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Marriage rates by state: what CDC counts

The short answer

Here is what the sources show

CDC state marriage rates count recorded marriages per 1,000 state residents. The early (provisional) count can change as records are updated. CDC counts the marriage in the state where the ceremony happened, even if the couple lives elsewhere. This is not a ranking of relationship quality or dating prospects.

Per 1,000
state residents counted
Ceremony state
determines where a marriage is counted
Early (provisional) figure
counts can be revised
Research articleUpdated Jul 21, 20264 min readBy The Pool Report Research Desk

Learn how CDC state rates work. Ceremony location can change the count. Age mix and tourism can change comparisons.

Save or share this answerPer 1,000

state residents counted

CDC National Center for Health Statistics: Marriage — Stats of the States
State marriage rates based on early counts that can change. Each marriage is assigned to the state where the ceremony occurred. Read the source
01

Destination weddings can affect the count

CDC counts a marriage in the state where the ceremony happened. A state that attracts weddings can record marriages for couples who live elsewhere.

The table is a valid record of ceremonies per resident population. It is not a direct measure of how often the state's residents marry.

02

Overall state rates do not adjust for age

States differ in the share of residents at ages when marriage is more common. Dividing by the total population does not remove that age-structure difference.

These overall rates are also called crude rates because they use the total population. A ranking therefore combines behavior, the population mix, reporting, and wedding destination effects. It should not be marketed as a ranking of relationship quality or the best place to date.

03

Use the source table for the current year

CDC’s interactive state page links annual tables and explains the measure. Because provisional figures can update, a copied ranking should always name its year and retrieval date.

For first-marriage age, use Census ACS ranking tables instead. Marriage rate and median first-marriage age are separate measures from different systems. Median means the age by which half the group had married.

Where this comes from

Sources we checked

Read the original sources behind these numbers. They show the group, date, and measure used.

  1. 01
    CDC National Center for Health Statistics

    Marriage — Stats of the States

    State marriage rates based on early counts that can change. Each marriage is assigned to the state where the ceremony occurred.

    Check the original source for its publication date.
    Read the original source ↗
  2. 02
    CDC National Center for Health Statistics

    National Marriage and Divorce Rates, 2000–2023

    Early (provisional) national counts and overall rates from the National Vital Statistics System, with notes about which records are covered. CDC calls these overall rates crude rates because they use the full population. The counts and rates can be revised.

    Check the original source for its publication date.
    Read the original source ↗
Common questions
Where does CDC count a marriage?

In the state where the ceremony occurred, regardless of where the couple resides.

Does the highest marriage rate mean the best dating state?

No. The overall rate, also called a crude rate, is affected by ceremony location, population structure, and other factors. It does not measure dating satisfaction or compatibility.

Are state marriage rates final?

The current CDC map uses early state counts, which can later be revised.

Marriage timing and rates
ArticleU.S. marriage statistics↗ArticleThe U.S. marriage rate, clearly defined↗ArticlePeople are marrying later. Here is what the data show.↗Tool or guideCompare a separate state marriage measure→