US Marriage Rate Hits All-Time Low at 51%

YIKES, talk about a trend and probably not one for the better ...

The marriage rate in the United States for those over the age of 18 has hit an all-time low 51%.  This is compared to a 57% rate in 2000 and 72% in 1960. The average age of those marrying has risen slightly; however, the most alarming aspect of this data might be that nearly 40% of those polled say marriage is becoming obsolete.

Marriage rates in the US have hit an all-time low, as economic forces and social shifts have pushed couples to delay or avoid matrimony, according to an analysis of census data by the Pew Research Center.

Just 51 per cent of people over age 18 are married today, compared to 57 per cent in 2000 and 72 per cent in 1960, with trends pointing toward wedded couples becoming a social minority within a few years.

“Public attitudes about the institution of marriage are mixed,” the report said. “Nearly four-in-10 Americans say marriage is becoming obsolete,” yet most people who have never married say they would like to some day.

With the economy in the tank, individuals finances at risk, 401K uncertainty, more and more college grads returning to live home with mommy & daddy, and employers now covering live in boyfriends and girl friends on insurance plans, the institution of marriage has taken a hit.