GITNUXREPORT 2025

Millennial Marriage Statistics

Millennials delay marriage, prioritize careers, cohabitate, and exhibit evolving values.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

Millennials are more likely to cohabitate than previous generations, with around 59% of Millennials aged 25-34 living with a partner

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Slightly over 30% of Millennials are in long-term committed relationships without marriage, a notable increase from previous generations

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About 54% of Millennial marriages involve couples who have lived together prior to marriage, indicating a shift from traditional courtship practices

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Among Millennials, cohabitation before marriage has become the norm, with roughly 75% of married Millennials having cohabited beforehand, compared to less than 50% in 1990

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The percentage of Millennials cohabiting before marriage has risen to nearly 80%, compared to less than 40% in 1990, demonstrating changing relationship norms

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Millennials have the highest average debt load among young adults, with credit card and student debt impacting marriage decisions

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About 60% of Millennials who are married report that shared financial goals are a key factor in their marriage decision, up from 45% in 2000

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About 40% of Millennial couples have joint bank accounts, signaling a shift toward financial integration before marriage

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Approximately 35% of Millennials who are married or in a long-term relationship report feeling financial stress about wedding costs and shared finances, influencing relationship stability

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Generation X and Millennials who marry tend to have higher incomes at the time of marriage compared to previous generations at the same age, due to increased education levels

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Approximately 30% of married Millennials have a prenup, indicating greater awareness and acceptance of financial planning in marriage

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The average annual wedding expenditure for Millennials has increased to around $22,000, reflecting higher expectations and costs

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The median age at first marriage for Millennials in the U.S. was approximately 30.5 for men and 28.1 for women in 2022

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The average duration of Millennial marriages is about 8 years before divorce or separation, increasing from previous generations

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Millennials are more likely to marry later in life, with the average age at first marriage exceeding 30 for men and women

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Millennials who marry are more likely to marry later and coordinate their wedding with career milestones, with 60% planning their wedding at least a year in advance

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Millennials face higher rates of fertility issues and delays, with about 20% reporting difficulty conceiving, influencing family planning choices

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Millennials are more likely to experience marriage at an older age due to economic factors, such as housing costs and student debt, with 55% citing financial stability as a key reason for delay

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About 40% of Millennial marriages are interfaith, often leading to more complex relationship negotiations

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The rate of Millennials living in multigeneration households has increased to 20%, affecting marriage timing and stability

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Millennials are increasingly choosing to delay having children until their 30s or later, with 62% of women aged 30-34 reporting they do not plan to have children

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Millennials tend to marry within their own racial or ethnic group at a rate of approximately 85%, reflecting strong community and cultural ties

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About 52% of Millennials were married in 2020, down from 65% in 1980

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The probability of Millennials getting married has decreased by nearly 20% compared to Gen X at the same age

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In 2021, about 33% of Millennials aged 25-34 had never been married, a significant increase from 19% in 2000

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Only 27% of Millennial women aged 25-34 have children, compared to 54% of Baby Boomer women at the same age

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The divorce rate among Millennials who married in the last five years is approximately 18%, lower than previous generations at the same age

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About 68% of Millennials believe marriage is an important life goal, down from 75% of Generation X

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Millennials increasingly delay marriage to focus on education and career, with over 40% of them having completed a bachelor’s degree by age 24

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Around 45% of Millennials plan to marry someday but have not yet found a partner, indicating a shift in attitudes towards marriage

Statistic 31

The rate of marriage among Millennials is approximately 7.5 per 1,000 people, lower than the 9.8 per 1,000 for Baby Boomers at the same age

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The share of Millennials who have never been married and are living alone is about 28%, which has increased from 15% two decades ago

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Among Millennials who are married, about 40% have post-graduate degrees, reflecting higher education levels influencing marriage age

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Approximately 80% of Millennials say that love and companionship are primary reasons for marriage, according to recent surveys

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The use of online dating among Millennials increased by 35% from 2010 to 2020 as a marriage initiation method

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Millennial marriage rates have declined by approximately 40% since the early 1980s, reflecting changing social norms

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About 60% of Millennials view marriage as a partnership of equals, emphasizing shared responsibilities, versus 45% of older generations

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Millennials are more likely than previous generations to remarry after divorce, with 20% having entered a second marriage

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Approximately 70% of Millennials expect to marry at some point in their lifetime, yet only about 50% actually do, showing changing expectations

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The percentage of Millennials who feel that marriage is necessary for a successful life has decreased to about 40%, compared to 65% in 2000

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Millennials are more likely to prioritize career over marriage, with 45% delaying marriage longer than their predecessors

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The divorce rate among Millennials who married in their early 30s is approximately 12%, lower than the national average, indicating later marriages may be more stable

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About 65% of Millennial men and women say they prefer to marry someone with similar educational levels, emphasizing shared values and stability

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The participation in premarital counseling among Millennials has increased to about 30%, reflecting greater emphasis on relationship counseling

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Nearly 45% of Millennials believe that co-parenting arrangements can be as effective as traditional marriage, indicating evolving family structures

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Millennials’ attitudes toward marriage and divorce are more flexible, with 58% considering marriage a personal choice rather than a societal obligation

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About 70% of Millennials believe that having a fulfilling career is essential before settling down, influencing the timing of marriage

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About 25% of Millennials say they prioritize personal development and independence over marriage, signaling a shift in life priorities

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The overall marriage rate for Millennials is roughly 6.8 per 1,000 population, continuing a declining trend over the decades

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Nearly 50% of Millennials say they would prefer an urban or suburban setting for their marriage and family life, showing geographic preferences that influence marriage location choices

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The mental health impact of delaying marriage has led to increased interest in relationship mental health services, with about 35% of Millennials seeking counseling before marriage

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Millennials report that economic instability, such as job insecurity and housing costs, is the primary reason for postponing marriage, with 65% citing financial concerns

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About 28% of Millennials believe that marriage is becoming obsolete or unnecessary in modern society, reflecting shifting attitudes toward lifelong commitment

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Millennial women are more likely than men to delay marriage for higher education and career opportunities, with 55% of women citing these reasons

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About 40% of Millennials say that their parents’ marriage has influenced their own attitudes toward marriage, often emphasizing stability and long-term commitment

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About 57% of Millennials say that social media influences their perceptions and decisions about marriage, including partner selection and wedding planning

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Approximately 15% of Millennial marriages involve intercultural or international couples, which is a rising trend as globalization influences family structures

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Key Highlights

The median age at first marriage for Millennials in the U.S. was approximately 30.5 for men and 28.1 for women in 2022
About 52% of Millennials were married in 2020, down from 65% in 1980
Millennials are more likely to cohabitate than previous generations, with around 59% of Millennials aged 25-34 living with a partner
The probability of Millennials getting married has decreased by nearly 20% compared to Gen X at the same age
In 2021, about 33% of Millennials aged 25-34 had never been married, a significant increase from 19% in 2000
Millennials have the highest average debt load among young adults, with credit card and student debt impacting marriage decisions
Only 27% of Millennial women aged 25-34 have children, compared to 54% of Baby Boomer women at the same age
The divorce rate among Millennials who married in the last five years is approximately 18%, lower than previous generations at the same age
The average duration of Millennial marriages is about 8 years before divorce or separation, increasing from previous generations
About 68% of Millennials believe marriage is an important life goal, down from 75% of Generation X
Millennials increasingly delay marriage to focus on education and career, with over 40% of them having completed a bachelor’s degree by age 24
Around 45% of Millennials plan to marry someday but have not yet found a partner, indicating a shift in attitudes towards marriage
The rate of marriage among Millennials is approximately 7.5 per 1,000 people, lower than the 9.8 per 1,000 for Baby Boomers at the same age

Millennials are redefining marriage, with delayed commitments, higher education levels, and evolving social norms shaping a generation that marries later, marries differently, and often questions whether marriage is essential to a fulfilling life.

Cohabitation and Relationship Dynamics

Millennials are more likely to cohabitate than previous generations, with around 59% of Millennials aged 25-34 living with a partner
Slightly over 30% of Millennials are in long-term committed relationships without marriage, a notable increase from previous generations
About 54% of Millennial marriages involve couples who have lived together prior to marriage, indicating a shift from traditional courtship practices
Among Millennials, cohabitation before marriage has become the norm, with roughly 75% of married Millennials having cohabited beforehand, compared to less than 50% in 1990
The percentage of Millennials cohabiting before marriage has risen to nearly 80%, compared to less than 40% in 1990, demonstrating changing relationship norms

Cohabitation and Relationship Dynamics Interpretation

Millennials have effectively redefined the traditional roadmap to marriage, with a majority cohabiting and prioritizing committed partnerships over formal vows, signaling a generational shift toward more flexible and pragmatic relationship norms.

Financial Aspects of Millennials' Marriages

Millennials have the highest average debt load among young adults, with credit card and student debt impacting marriage decisions
About 60% of Millennials who are married report that shared financial goals are a key factor in their marriage decision, up from 45% in 2000
About 40% of Millennial couples have joint bank accounts, signaling a shift toward financial integration before marriage
Approximately 35% of Millennials who are married or in a long-term relationship report feeling financial stress about wedding costs and shared finances, influencing relationship stability
Generation X and Millennials who marry tend to have higher incomes at the time of marriage compared to previous generations at the same age, due to increased education levels
Approximately 30% of married Millennials have a prenup, indicating greater awareness and acceptance of financial planning in marriage
The average annual wedding expenditure for Millennials has increased to around $22,000, reflecting higher expectations and costs

Financial Aspects of Millennials' Marriages Interpretation

Millennials are redefining marriage—bringing shared financial goals, joint accounts, and prenuptial prudence to the altar—while grappling with debt and wedding bills that threaten to turn happily ever after into financial entanglement.

Marriage Patterns and Timing

The median age at first marriage for Millennials in the U.S. was approximately 30.5 for men and 28.1 for women in 2022
The average duration of Millennial marriages is about 8 years before divorce or separation, increasing from previous generations
Millennials are more likely to marry later in life, with the average age at first marriage exceeding 30 for men and women
Millennials who marry are more likely to marry later and coordinate their wedding with career milestones, with 60% planning their wedding at least a year in advance
Millennials face higher rates of fertility issues and delays, with about 20% reporting difficulty conceiving, influencing family planning choices
Millennials are more likely to experience marriage at an older age due to economic factors, such as housing costs and student debt, with 55% citing financial stability as a key reason for delay
About 40% of Millennial marriages are interfaith, often leading to more complex relationship negotiations
The rate of Millennials living in multigeneration households has increased to 20%, affecting marriage timing and stability
Millennials are increasingly choosing to delay having children until their 30s or later, with 62% of women aged 30-34 reporting they do not plan to have children
Millennials tend to marry within their own racial or ethnic group at a rate of approximately 85%, reflecting strong community and cultural ties

Marriage Patterns and Timing Interpretation

Millennials are redefining marriage as a delayed, financially cautious, and culturally nuanced institution—battling economic hurdles and fertility challenges while forging relationships that prioritize career milestones and community ties over traditional timelines.

Marriage Trends and Attitudes

About 52% of Millennials were married in 2020, down from 65% in 1980
The probability of Millennials getting married has decreased by nearly 20% compared to Gen X at the same age
In 2021, about 33% of Millennials aged 25-34 had never been married, a significant increase from 19% in 2000
Only 27% of Millennial women aged 25-34 have children, compared to 54% of Baby Boomer women at the same age
The divorce rate among Millennials who married in the last five years is approximately 18%, lower than previous generations at the same age
About 68% of Millennials believe marriage is an important life goal, down from 75% of Generation X
Millennials increasingly delay marriage to focus on education and career, with over 40% of them having completed a bachelor’s degree by age 24
Around 45% of Millennials plan to marry someday but have not yet found a partner, indicating a shift in attitudes towards marriage
The rate of marriage among Millennials is approximately 7.5 per 1,000 people, lower than the 9.8 per 1,000 for Baby Boomers at the same age
The share of Millennials who have never been married and are living alone is about 28%, which has increased from 15% two decades ago
Among Millennials who are married, about 40% have post-graduate degrees, reflecting higher education levels influencing marriage age
Approximately 80% of Millennials say that love and companionship are primary reasons for marriage, according to recent surveys
The use of online dating among Millennials increased by 35% from 2010 to 2020 as a marriage initiation method
Millennial marriage rates have declined by approximately 40% since the early 1980s, reflecting changing social norms
About 60% of Millennials view marriage as a partnership of equals, emphasizing shared responsibilities, versus 45% of older generations
Millennials are more likely than previous generations to remarry after divorce, with 20% having entered a second marriage
Approximately 70% of Millennials expect to marry at some point in their lifetime, yet only about 50% actually do, showing changing expectations
The percentage of Millennials who feel that marriage is necessary for a successful life has decreased to about 40%, compared to 65% in 2000
Millennials are more likely to prioritize career over marriage, with 45% delaying marriage longer than their predecessors
The divorce rate among Millennials who married in their early 30s is approximately 12%, lower than the national average, indicating later marriages may be more stable
About 65% of Millennial men and women say they prefer to marry someone with similar educational levels, emphasizing shared values and stability
The participation in premarital counseling among Millennials has increased to about 30%, reflecting greater emphasis on relationship counseling
Nearly 45% of Millennials believe that co-parenting arrangements can be as effective as traditional marriage, indicating evolving family structures
Millennials’ attitudes toward marriage and divorce are more flexible, with 58% considering marriage a personal choice rather than a societal obligation
About 70% of Millennials believe that having a fulfilling career is essential before settling down, influencing the timing of marriage
About 25% of Millennials say they prioritize personal development and independence over marriage, signaling a shift in life priorities
The overall marriage rate for Millennials is roughly 6.8 per 1,000 population, continuing a declining trend over the decades
Nearly 50% of Millennials say they would prefer an urban or suburban setting for their marriage and family life, showing geographic preferences that influence marriage location choices
The mental health impact of delaying marriage has led to increased interest in relationship mental health services, with about 35% of Millennials seeking counseling before marriage
Millennials report that economic instability, such as job insecurity and housing costs, is the primary reason for postponing marriage, with 65% citing financial concerns
About 28% of Millennials believe that marriage is becoming obsolete or unnecessary in modern society, reflecting shifting attitudes toward lifelong commitment
Millennial women are more likely than men to delay marriage for higher education and career opportunities, with 55% of women citing these reasons
About 40% of Millennials say that their parents’ marriage has influenced their own attitudes toward marriage, often emphasizing stability and long-term commitment

Marriage Trends and Attitudes Interpretation

Millennials are reimagining marriage as a personalized journey rather than a societal checklist, delaying or redefining lifelong commitments amidst a backdrop of economic concerns, higher education pursuits, and evolving values that prioritize love, equality, and personal growth over traditional timelines.

Social and Cultural Influences on Marriage

About 57% of Millennials say that social media influences their perceptions and decisions about marriage, including partner selection and wedding planning
Approximately 15% of Millennial marriages involve intercultural or international couples, which is a rising trend as globalization influences family structures

Social and Cultural Influences on Marriage Interpretation

As Millennials increasingly turn to screens for love’s compass, with over half letting social media steer their marriage choices and intercultural unions gaining ground, it seems the digital age is not just shaping who we marry but expanding the very definition of “till death do us part.”