South Carolina consistently reports among the lowest divorce rates in the United States, distinguishing it from many neighboring states and the national average.
The refined divorce rate measures divorces per 1,000 married women aged 15 and older, providing the most accurate picture of divorce likelihood among those actually at risk. According to data from the National Center for Family & Marriage Research and the Census Bureau, South Carolina reported a refined divorce rate of 11.7 divorces per 1,000 married women in 2024.
This places South Carolina tied with Montana among the states with the lowest divorce rates in the country. Maine had the lowest rate at 10.0, followed by Wisconsin (10.8), New Jersey (11.0), and Idaho (11.2), with Montana and South Carolina rounding out the five lowest at 11.7.
Crude Divorce Rate Statistics
The crude divorce rate divides the number of divorces by the total population, providing a different perspective than the refined rate. South Carolina's crude divorce rate stood at approximately 2.4 to 2.5 per 1,000 people in recent years.
In 2020, the most recently available detailed statistics for South Carolina showed 10,261 divorces, representing a divorce rate of 2.5%. This translates to approximately 5.7 divorces per thousand citizens, placing South Carolina as the 21st highest state in divorce rate when measured this way.
On average, South Carolina records 28 divorces per day across the state, reflecting the reality that, despite relatively low rates, thousands of couples still face marriage dissolution annually.
Census Bureau Methodology
The Census Bureau calculates marriage and divorce rates based on the number of women who married or divorced per 1,000 women aged 15 years and older. Using this methodology, South Carolina ranked 24th highest at 7.5 per 1,000 for the rate of divorces in 2022, showing relatively no change compared to the 7.1 divorce rate the state had in 2021.
National Comparison
Comparing South Carolina divorce rates to national averages and other states reveals important patterns about the Palmetto State's marital stability.
National Divorce Rate
The national divorce rate in 2022 stood at 7.1 per 1,000 women using Census Bureau measurement methods, representing a significant decline from 9.8 per 1,000 women in 2012. South Carolina's rate of 7.5 per 1,000 in 2022 remained slightly above this national average.
However, when measured using the refined rate that accounts only for married women (the population actually at risk of divorce), the national rate reached 14.2 per 1,000 married women in 2024, while South Carolina's 11.7 rate placed it well below the national average.
States with the Highest Divorce Rates
Oklahoma had the highest divorce rate in 2024, with 20.7 divorces per 1,000 married women. The five highest divorce rates belonged to Oklahoma (20.7), Nevada (19.9), Mississippi (19.2), Wyoming (18.7), and Alabama (18.0).
Arkansas and Wyoming had among the highest crude divorce rates at 11.9 and 11.0, respectively, in 2022, both significantly higher than South Carolina's rate.
Regional Context
Three-fourths (76%) of states in the Southern region demonstrated high divorce rates, with 8 of the 16 Southern states in the fourth/top quartile nationally. Despite being a Southern state, South Carolina maintained one of the lowest divorce rates, distinguishing it from regional neighbors.
The states with the highest divorce rates, representing the top quartile in 2024, had rates of at least 16.3 divorces per 1,000 married women. States with the lowest levels, representing the bottom quartile, had 13.0 or fewer divorces per 1,000 married women, a category that includes South Carolina.
South Carolina Divorce Trends Over Time
Year | South Carolina Divorce Rate | National Divorce Rate | Number of Divorces in SC |
1970-1980 | Peak divorce years | Peak nationally | Data not specified |
1990 | 4.5 per 1,000 population | Higher than current | Data not available |
2012 | 7.5 per 1,000 women | 9.8 per 1,000 women | Data not available |
2017 | 2.9 per 1,000 population | 2.9 per 1,000 population | Data not available |
2020 | 2.5% (5.7 per 1,000) | 2.3 per 1,000 population | 10,261 divorces |
2021 | 7.1 per 1,000 women; 2.4 per 1,000 population | 7.1 per 1,000 women; 2.5 per 1,000 population | Data not available |
2022 | 7.5 per 1,000 women | 7.1 per 1,000 women | Data not available |
2024 | 11.7 per 1,000 married women (refined) | 14.2 per 1,000 married women (refined) | Data not available |
Historical Peak: 1970-1980
The period between 1970 and 1980 witnessed the highest number of divorces in South Carolina and across the United States, mainly because of shifts in social culture and the availability of no-fault divorce laws. This era represented a fundamental transformation in how American society viewed marriage dissolution.
Before no-fault divorce laws, couples needed to prove specific grounds like adultery or cruelty to obtain a divorce. The introduction of no-fault options allowed couples to divorce based simply on irreconcilable differences or separation, removing significant legal barriers and social stigma.
Steady Decline Since 1990
South Carolina's divorce rate in 1990 stood at approximately 4.5 divorces for every 1,000 inhabitants in the state, nearly double the current rate. This substantial decline mirrors national trends where divorce rates have followed a gradual decline over recent decades.
By 2021, South Carolina's divorce rate averaged 2.4 per 1,000 people, representing a decrease of more than 45% from 1990 levels. This indicates that fewer couples are now pursuing separation compared to previous generations.
Recent Stability with Ranking Changes
Between 2012 and 2022, South Carolina's absolute divorce rate remained relatively stable. However, the state's ranking among other states changed significantly. South Carolina ranked 36th among states for the rate of divorces in 2012, but rose tothe 24th highest by 2022.
This shift doesn't necessarily mean South Carolina's divorce rate increased dramatically. Rather, it indicates that other states experienced even steeper declines, changing South Carolina's relative position even as its absolute rates decreased modestly.
COVID-19 Pandemic Impact
The 2020 data showed clear effects from the COVID-19 pandemic. Nationally, divorces saw a substantial decrease to 630,505, lowering the divorce rate to 2.3 per 1,000 population. South Carolina followed this pattern with the 2020 rate of 2.5%.
The pandemic created unique circumstances affecting divorce rates. Court closures and delays made filing difficult. Economic uncertainty and lockdown conditions influenced whether couples pursued divorce. Some couples reconciled during isolation, while others found that marriage stress intensified.
By 2021, recovery occurred with divorces increasing nationally to 689,308 and a divorce rate of 2.5, suggesting pent-up demand as courts reopened and normal life resumed.
National Divorce Statistics Context
Understanding South Carolina divorce rates requires context about broader United States trends affecting marriage and divorce nationwide.
Long-Term National Decline
Between 2000 and 2021, both marriage and divorce rates in the United States experienced a significant decline. The marriage rate dropped from 8.2 per 1,000 population in 2000 to 6.0 in 2021. Similarly, the divorce rate decreased from 4.00 per 1,000 population in 2000 to 2.5 in 2021.
In absolute numbers, there were 944,000 divorces and annulments in 2000, falling to 689,308 by 2021. This decrease aligns with findings from the National Center for Health Statistics showing a nearly 20% decline in United States divorce rates over the last decade.
Annual National Statistics
2017 : 2,236,496 marriages (6.9 per 1,000 citizens) and 787,251 divorces and annulments (2.9 per 1,000 population)
2018 : 2,132,853 marriages (6.5 per 1,000 citizens) and 782,038 divorces (2.9 per 1,000 population)
2019 : 2,015,603 marriages (6.1 per 1,000) and 746,971 divorces (2.7 per 1,000)
2020 : 1,676,911 marriages (5.1 per 1,000) and 630,505 divorces (2.3 per 1,000) showing pandemic impact
2021 : 1,985,072 marriages (6.0 per 1,000) and 689,308 divorces (2.5 per 1,000) showing recovery
2022 : National marriage rate was 16.7 per 1,000 women with divorce rate of 7.1 per 1,000 women
CDC and Census Bureau Data
According to CDC statistics, there were nearly two million marriages in the United States in 2021, with 689,308 divorces and annulments occurring that same year. The National Center for Health Statistics publishes annual tables that serve as the source for divorce data featured in national statistics.
Not all states report divorce data to the National Vital Statistics System. States including California, Hawaii, Indiana, Minnesota, and New Mexico don't report comprehensive divorce statistics, limiting complete national analysis.
Why South Carolina Has Lower Divorce Rates
Several factors explain why South Carolina maintains divorce rates below the national average and significantly lower than many neighboring states.
Strong Religious Culture
Religious outlook remains very important in South Carolina, profoundly influencing perceptions of marriage and divorce. The majority of South Carolinians identify as Christians, with many practicing their faith regularly. Religious communities typically support the marriage institution, and research indicates that couples who practice their religions together show lower divorce tendencies.
This strong religious culture contributes significantly to South Carolina's lower divorce rates compared to less religious regions of the United States.
Emphasis on Mediation and Counseling
South Carolina prefers mediation and counseling more than other states, which could be one of the reasons for the relatively low overall divorce rate. These services help couples work through conflicts rather than immediately pursuing dissolution, potentially saving marriages that might otherwise end.
Mandatory One-Year Separation
South Carolina law requires couples seeking no-fault divorce to live separately and apart without cohabitation for one continuous year before filing. This mandatory waiting period creates a cooling-off period that allows some couples to reconcile rather than proceed with divorce.
While this requirement frustrates couples wanting to end marriages quickly, it may reduce overall divorce rates by filtering out couples experiencing temporary difficulties rather than permanent breakdowns.
Economic Factors
Economic stability in South Carolina's major metropolitan areas provides financial security that protects marriages from money-related stress. While economic disparities exist between urban and rural regions, overall economic conditions influence whether couples can afford to maintain marriages or face financial pressures leading to divorce.
Delayed Marriage Age
The mean age at marriage has risen in South Carolina, contributing to lower divorce rates. People who marry later typically possess greater financial stability, clearer life goals, and more relationship experience, all factors supporting marital success.
How Divorce Rates Are Calculated
The crude divorce rate divides the total number of divorces by the total population of a given area within a specific time period, usually one year. For instance, if state records show 10,000 divorces in a year with a total population of one million, the crude divorce rate equals 10 divorces per 1,000 residents.
This measurement provides a simple overview but doesn't account for population characteristics like the proportion of married individuals, age distribution, or other demographic factors affecting divorce risk.
Refined Divorce Rate
The refined divorce rate offers a more sophisticated measure, calculating divorces per 1,000 married women aged 15 and older. This rate focuses on the population actually at risk of divorce, married individuals, rather than including children, never-married adults, and others who cannot divorce.
The refined rate is considered a superior demographic measure of marital behavior, given significant state-level variation in age composition and sex ratios across the United States.
General Divorce Rate
The Census Bureau also publishes general divorce rates calculated as divorces per 1,000 population aged 15 and older, providing another perspective between crude and refined rates.
South Carolina's crude divorce rate of approximately 2.4 to 2.5 per 1,000 total population appears moderate. However, the refined rate of 11.7 per 1,000 married women reveals South Carolina actually has one of the lowest divorce rates when measuring only the population that can divorce.
This distinction matters because states with younger populations or higher proportions of never-married adults show lower crude rates even if married couples divorce frequently, while the refined rate captures true marital stability.
Marriage Duration in South Carolina
The average duration of current marriages in South Carolina stands at 20.8 years, indicating substantial commitment among married couples. The median length of marriage reaches about 20.8 years when including all current marriages.
This suggests South Carolinians demonstrate patience and dedication to making marriages work through inevitable difficulties. Longer average marriage duration correlates with lower divorce rates, as couples who weather early challenges often remain married long-term.
Working with a Divorce Lawyer
Despite South Carolina's relatively low divorce rates, thousands of couples annually face the difficult decision to end their marriages. Understanding divorce statistics provides context, but navigating the actual divorce process requires professional legal guidance.
When to Consult a Divorce Lawyer
You should speak with a divorce lawyer if you're considering divorce, have been served with divorce papers, need information about South Carolina divorce laws, want to understand your rights regarding property division and alimony, or face questions about child custody and support.
How Divorce Lawyers Help
Divorce attorneys assist with explaining South Carolina's specific grounds for divorce, advising whether fault-based or no-fault divorce best serves your situation, gathering evidence to support your case, negotiating property division and support agreements, representing you in court proceedings, and protecting your financial interests throughout the divorce process.
Choosing the Right Attorney
When selecting divorce representation, consider attorneys' experience with cases similar to yours, their approach to negotiation versus litigation, their fee structure and billing practices, and whether you feel comfortable communicating with them about sensitive personal matters.
South Carolina Divorce Rates
South Carolina maintains one of the lowest divorce rates in the United States, with a refined rate of 11.7 divorces per 1,000 married women in 2024, placing it among the five states with the lowest rates. The state recorded 10,261 divorces in 2020, averaging 28 divorces daily.
South Carolina's divorce rate has declined significantly since 1990 when it stood at 4.5 per 1,000 people, decreasing to approximately 2.4 to 2.5 per 1,000 in recent years. This follows national trends where divorce rates decreased nearly 20% over the last decade.
Factors contributing to South Carolina's lower divorce rates include strong religious culture, emphasis on mediation and counseling, mandatory one-year separation requirements for no-fault divorce, delayed marriage age, and economic stability in major metropolitan areas.
While statistics show South Carolina enjoys relatively low divorce rates compared to most of the United States, they also confirm that marriage dissolution remains a common experience affecting thousands of state residents annually. If you're facing divorce in South Carolina, consulting with an experienced divorce lawyer helps ensure you understand your rights, navigate the legal process effectively, and protect your interests during this difficult transition.