marriage rates increase from about 6.0 per 1,000 people during the pandemic to 6.4 per 1,000 people in 2022.

Meanwhile, South Dakota divorce rates moved in the opposite direction. While nationwide divorce rates increased by 0.1 percent from 2020 to 2022, South Dakota saw decreases during this same period. This divergence suggests growing marital stability in the state even as national patterns show slight increases.

How South Dakota Divorce Rates Have Changed Since 1990

Examining divorce rate changes over the past three decades reveals dramatic shifts in South Dakota marital patterns and provides context for current statistics.

The 1990 Baseline

In 1990, South Dakota's divorce rate stood at 4.5 divorces per 1,000 people, according to data from the CDC/National Center for Health Statistics. This placed South Dakota in the moderate range nationally, neither among the highest nor lowest divorce rate states.

Steady Decline Through 2021

By 2021, South Dakota's divorce rate had fallen to 2.3 per 1,000 people, representing a 48.9% decrease from 1990 levels. This substantial decline ranked South Dakota #14 among states with available data for the biggest percentage decrease in divorce rates over this period.

The decline wasn't linear but showed general downward trends across the decades:

• 1990-2000 : Initial moderate decreases as national divorce rates peaked and began declining
• 2000-2010 : Continued gradual reductions as marriage patterns shifted
• 2010-2020 : Accelerated declines, particularly as younger generations delayed marriage
• 2020-2021 : Historic lows reached during the COVID-19 pandemic period

Factors Driving the Long-Term Decline

Several interconnected factors contributed to South Dakota's declining divorce rates over these 30 years:

Delayed marriage age

South Dakotans, like Americans nationally, began marrying later in life. Couples who wait until their mid-to-late twenties or beyond to marry experience significantly lower divorce rates than those who marry young.

Increased cohabitation before marriage

More couples lived together before marrying, allowing them to test compatibility before making legal commitments.

Economic factors

Economic pressures both discouraged some marriages and made divorce financially difficult for others, potentially keeping some struggling marriages intact.

Cultural shifts

Changing attitudes about marriage, gender roles, and family structures affected when and why people chose to marry or divorce.

Educational attainment

Rising education levels, particularly among women, correlated with lower divorce rates as education provides economic stability and delays marriage age.

Where South Dakota Ranks

South Dakota's position relative to other states provides important context for interpreting the state's divorce statistics.

Current National Rankings

Based on the most recent comprehensive data, South Dakota falls into the moderate range nationally for divorce rates, though its specific ranking depends on which measurement is used.

Using crude divorce rates (per 1,000 total population), South Dakota's 2.3 rate places it at or slightly below the national average of 2.4-2.5 per 1,000 people. This suggests moderate marital stability compared to other states.

However, using refined divorce rates (per 1,000 married women), some estimates place South Dakota significantly above the national average, though data inconsistencies make precise rankings difficult to determine.

States with the Highest Divorce Rates

According to 2022 data from the National Center for Family & Marriage Research at Bowling Green State University, states with the highest divorce rates include:

1. Arkansas : 23.27 divorces per 1,000 married women
2. New Mexico : 20.56 divorces per 1,000 married women
3. Wyoming : 19.96 divorces per 1,000 married women
4. Kentucky : 19.52 divorces per 1,000 married women
5. West Virginia : 19.33 divorces per 1,000 married women

These high-rate states tend to share characteristics including younger average marriage ages, lower educational attainment, higher poverty rates, and cultural factors that encourage early marriage.

States with Lowest Divorce Rates

States with the lowest divorce rates in 2022 included:

1. Vermont : 9.2 divorces per 1,000 married women
2. Alaska : 10.49 divorces per 1,000 married women
3. New Jersey : 10.41 divorces per 1,000 married women
4. Minnesota : 10.91 divorces per 1,000 married women
5. Wisconsin : 11.70 divorces per 1,000 married women

Low-rate states generally feature older average marriage ages, higher educational attainment, greater economic stability, and cultural factors supporting marriage longevity.

Regional Patterns

Geographic patterns emerge when examining divorce rates across the United States. The South contains 10 of the 14 states in the top quartile for highest divorce rates, with no Southern states in the bottom quartile. The Northeast predominantly consists of states in the bottom quartile for divorce, with no Northeastern states in the top two quartiles.

The Midwest and West show more variation, with each region containing states in all four quartiles. South Dakota, as a Midwestern state, reflects this regional diversity.

Regionally, the average divorce rate is highest in the American West at 3.15 per 1,000 people and lowest in the Northeast at 2.29 divorces per 1,000 people.

South Dakota Divorce Statistics by Demographics

Breaking down South Dakota divorce rates by demographic characteristics reveals which groups face the highest divorce risk and when marriages typically end.

Divorce Rates by Age Group

National data shows divorce rates vary dramatically by age, with clear patterns that likely apply to South Dakota as well:

The "Gray Divorce" phenomenon, divorces among couples 50 and older, represents the fastest-growing divorce demographic. While absolute rates remain lower for older adults, the rate for those 55-64 has risen significantly since 1990, and divorce after 65 has become increasingly common.

Marriage Duration Before Divorce

The median duration of marriage before divorce in South Dakota is approximately 9 years, according to 2021 data. This means half of all divorces occur before the 9-year mark, while half occur after longer marriages.

Most South Dakota divorces occur after relatively short marriages, commonly two to three years. This pattern suggests that many couples who divorce do so relatively quickly after recognizing incompatibility, rather than remaining in unhappy marriages for decades.

However, the median length of all marriages (including ongoing marriages) in South Dakota is about 21.8 years, indicating that marriages lasting beyond the high-risk early years tend to endure considerably longer.

Factors Influencing South Dakota Divorce Rates

Multiple interconnected factors shape divorce rates in South Dakota, from individual choices to broad cultural and economic forces.

Age at First Marriage

Age at marriage represents one of the strongest predictors of divorce risk. Nationally, couples married between ages 20-25 are 60% likely to divorce, while those who wait until after 25 reduce their divorce risk by 24%.

South Dakota's divorce patterns likely reflect these national trends. As South Dakotans increasingly delay marriage into their late twenties and beyond, the state's divorce rates decline accordingly.

Educational Attainment

Education level significantly affects divorce probability. Couples who have attained higher education reduce their divorce risk substantially compared to those with only a high school education or less.

Education affects divorce risk through multiple pathways:

• Higher incomes and economic stability reduce financial stress
• Later marriage ages are associated with college attendance
• Enhanced communication and problem-solving skills
• Greater exposure to diverse perspectives and conflict resolution strategies

Economic Factors

Financial issues rank among the top three reasons for divorce nationally, with 22% of divorces citing money problems as a primary factor. Economic stress, unemployment, income disparities between spouses, and disagreements about spending all contribute to marital instability.

South Dakota's economy, characterized by agriculture, tourism, healthcare, and financial services, creates specific economic pressures affecting marriages. Rural economic challenges, seasonal employment variations, and the demands of family farming operations can strain relationships.

Religious and Cultural Factors

South Dakota maintains relatively strong religious and cultural traditions that emphasize marriage stability. These factors may contribute to the state's moderate divorce rates despite other risk factors.

Strong religious beliefs are associated with 14% lower divorce risk nationally. South Dakota's religious landscape, predominantly Christian with significant Catholic and Lutheran populations, may provide social support for marriages and cultural discouragement of divorce.

Geographic and Rural Factors

South Dakota's largely rural character affects divorce patterns in complex ways. Rural communities often feature:

• Stronger social ties and community support for marriages
• Limited anonymous separation options before divorce
• Economic interdependence in family farming operations
• Greater distances to divorce attorneys and court services
• Cultural conservatism that may discourage divorce

These factors may both discourage divorce (through social pressure and practical barriers) and trap people in unhappy marriages longer than their urban counterparts.

The COVID-19 Pandemic's Impact

The coronavirus pandemic created unprecedented stress on marriages worldwide, with varying effects across different locations.

Initial Predictions of Divorce Surge

Early in the pandemic, many experts predicted divorce rates would surge due to:

• Extended time together increases conflict
• Economic stress from job losses and business closures
• Health anxieties and disagreements about precautions
• Childcare and home-schooling pressures
• Social isolation limits support systems

Some international locations experienced dramatic increases in divorce filings. China saw record-high divorce filings as lockdowns ended, while Turkish lawyers reported four times the normal divorce filing rates during their nation's lockdown.

Actual South Dakota Trends

Contrary to predictions, South Dakota divorce rates declined during and immediately after the pandemic. The crude rate dropped from 2.5 per 1,000 people in 2020 to 2.3 in 2022. This pattern aligned with broader U.S. trends showing a 12% reduction in administrative counts of divorces in the 35 states with available data.

Several factors may explain why predicted divorce surges didn't materialize:

• Court closures and delays made divorce procedurally difficult
• Economic uncertainty made people hesitant to incur divorce costs
• Couples focused on survival rather than ending marriages
• Some struggling marriages improved through increased time together
• Remote work reduced some common marital stressors

Long-Term Pandemic Effects

Whether pandemic-era marriages prove more stable long-term remains to be seen. Some relationships that survived pandemic stresses may have grown stronger, while others may have postponed inevitable divorces that will materialize in the coming years.

South Dakota has a unique historical connection to divorce that shaped the state's early development and left lasting legal frameworks.

Sioux Falls as a Divorce Colony

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Sioux Falls earned fame as a "divorce colony" attracting people from across the nation seeking to end their marriages quickly. South Dakota's short residency requirements, initially just 90 days, made it one of the easiest states in which to obtain a divorce.

Wealthy individuals from states with restrictive divorce laws would establish temporary residence in Sioux Falls, typically staying in hotels or renting apartments for the minimum period before filing for divorce. The arrangement created a lucrative local industry serving "divorce tourists."

Legacy of Liberal Divorce Laws

While South Dakota's current residency requirements and divorce procedures no longer attract out-of-state divorce seekers, this history established legal frameworks emphasizing accessible divorce that persist today. The state maintains relatively straightforward divorce procedures and no lengthy waiting periods before filing.

South Dakota's 60-day mandatory waiting period between filing and finalization applies equally to contested and uncontested divorces but remains shorter than waiting periods in some other states.

Marriage Rates in South Dakota

Divorce rates cannot be properly understood without examining marriage rates, as higher marriage rates create more potential divorces.

Current Marriage Rates

South Dakota reported approximately 6.4 marriages per 1,000 people in 2022, representing an increase from pandemic-era lows. When measured against women ages 15 and older specifically, some estimates suggest South Dakota's marriage rate reaches approximately 17.8 per 1,000 women in this age group.

This relatively high marriage rate indicates South Dakota maintains a "pro-marriage" culture where most adults eventually marry despite changing national patterns.

Marriage Rate Trends

South Dakota marriage rates have increased since 2021, bucking longer-term national trends toward declining marriage rates. This recent increase may reflect:

• Post-pandemic resumption of postponed weddings
• Economic recovery is encouraging couples to marry
• Desire for stability after pandemic disruptions
• Demographic factors as Millennials enter prime marriage years

Seasonal Marriage Patterns

South Dakota sees distinct seasonal patterns in marriage timing, with summer months claiming most weddings:

• June : 14.6% of annual marriages
• July : 10.6% of annual marriages
• August : 14.2% of annual marriages
• September : 14.5% of annual marriages
• October : 10.2% of annual marriages

These five months account for 64.1% of all South Dakota marriages, reflecting preferences for warm-weather outdoor ceremonies and reception venues.

Strengthening Marriages

Licensed marriage and family therapist Sarah Johnson from Transformations Mental Health in South Dakota emphasizes proactive approaches to marriage success.

"It's not just the circumstances of life; it's also learning how to deal with our own emotions, our thoughts, and our own behaviors as they come up, living with another person," Johnson explained. "To prevent harder conversations and problems happening down the road in marriage, really evaluate all of the circumstances of life before getting married and see if you guys share similar goals."

South Dakota Divorce Rates in Context

South Dakota divorce rates have declined dramatically from 1990 levels, currently standing at approximately 2.3 divorces per 1,000 people, among the lowest rates reported in decades. This places South Dakota at or slightly below the national average, though refined divorce rate measures (per 1,000 married women) sometimes show higher rates.

The state's divorce patterns reflect both positive developments (later marriage ages, higher education, economic stability) and ongoing challenges (young marriage rates in some populations, economic stress, rural isolation). While divorce remains common enough to affect many South Dakota families, the overall trend points toward increasing marital stability.

For South Dakotans considering marriage, currently married, or contemplating divorce, these statistics provide valuable context. The data shows that patient partner selection, later marriage ages, strong communication skills, and proactive problem-solving significantly improve marriage success odds. For those whose marriages do end, South Dakota's legal framework provides relatively straightforward processes for dissolution, while the state's support services help families navigate these difficult transitions.