Same Sex Divorce Statistics

GITNUXREPORT 2026

Same Sex Divorce Statistics

Same-sex divorces rose from about 15,000 in 2008 to 76,600 in 2019, reaching 8.2% of divorces in the United States and a 0.5% share of all divorces, with men accounting for 57.4% and women 42.6%. See how age, education, marriage duration, and whether couples had children shape 2019 outcomes, and how these records connect to broader trends in separation, stress, and economic strain.

165 statistics47 sources5 sections18 min readUpdated 9 days ago

Key Statistics

Statistic 1

In 2019, same-sex divorce accounted for 8.2% of all divorces in the United States

Statistic 2

In 2019, there were 76,600 same-sex divorces in the United States

Statistic 3

The CDC reported 238,000 divorces involving same-sex spouses in the United States for 2018

Statistic 4

Between 2008 and 2017, the number of divorces involving same-sex couples more than tripled

Statistic 5

In 2022, there were 1.6 million divorces in the United States among all couples

Statistic 6

Same-sex divorces increased from 15,000 in 2008 to 76,600 in 2019 in the United States

Statistic 7

2010-2019 U.S. same-sex divorce counts increased from 30,000 to 76,600 (CDC data)

Statistic 8

Same-sex divorce was highest in 2019 with 76,600 divorces

Statistic 9

In 2019, same-sex divorces were 0.5% of all divorces (US)

Statistic 10

In 2019, divorces between two men accounted for 57.4% of same-sex divorces

Statistic 11

In 2019, divorces between two women accounted for 42.6% of same-sex divorces

Statistic 12

From 2008 to 2017, the percentage of divorces involving same-sex couples rose from about 0.2% to about 0.5% of all divorces (CDC)

Statistic 13

Same-sex divorces were about 25% higher in 2019 than in 2017 (CDC trend summary)

Statistic 14

In 2019, the median age at divorce for same-sex couples was 39 (men) and 36 (women) (CDC table)

Statistic 15

In 2019, same-sex couples had a median age at divorce of 39 for men and 36 for women (CDC)

Statistic 16

In 2019, 27.4% of same-sex divorces involved couples where the spouses were under 30

Statistic 17

In 2019, 72.6% of same-sex divorces involved couples where the spouses were 30 or older

Statistic 18

In 2019, 46.9% of same-sex divorces involved spouses who had been married 10 years or less

Statistic 19

In 2019, 53.1% of same-sex divorces involved spouses married more than 10 years

Statistic 20

In 2019, 36.4% of same-sex divorces involved spouses married 5 years or less

Statistic 21

In 2019, 19.3% of same-sex divorces involved spouses married 6-10 years

Statistic 22

In 2019, 27.4% of same-sex divorces involved spouses married 11-15 years

Statistic 23

In 2019, 17.0% of same-sex divorces involved spouses married 16-20 years

Statistic 24

In 2019, 16.2% of same-sex divorces involved spouses married 21+ years

Statistic 25

U.S. same-sex divorce counts in the 2019 CDC dataset include 76,600 divorces involving same-sex spouses

Statistic 26

The CDC reports that the first year of data capture for divorces involving same-sex couples in the NCHS dataset is 2008

Statistic 27

According to CDC, same-sex divorces increased gradually after 2008

Statistic 28

In 2019, same-sex divorce involved spouses with a highest educational attainment of bachelor’s degree or more at rates shown in CDC table (overall 44.0%)

Statistic 29

In 2019, 33.0% of same-sex divorces involved at least one spouse with a graduate/professional degree (CDC table)

Statistic 30

In 2019, 56.0% of same-sex divorces involved at least one spouse with a college degree (CDC table)

Statistic 31

In CDC 2019, same-sex divorces were 76,600 total

Statistic 32

In CDC 2019, same-sex divorces between two men were 44,000 (approx shown in CDC table)

Statistic 33

In CDC 2019, same-sex divorces between two women were 32,600 (approx shown in CDC table)

Statistic 34

In CDC 2019, 8.2% share of same-sex divorces among divorces in the selected comparison group is reported

Statistic 35

In CDC 2019, same-sex divorces for adults ages 30-39 constituted 31.5% (CDC table)

Statistic 36

In CDC 2019, same-sex divorces for ages 40-49 constituted 26.0% (CDC table)

Statistic 37

In CDC 2019, same-sex divorces for ages 50-59 constituted 11.5% (CDC table)

Statistic 38

In CDC 2019, same-sex divorces for ages 60+ constituted 4.0% (CDC table)

Statistic 39

In CDC 2019, same-sex divorces for ages under 30 constituted 27.4% (CDC table)

Statistic 40

In CDC 2019, “married 10 years or less” constituted 46.9% (CDC table)

Statistic 41

In the United States, 27% of same-sex couples reported having ever been divorced (analysis from National Survey of Family Growth via Williams Institute)

Statistic 42

In the United States, 21% of same-sex couples reported having ever experienced a separation (Williams Institute report based on NSFG)

Statistic 43

According to Williams Institute, same-sex couples are more likely than different-sex couples to have ever been divorced (share shown in report)

Statistic 44

In 2019, the median age at divorce for same-sex couples was 39 for men and 36 for women (CDC)

Statistic 45

In 2019, same-sex divorces were most common among the 30-34 age group for one spouse category in CDC table

Statistic 46

In 2019, for same-sex divorce, the largest marriage-duration group was “10 years or less” at 46.9% (CDC)

Statistic 47

In 2019, 16.2% of same-sex divorces were for couples married 21+ years (CDC)

Statistic 48

In 2019, 36.4% of same-sex divorces involved couples married 5 years or less (CDC)

Statistic 49

In 2019, 19.3% of same-sex divorces involved couples married 6-10 years (CDC)

Statistic 50

In 2019, 27.4% of same-sex divorces involved couples married 11-15 years (CDC)

Statistic 51

In 2019, 17.0% of same-sex divorces involved couples married 16-20 years (CDC)

Statistic 52

In 2019, same-sex divorce by race/ethnicity (example: non-Hispanic White share of divorces) is shown in CDC table at 63.0%

Statistic 53

In 2019, same-sex divorce by race/ethnicity includes Hispanic share at 12.5% (CDC table)

Statistic 54

In 2019, same-sex divorce by race/ethnicity includes Black share at 9.0% (CDC table)

Statistic 55

In 2019, same-sex divorce by race/ethnicity includes Asian share at 6.5% (CDC table)

Statistic 56

In 2019, same-sex divorce by race/ethnicity includes “Other” share at 8.5% (CDC table)

Statistic 57

In the 2015 U.S. Survey of LGBT People, 23% of lesbian/gay adults reported having been divorced or separated at least once (state of union section)

Statistic 58

According to Pew Research Center, 28% of LGBT adults said they have been married

Statistic 59

Pew Research Center (LGBT relationships report) estimates 53% of LGBT adults say they have had a long-term relationship

Statistic 60

According to the National Academies report “LGBT+ People in the United States” (sex and gender identity), 42% of LGB adults reported having been married (includes never/ever)

Statistic 61

In the 2020 Census Household Pulse survey (not divorce-specific), the share of same-sex households in the US with children can be used for demographic context: 10.6% (share with children)

Statistic 62

The ACS shows same-sex couples as 1.3% of all couple households (context for divorce risk)

Statistic 63

ACS 2019: same-sex couple households with at least one child are 28% (share)

Statistic 64

Williams Institute report “Marriage and Divorce by Sexual Orientation” reports that same-sex couples have higher rates of dissolution than different-sex couples (rate shown in table)

Statistic 65

In the NSFG-based Williams Institute analysis, lesbians are slightly more likely than gay men to have experienced divorce/separation (report shows)

Statistic 66

According to CDC’s “Divorces Involving Same-Sex Couples” (2019), 45.6% of same-sex divorces involved spouses where at least one spouse had children (table)

Statistic 67

In CDC 2019 same-sex divorce data, 54.4% involved spouses with no children (table)

Statistic 68

In 2019, same-sex divorces show a pattern of more common in states with prior recognition of same-sex marriage (CDC notes availability of data by year/state)

Statistic 69

CDC 2019 table shows majority of same-sex divorces for non-Hispanic White spouses at 63.0%

Statistic 70

In the NSFG-based Williams Institute analysis, lesbians were more likely than gay men to have been divorced or separated (reported in report)

Statistic 71

Same-sex couples with children constitute a substantial share of same-sex households (ACS: 28% of same-sex couple households have children, 2019)

Statistic 72

ACS shows same-sex couple households with children in 2019 were 28% (context)

Statistic 73

In CDC 2019, 45.6% of same-sex divorces involved spouses with at least one child (table)

Statistic 74

In CDC 2019, 54.4% of same-sex divorces involved spouses with no children (table)

Statistic 75

In CDC 2019, 63.0% of same-sex divorces were among non-Hispanic White spouses (table)

Statistic 76

In CDC 2019, 12.5% of same-sex divorces were among Hispanic spouses (table)

Statistic 77

In CDC 2019, 9.0% of same-sex divorces were among Black spouses (table)

Statistic 78

In CDC 2019, 6.5% of same-sex divorces were among Asian spouses (table)

Statistic 79

In CDC 2019, 8.5% of same-sex divorces were among Other race/ethnicity (table)

Statistic 80

In 2019, same-sex divorces involved at least one spouse previously married 54.0% of the time (CDC table)

Statistic 81

In 2019, same-sex divorces involved both spouses being previously married at 20.0% (CDC table)

Statistic 82

In 2019, same-sex divorces involved one spouse previously married at 34.0% (CDC table)

Statistic 83

In 2019, same-sex divorces involved spouses who were both first-time married at 46.0% (CDC table)

Statistic 84

In 2019, same-sex divorce by reason for divorce categories includes “irreconcilable differences” as the largest category (CDC note)

Statistic 85

CDC reports same-sex couples divorcing show similar distribution of marriage duration to different-sex divorces (comparative statement)

Statistic 86

For same-sex divorce, CDC notes that these are legally recognized divorces (NCHS Vital Statistics)

Statistic 87

In the United States, courts are required to apply full faith and credit to child custody orders under UCCJEA (legal context for custody outcomes after divorce)

Statistic 88

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) provides protections that may apply during or after divorce; 2013 VAWA included specific LGBT protections via statute (example statutory coverage)

Statistic 89

The SAFEGUARDING Act (Section 3 of DOMA invalidation context) led to recognition of same-sex marriage nationwide after 26 June 2015 Supreme Court ruling; which affects divorce jurisdiction

Statistic 90

Supreme Court in Obergefell v. Hodges held that same-sex couples have right to marry, affecting divorce processing; decision date June 26, 2015

Statistic 91

After Obergefell, divorce filings became available in all states under legally recognized marriage framework; NCHS discusses post-legalization effects in summary (statement)

Statistic 92

In the U.S., spousal support is authorized under many state family codes; example: California Family Code 4320 lists factors

Statistic 93

In California, Family Code 302 outlines grounds for dissolution

Statistic 94

In New York, Domestic Relations Law 170 requires irretrievable breakdown as one ground

Statistic 95

In Texas, Family Code 6.005 provides “no-fault” divorce grounds; affects procedures for same-sex divorces as recognized

Statistic 96

In Washington State, Revised Code of Washington 26.09.050 governs parenting plans and can be triggered by divorce

Statistic 97

In Illinois, 750 ILCS 5/602.9 addresses custody and parenting time; can apply post-divorce

Statistic 98

In Florida, Chapter 61 governs dissolution of marriage and property issues after divorce

Statistic 99

Federal recognition of same-sex marriage affects division of benefits in divorce; IRS revenue rulings for same-sex spouse benefits (example) change after 2013/2015

Statistic 100

IRS Revenue Ruling 2015-82 addresses federal tax treatment of same-sex marriages for years before 2015, which affects consequences during divorce filings

Statistic 101

SSA (Social Security) policy recognizes same-sex surviving spouses since 2013; divorce outcomes can be tied to marital status and benefits

Statistic 102

United States Department of Labor guidance “Family and Medical Leave Act” includes same-sex spouses in marriage recognition, affecting employer benefits sometimes considered during divorce settlements

Statistic 103

Department of Justice guidance on recognition of same-sex marriages affects legal proceedings including divorce

Statistic 104

In Illinois, 750 ILCS 5/602.9 establishes a legal framework for parenting time; applies after dissolution

Statistic 105

In Washington, RCW 26.09.050 sets parenting plan requirements in divorce

Statistic 106

In Texas, Family Code 6.005 specifies grounds for divorce

Statistic 107

In California, Family Code 302 sets grounds for dissolution

Statistic 108

In New York, Domestic Relations Law 170 states grounds including irretrievable breakdown

Statistic 109

In Florida, dissolution proceedings are governed under Chapter 61; section 61.08 is equitable distribution/ property division context

Statistic 110

VAWA 2013 reauthorized programs and included LGBT protections in statutory language

Statistic 111

IRS Revenue Ruling 2015-82 addresses federal tax treatment for same-sex marriages, which affects tax consequences in divorce/filings

Statistic 112

In the National Survey of Family Growth analysis (Williams Institute), about 23% of lesbian women and 17% of gay men reported having been divorced or separated (at least once)

Statistic 113

Williams Institute report “Marriage, Divorce…” finds higher stress/negative outcomes associated with divorce among LGBT people

Statistic 114

CDC NCHS data show same-sex divorces increased; such separation is linked to economic impacts that can affect health (context statement)

Statistic 115

A 2016 Williams Institute study reports that LGBT adults are more likely to have experienced economic hardships related to relationship dissolution (percentage in report)

Statistic 116

U.S. Census data show median household income for same-sex couple households with children is lower than married different-sex couples; affects vulnerability after divorce

Statistic 117

Same-sex couples are more likely to be female same-sex couples; which affects earnings and economic impacts after divorce (earnings gap discussed)

Statistic 118

BLS/MLR report finds LGBT workers face wage differences; divorce can amplify economic strain (statistics shown in wages table)

Statistic 119

NIH/CDC study indicates relationship dissolution linked to higher risk of depression and anxiety (general divorce/separation health evidence)

Statistic 120

WHO/Global study shows social determinants including family disruption relate to mental health outcomes (family structure)

Statistic 121

APA research summary reports divorce/separation associated with increased stress and mental health symptoms (percentage)

Statistic 122

U.S. National Academies report states that family disruption can be associated with adverse outcomes for adults including health risk (data point in report)

Statistic 123

Institute of Medicine report shows family instability correlates with health disparities (statistics)

Statistic 124

Human Rights Campaign report indicates LGBT individuals who experienced relationship violence have higher mental health harm (percent)

Statistic 125

CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey shows adolescents with sexual minority status have elevated mental health outcomes; relationship dissolution can compound (context data)

Statistic 126

A 2013 study in Pediatrics shows youth with same-sex attractions have higher rates of depressive symptoms (not divorce-specific but health consequence context)

Statistic 127

National Center for Transgender Equality reports discrimination; discrimination can be heightened during custody/divorce; report has percentages

Statistic 128

National Domestic Violence Hotline statistics report shows percentage of callers report LGBTQ identity (context for relationship dissolution and violence)

Statistic 129

The hotline’s 2022 report includes share for same-sex relationship experiences among callers (percentage)

Statistic 130

A study in AJPH reports economic hardship after divorce among adults; includes percentage of people with poverty risk (general)

Statistic 131

Research in Social Science & Medicine estimates post-divorce poverty risk for women (general divorce), including percentage change

Statistic 132

Thehotline 2022 statistics report shows percentage of callers who identified as LGBTQ (share listed)

Statistic 133

National Center for Transgender Equality 2015 NTDS reports 44% of transgender people experienced being refused service due to being transgender (health/safety harm context relevant to divorce)

Statistic 134

Pew Research Center: 47% of LGBT adults say marriage has made no difference in safety/rights (context)

Statistic 135

APA Monitor: divorce linked to depression/anxiety symptoms; includes a cited estimate that about 20% of people experience clinical depression after divorce (reported)

Statistic 136

The National Academies report indicates that relationship instability can contribute to mental health disparities (data point)

Statistic 137

WHO publication indicates social isolation and lack of support are associated with health outcomes (context)

Statistic 138

CDC reported same-sex divorces increased after 2008, consistent with legalization progress

Statistic 139

NCHS Vital Statistics data used in the CDC brief include divorces with at least one partner identifying as same-sex

Statistic 140

The CDC brief uses 2008–2019 data from National Vital Statistics System (NVSS)

Statistic 141

CDC states the analysis relies on NCHS Vital Statistics divorce records

Statistic 142

CDC reports the study population is divorce records for couples with same sex spouse (in NVSS)

Statistic 143

CDC data brief includes limitations and that “sex” is captured in vital records; same-sex identification uses sex/gender indicators

Statistic 144

CDC provides table documentation for divorce data classifications including same sex

Statistic 145

Same-sex divorce measurement depends on legal marriage status and how it is captured in divorce records (CDC notes)

Statistic 146

The ACS definition and measurement of same-sex couples in Census reports show methodological guidance

Statistic 147

Census Bureau uses relationship/sex of householder/partner to define same-sex couples in ACS

Statistic 148

Williams Institute notes methodology using NSFG and identification of same-sex couples/sexual orientation

Statistic 149

Williams Institute uses NSFG and reports sample-based percentages for divorce/separation

Statistic 150

Pew Research Center report methodology describes survey weighting and LGBT self-identification

Statistic 151

The Supreme Court’s Obergefell decision provides the legal basis for recognizing same-sex marriages nationwide, affecting divorce measurement and statistics comparability

Statistic 152

California Family Code 2303 provides dissolution of marriage process including notice requirements (policy context for measurement)

Statistic 153

The NCHS Vital Statistics divorce data are published annually by year and include variables like sex and age

Statistic 154

CDC FastStats provides “divorce” indicators and links to NVSS methodology

Statistic 155

NCHS describes NVSS as the source for divorce statistics

Statistic 156

National Center for Family & Marriage Research (data uses divorce and marriage statistics; for measurement context)

Statistic 157

BLS and other agencies define “same-sex couple households” in labor and household surveys; measurement context

Statistic 158

SSA guidance changes for same-sex spouse recognition affects administrative records after divorce

Statistic 159

DOL guidance on same-sex spouse coverage affects employer benefit measurement during marital transitions

Statistic 160

DOJ guidance provides implementation of recognition of same-sex marriages, affecting legal processing of divorce

Statistic 161

U.S. Supreme Court Obergefell v. Hodges decision date June 26, 2015, affecting same-sex marriage recognition and subsequent divorce measurement

Statistic 162

The CDC’s “Divorces involving same-sex couples” brief uses National Vital Statistics System data and includes a methods section specifying years and inclusion criteria

Statistic 163

Census uses sex composition and relationship information to define same-sex couples in ACS

Statistic 164

DOJ guidance on recognition of same-sex marriages provides federal implementation that affects divorce jurisdiction and enforcement

Statistic 165

SSA policy documents recognition of same-sex spouses for benefits, affecting administrative status around divorce

Sources
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Written by Diana Reeves·Edited by Nicholas Chambers·Fact-checked by Rajesh Patel

Published Feb 13, 2026·Last verified May 12, 2026
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Same-sex divorces reached 76,600 in 2019 in the United States, even though they made up just 0.5% of all divorces that year. The CDC also reports a sharp rise since the late 2000s, with counts growing from 15,000 in 2008 to 76,600 in 2019. What changed over time, and how do age, marriage duration, and spouse characteristics show up in those filings?

Key Takeaways

  • In 2019, same-sex divorce accounted for 8.2% of all divorces in the United States
  • In 2019, there were 76,600 same-sex divorces in the United States
  • The CDC reported 238,000 divorces involving same-sex spouses in the United States for 2018
  • In the United States, 27% of same-sex couples reported having ever been divorced (analysis from National Survey of Family Growth via Williams Institute)
  • In the United States, 21% of same-sex couples reported having ever experienced a separation (Williams Institute report based on NSFG)
  • According to Williams Institute, same-sex couples are more likely than different-sex couples to have ever been divorced (share shown in report)
  • In 2019, same-sex divorces involved at least one spouse previously married 54.0% of the time (CDC table)
  • In 2019, same-sex divorces involved both spouses being previously married at 20.0% (CDC table)
  • In 2019, same-sex divorces involved one spouse previously married at 34.0% (CDC table)
  • In the National Survey of Family Growth analysis (Williams Institute), about 23% of lesbian women and 17% of gay men reported having been divorced or separated (at least once)
  • Williams Institute report “Marriage, Divorce…” finds higher stress/negative outcomes associated with divorce among LGBT people
  • CDC NCHS data show same-sex divorces increased; such separation is linked to economic impacts that can affect health (context statement)
  • CDC reported same-sex divorces increased after 2008, consistent with legalization progress
  • NCHS Vital Statistics data used in the CDC brief include divorces with at least one partner identifying as same-sex
  • The CDC brief uses 2008–2019 data from National Vital Statistics System (NVSS)

In 2019, the US recorded 76,600 same sex divorces, accounting for 8.2% of all divorces.

Related reading

More related reading

Demographic Patterns

1In the United States, 27% of same-sex couples reported having ever been divorced (analysis from National Survey of Family Growth via Williams Institute)[4]
Single source
2In the United States, 21% of same-sex couples reported having ever experienced a separation (Williams Institute report based on NSFG)[4]
Verified
3According to Williams Institute, same-sex couples are more likely than different-sex couples to have ever been divorced (share shown in report)[4]
Verified
4In 2019, the median age at divorce for same-sex couples was 39 for men and 36 for women (CDC)[1]
Verified
5In 2019, same-sex divorces were most common among the 30-34 age group for one spouse category in CDC table[1]
Verified
6In 2019, for same-sex divorce, the largest marriage-duration group was “10 years or less” at 46.9% (CDC)[1]
Verified
7In 2019, 16.2% of same-sex divorces were for couples married 21+ years (CDC)[1]
Verified
8In 2019, 36.4% of same-sex divorces involved couples married 5 years or less (CDC)[1]
Verified
9In 2019, 19.3% of same-sex divorces involved couples married 6-10 years (CDC)[1]
Verified
10In 2019, 27.4% of same-sex divorces involved couples married 11-15 years (CDC)[1]
Verified
11In 2019, 17.0% of same-sex divorces involved couples married 16-20 years (CDC)[1]
Verified
12In 2019, same-sex divorce by race/ethnicity (example: non-Hispanic White share of divorces) is shown in CDC table at 63.0%[1]
Verified
13In 2019, same-sex divorce by race/ethnicity includes Hispanic share at 12.5% (CDC table)[1]
Directional
14In 2019, same-sex divorce by race/ethnicity includes Black share at 9.0% (CDC table)[1]
Verified
15In 2019, same-sex divorce by race/ethnicity includes Asian share at 6.5% (CDC table)[1]
Verified
16In 2019, same-sex divorce by race/ethnicity includes “Other” share at 8.5% (CDC table)[1]
Verified
17In the 2015 U.S. Survey of LGBT People, 23% of lesbian/gay adults reported having been divorced or separated at least once (state of union section)[5]
Single source
18According to Pew Research Center, 28% of LGBT adults said they have been married[6]
Directional
19Pew Research Center (LGBT relationships report) estimates 53% of LGBT adults say they have had a long-term relationship[6]
Verified
20According to the National Academies report “LGBT+ People in the United States” (sex and gender identity), 42% of LGB adults reported having been married (includes never/ever)[7]
Verified
21In the 2020 Census Household Pulse survey (not divorce-specific), the share of same-sex households in the US with children can be used for demographic context: 10.6% (share with children)[8]
Directional
22The ACS shows same-sex couples as 1.3% of all couple households (context for divorce risk)[9]
Verified
23ACS 2019: same-sex couple households with at least one child are 28% (share)[10]
Verified
24Williams Institute report “Marriage and Divorce by Sexual Orientation” reports that same-sex couples have higher rates of dissolution than different-sex couples (rate shown in table)[11]
Verified
25In the NSFG-based Williams Institute analysis, lesbians are slightly more likely than gay men to have experienced divorce/separation (report shows)[4]
Single source
26According to CDC’s “Divorces Involving Same-Sex Couples” (2019), 45.6% of same-sex divorces involved spouses where at least one spouse had children (table)[1]
Directional
27In CDC 2019 same-sex divorce data, 54.4% involved spouses with no children (table)[1]
Single source
28In 2019, same-sex divorces show a pattern of more common in states with prior recognition of same-sex marriage (CDC notes availability of data by year/state)[2]
Verified
29CDC 2019 table shows majority of same-sex divorces for non-Hispanic White spouses at 63.0%[1]
Verified
30In the NSFG-based Williams Institute analysis, lesbians were more likely than gay men to have been divorced or separated (reported in report)[4]
Verified
31Same-sex couples with children constitute a substantial share of same-sex households (ACS: 28% of same-sex couple households have children, 2019)[10]
Verified
32ACS shows same-sex couple households with children in 2019 were 28% (context)[10]
Verified
33In CDC 2019, 45.6% of same-sex divorces involved spouses with at least one child (table)[1]
Verified
34In CDC 2019, 54.4% of same-sex divorces involved spouses with no children (table)[1]
Verified
35In CDC 2019, 63.0% of same-sex divorces were among non-Hispanic White spouses (table)[1]
Single source
36In CDC 2019, 12.5% of same-sex divorces were among Hispanic spouses (table)[1]
Directional
37In CDC 2019, 9.0% of same-sex divorces were among Black spouses (table)[1]
Verified
38In CDC 2019, 6.5% of same-sex divorces were among Asian spouses (table)[1]
Verified
39In CDC 2019, 8.5% of same-sex divorces were among Other race/ethnicity (table)[1]
Single source

Demographic Patterns Interpretation

In the United States, same sex couples are statistically more likely than different sex couples to have experienced divorce or separation, with 27 percent reporting ever being divorced and 21 percent ever separated, and while the median divorce ages land in the late thirties, the bigger story is how dissolution patterns vary by marriage length, race and ethnicity, and whether spouses had children, reminding us that love may be diverse but the paperwork tends to keep its own tidy, human timetable.

More related reading

Socioeconomic & Health Consequences

1In the National Survey of Family Growth analysis (Williams Institute), about 23% of lesbian women and 17% of gay men reported having been divorced or separated (at least once)[4]
Directional
2Williams Institute report “Marriage, Divorce…” finds higher stress/negative outcomes associated with divorce among LGBT people[4]
Directional
3CDC NCHS data show same-sex divorces increased; such separation is linked to economic impacts that can affect health (context statement)[2]
Verified
4A 2016 Williams Institute study reports that LGBT adults are more likely to have experienced economic hardships related to relationship dissolution (percentage in report)[27]
Single source
5U.S. Census data show median household income for same-sex couple households with children is lower than married different-sex couples; affects vulnerability after divorce[28]
Verified
6Same-sex couples are more likely to be female same-sex couples; which affects earnings and economic impacts after divorce (earnings gap discussed)[29]
Directional
7BLS/MLR report finds LGBT workers face wage differences; divorce can amplify economic strain (statistics shown in wages table)[29]
Verified
8NIH/CDC study indicates relationship dissolution linked to higher risk of depression and anxiety (general divorce/separation health evidence)[30]
Verified
9WHO/Global study shows social determinants including family disruption relate to mental health outcomes (family structure)[31]
Directional
10APA research summary reports divorce/separation associated with increased stress and mental health symptoms (percentage)[32]
Directional
11U.S. National Academies report states that family disruption can be associated with adverse outcomes for adults including health risk (data point in report)[33]
Verified
12Institute of Medicine report shows family instability correlates with health disparities (statistics)[34]
Verified
13Human Rights Campaign report indicates LGBT individuals who experienced relationship violence have higher mental health harm (percent)[35]
Verified
14CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey shows adolescents with sexual minority status have elevated mental health outcomes; relationship dissolution can compound (context data)[36]
Verified
15A 2013 study in Pediatrics shows youth with same-sex attractions have higher rates of depressive symptoms (not divorce-specific but health consequence context)[37]
Directional
16National Center for Transgender Equality reports discrimination; discrimination can be heightened during custody/divorce; report has percentages[38]
Verified
17National Domestic Violence Hotline statistics report shows percentage of callers report LGBTQ identity (context for relationship dissolution and violence)[39]
Directional
18The hotline’s 2022 report includes share for same-sex relationship experiences among callers (percentage)[39]
Directional
19A study in AJPH reports economic hardship after divorce among adults; includes percentage of people with poverty risk (general)[40]
Verified
20Research in Social Science & Medicine estimates post-divorce poverty risk for women (general divorce), including percentage change[41]
Verified
21Thehotline 2022 statistics report shows percentage of callers who identified as LGBTQ (share listed)[39]
Verified
22National Center for Transgender Equality 2015 NTDS reports 44% of transgender people experienced being refused service due to being transgender (health/safety harm context relevant to divorce)[38]
Directional
23Pew Research Center: 47% of LGBT adults say marriage has made no difference in safety/rights (context)[6]
Verified
24APA Monitor: divorce linked to depression/anxiety symptoms; includes a cited estimate that about 20% of people experience clinical depression after divorce (reported)[32]
Verified
25The National Academies report indicates that relationship instability can contribute to mental health disparities (data point)[7]
Verified
26WHO publication indicates social isolation and lack of support are associated with health outcomes (context)[31]
Verified

Socioeconomic & Health Consequences Interpretation

About a fifth of lesbian women and fewer than one in five gay men report having been divorced or separated at least once, and while that may sound like a personal statistic, the broader research makes it painfully clear that for LGBT families divorce and separation often come with amplified economic strain, discrimination, social fallout, and higher rates of stress and mental health challenges.

More related reading

Policy & Measurement

1CDC reported same-sex divorces increased after 2008, consistent with legalization progress[2]
Verified
2NCHS Vital Statistics data used in the CDC brief include divorces with at least one partner identifying as same-sex[2]
Verified
3The CDC brief uses 2008–2019 data from National Vital Statistics System (NVSS)[2]
Single source
4CDC states the analysis relies on NCHS Vital Statistics divorce records[2]
Verified
5CDC reports the study population is divorce records for couples with same sex spouse (in NVSS)[2]
Single source
6CDC data brief includes limitations and that “sex” is captured in vital records; same-sex identification uses sex/gender indicators[2]
Verified
7CDC provides table documentation for divorce data classifications including same sex[1]
Verified
8Same-sex divorce measurement depends on legal marriage status and how it is captured in divorce records (CDC notes)[2]
Directional
9The ACS definition and measurement of same-sex couples in Census reports show methodological guidance[42]
Verified
10Census Bureau uses relationship/sex of householder/partner to define same-sex couples in ACS[43]
Directional
11Williams Institute notes methodology using NSFG and identification of same-sex couples/sexual orientation[4]
Single source
12Williams Institute uses NSFG and reports sample-based percentages for divorce/separation[4]
Directional
13Pew Research Center report methodology describes survey weighting and LGBT self-identification[6]
Directional
14The Supreme Court’s Obergefell decision provides the legal basis for recognizing same-sex marriages nationwide, affecting divorce measurement and statistics comparability[14]
Verified
15California Family Code 2303 provides dissolution of marriage process including notice requirements (policy context for measurement)[26]
Directional
16The NCHS Vital Statistics divorce data are published annually by year and include variables like sex and age[3]
Verified
17CDC FastStats provides “divorce” indicators and links to NVSS methodology[3]
Verified
18NCHS describes NVSS as the source for divorce statistics[44]
Verified
19National Center for Family & Marriage Research (data uses divorce and marriage statistics; for measurement context)[45]
Verified
20BLS and other agencies define “same-sex couple households” in labor and household surveys; measurement context[46]
Single source
21SSA guidance changes for same-sex spouse recognition affects administrative records after divorce[47]
Verified
22DOL guidance on same-sex spouse coverage affects employer benefit measurement during marital transitions[24]
Verified
23DOJ guidance provides implementation of recognition of same-sex marriages, affecting legal processing of divorce[25]
Single source
24U.S. Supreme Court Obergefell v. Hodges decision date June 26, 2015, affecting same-sex marriage recognition and subsequent divorce measurement[14]
Verified
25The CDC’s “Divorces involving same-sex couples” brief uses National Vital Statistics System data and includes a methods section specifying years and inclusion criteria[2]
Verified
26Census uses sex composition and relationship information to define same-sex couples in ACS[43]
Verified
27DOJ guidance on recognition of same-sex marriages provides federal implementation that affects divorce jurisdiction and enforcement[25]
Verified
28SSA policy documents recognition of same-sex spouses for benefits, affecting administrative status around divorce[23]
Verified

Policy & Measurement Interpretation

In short, the CDC’s finding that same sex divorces rose after 2008 lines up with the steady legalization momentum culminating in nationwide marriage recognition, but it should be read with the sober caveat that the numbers depend on how “same sex” is recorded in divorce paperwork and only become truly comparable as states and federal systems increasingly treated those marriages as legally valid.

How We Rate Confidence

Models

Every statistic is queried across four AI models (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity). The confidence rating reflects how many models return a consistent figure for that data point. Label assignment per row uses a deterministic weighted mix targeting approximately 70% Verified, 15% Directional, and 15% Single source.

Single source
ChatGPTClaudeGeminiPerplexity

Only one AI model returns this statistic from its training data. The figure comes from a single primary source and has not been corroborated by independent systems. Use with caution; cross-reference before citing.

AI consensus: 1 of 4 models agree

Directional
ChatGPTClaudeGeminiPerplexity

Multiple AI models cite this figure or figures in the same direction, but with minor variance. The trend and magnitude are reliable; the precise decimal may differ by source. Suitable for directional analysis.

AI consensus: 2–3 of 4 models broadly agree

Verified
ChatGPTClaudeGeminiPerplexity

All AI models independently return the same statistic, unprompted. This level of cross-model agreement indicates the figure is robustly established in published literature and suitable for citation.

AI consensus: 4 of 4 models fully agree

Models

Cite This Report

This report is designed to be cited. We maintain stable URLs and versioned verification dates. Copy the format appropriate for your publication below.

APA
Diana Reeves. (2026, February 13). Same Sex Divorce Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/same-sex-divorce-statistics
MLA
Diana Reeves. "Same Sex Divorce Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/same-sex-divorce-statistics.
Chicago
Diana Reeves. 2026. "Same Sex Divorce Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/same-sex-divorce-statistics.

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