Wyoming Divorce Rates

While many people associate rural living with long-lasting marriages, data from the National Center for Health Statistics consistently indicate that Wyoming stands out. In fact, for many years, the state has ranked among the highest on national divorce-rate lists, often rivaling states such as Nevada and Arkansas.

Statistics represent more than just numbers; they tell the story of families adapting to the "boom and bust" nature of the West. This guide provides a detailed analysis of Wyoming's marital trends as of 2026, examining why the rates remain high and how different demographic groups across the state are affected.

What is the current divorce rate in Wyoming?

In 2026, Wyoming's divorce rate continues to exceed the national average. Statistics are typically reported in two formats: the crude rate (divorces per 1,000 total residents) and the refined rate (divorces per 1,000 married women).

How does Wyoming compare to the national trend?

While the average across the United States has steadily declined to approximately 2.4 per 1,000 people, Wyoming's crude rate remains notably higher, often cited at 3.4-3.8. When examining the refined rate, which is more specific to the married population, Wyoming frequently reports nearly 20 divorces per 1,000 married women. This places the state in the top quartile nationally for marital dissolution.

These statistics become even more striking when you examine them over multiple years. From 2020 to 2024, Wyoming maintained a consistent position among the top five states for divorce, demonstrating that this is not a temporary anomaly but rather a sustained pattern rooted in the state's social and economic fabric.

Why does Wyoming have such a high divorce rate?

The reason Wyoming often appears to have the highest divorce rates is tied to what researchers call the "Marriage Paradox." Wyoming actually has one of the highest marriage rates in the country. Because so many people get married, there is a larger "pool" of couples who might eventually seek a divorce. However, several cultural and economic drivers make splits more likely here than in states with the lowest divorce rates.

Does age at marriage impact the numbers?

Yes. Wyoming has a culture that encourages marrying young. Statistically, people who marry before age 25 are twice as likely to divorce as those who wait until they are 30. Because a large portion of the Wyoming population ties the knot in their late teens or early twenties, the state naturally sees a higher volume of filings in the district courts within the first ten years of marriage.

This pattern of early marriage is deeply embedded in Wyoming's cultural heritage. In rural communities, especially, there remains a social expectation to settle down quickly, often influenced by religious values and traditional family structures. Young couples may feel pressure from family members or community expectations to formalize relationships before they have fully developed the emotional maturity or financial stability needed for long-term success.

The correlation between marriage age and divorce risk is well-documented across national studies, but Wyoming exemplifies this trend more dramatically than most states. Couples who marry in their early twenties often face challenges like incomplete education, limited career development, and ongoing personal growth that can create friction as partners evolve in different directions.

How do industrial "Boom and Bust" cycles affect families?

Wyoming's economy is built on energy and mining industries known for volatility.

Long Shifts and Travel

Oil field and mine work often require 12-hour shifts or weeks spent away from home. This physical distance can lead to an emotional disconnect between spouses. Workers in the Powder River Basin coal mines or the oil fields near Casper frequently work rotations of two weeks on, one week off, creating a pattern of absence that strains communication and intimacy.

Resentment and Isolation

While one spouse works in remote locations, the other often carries the full "mental load" of housework and parenting, leading to built-up resentment. The at-home partner serves as both mother and father, managing school events, medical appointments, household repairs, and daily routines without support. Over time, this imbalance creates feelings of abandonment and underappreciation that erode the marital foundation.

Economic Stress

Layoffs during a "bust" period create immediate financial panic. Financial disagreement is the #1 cited reason for marital breakdown in the state. When commodity prices drop, whether it's coal, oil, or natural gas, entire communities can see mass layoffs within weeks. Families that were earning six-figure incomes suddenly face unemployment, mortgage stress, and the potential need to relocate. This whiplash between prosperity and scarcity creates an environment where marriages struggle to maintain stability.

The psychological toll of economic uncertainty cannot be overstated. Studies show that financial stress triggers more frequent arguments, decreased physical intimacy, and increased rates of substance abuse, all factors that contribute to marital dissolution. In Wyoming, where entire towns are built around single industries, the collective anxiety during downturns amplifies individual family stress.

Wyoming Divorce Rates by County (2023-2025 Data)

The risk of divorce is not the same in every corner of the state. Rural counties with heavy industrial bases often see higher numbers than urban centers or tourist-heavy areas.

Note:  Small populations in counties like Niobrara can cause the "rate" to look very high even if the total number of divorces is low.

The county-level data reveal fascinating patterns about how local economies shape marital outcomes. Teton County, home to Jackson and one of the wealthiest counties in America, shows a divorce rate less than half the state average. The economic stability provided by tourism, second-home ownership by affluent out-of-state residents, and high-paying service jobs creates a buffer against the financial stress that destroys marriages elsewhere in Wyoming.

Conversely, counties like Niobrara and Converse, which depend heavily on agriculture and energy extraction, face the dual challenges of economic volatility and geographic isolation. These communities lack the mental health resources, marriage counseling services, and social support networks available in larger population centers, making it harder for struggling couples to access help before problems become irreparable.

Are Wyoming divorce rates increasing or decreasing?

Despite being higher than in other states, Wyoming's long-term trend indicates that the number of divorces is slowly decreasing. In 2019, the state recorded more than 2,240 divorces; by the end of 2024, that number had declined to approximately 1,900.

Why is the total number of divorces falling?

The decline is not necessarily because marriages are getting "better," but because the way people view marriage is changing.

Marital Delay

Younger residents are delaying marriage. The median age for a first marriage in Wyoming has risen to 28 for women and 30 for men. This added maturity often leads to more stable unions. Millennials and Gen Z residents prioritize education and career establishment before marriage, breaking with the pattern of their parents' generation.

Cohabitation

More couples are choosing to live together without a legal license. If they split, it is not recorded as a "divorce," which keeps the official statistics lower. This trend mirrors national patterns in which cohabitation has become socially acceptable, even in traditionally conservative areas. Couples test compatibility before making legal commitments, and those who discover incompatibility simply separate without entering the court system.

Legal Speed

Wyoming is known for "quickie" divorces. A judge can sign a decree just 20 days after papers are served. This speed means the state clears its backlog more quickly than states with 6-month waiting periods, making the annual data more current. The streamlined process also means that couples who have decided to separate can proceed rapidly, which some argue prevents reconciliation, but others contend that it simply acknowledges when a marriage has truly ended.

How do demographics affect marital outcomes?

If you break down the Wyoming divorce rates by age and education, a clear pattern emerges that mimics trends across the rest of the United States.

While younger people are divorcing less frequently, adults over age 50 are splitting up at record rates. In Wyoming, approximately 36% of divorces now involve individuals over 50. As life expectancy increases, many residents are less willing to spend their remaining 30 years in an unhappy relationship. This is often referred to as "Gray Divorce."

The phenomenon of gray divorce reflects broader cultural shifts about personal fulfillment and the purpose of marriage. Baby Boomers who stayed together "for the kids" are now empty nesters reassessing whether their partnerships still serve them. Women in particular, who have greater financial independence than previous generations, feel empowered to leave marriages that no longer meet their emotional needs.

Wyoming's gray divorce trend also correlates with retirement migration patterns. As couples retire and potentially relocate, whether to be closer to grandchildren or to pursue recreational opportunities, the stress of major life transitions can expose long-simmering incompatibilities. The dream of a peaceful retirement together can quickly unravel when couples realize they have grown into different people with divergent visions for their remaining years.

Deeper Cultural Factors in the Cowboy State

Beyond the numbers, Wyoming has a unique "frontier culture" that impacts how people handle relationships.

The Rugged Individualism Mindset

Wyomingites take pride in being independent. While this is a great trait for surviving a harsh winter, it can be tough on a marriage. The "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" attitude can sometimes prevent couples from seeking help, like marriage counseling, until it is too late. There is also less social stigma surrounding divorce in Wyoming than in more traditional or religious states, making it an acceptable "out" when things get difficult.

This cultural emphasis on self-reliance can create a paradox where asking for help feels like personal failure. Men in particular, raised with strong gender norms about stoicism and strength, may resist couples therapy even when marriages are clearly struggling. By the time many Wyoming couples seek professional intervention, patterns of resentment and disconnection have become too entrenched to reverse.

The relative social acceptance of divorce in Wyoming contrasts sharply with states in the Deep South or heavily Catholic regions where divorce carries substantial stigma. While this acceptance reduces the shame and judgment divorced individuals face, it may also lower the threshold at which couples decide to end marriages rather than fighting to preserve them.

High Marriage Rates

As mentioned earlier, Wyoming has a very highest marriage rate. In 2023, the state recorded roughly 7.0 marriages per 1,000 people. This high rate of marriage entry naturally yields a higher rate of exit. In states like Vermont, where the marriage rate is lower, the divorce rate naturally looks lower as well because fewer people are "at risk" of divorcing.

Wyoming's high marriage rate reflects cultural values that continue to prioritize traditional family formation, despite national trends toward delayed or forgoing marriage. Religious communities, particularly in smaller towns, continue to encourage marriage as a foundational life goal. This cultural pressure can lead some individuals to marry partners who aren't truly compatible simply because marriage itself is valued, setting those unions up for eventual failure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can official Wyoming divorce statistics be found?

The most reliable source is the Wyoming Department of Health, Vital Statistics Services. They release an annual report every April that breaks down marriages, divorces, and annulments for the previous year. You can also find summaries from the National Center for Health Statistics.

Is Wyoming the state with the highest divorce rate?

Wyoming is often in the top five. Nevada usually ranks first due to its "wedding tourism" industry (where people marry and divorce quickly while visiting), followed closely by Arkansas and Mississippi. Wyoming typically ranks between 3rd and 5th, depending on the specific year.

Does Wyoming have a "waiting period" for divorce?

Yes, but it is one of the shortest in the country. Once a spouse is served, there is a 20-day waiting period before a judge can finalize the case. In an uncontested divorce, the process can be completed in less than a month, whereas in other states it may require six months of separation.

How does military presence affect divorce rates?

Wyoming is home to F.E. Warren Air Force Base near Cheyenne, which houses significant military personnel. Military families face unique stressors, including deployments, frequent relocations, and the psychological impact of military service. Studies consistently show higher divorce rates among military couples, contributing to Laramie County's elevated numbers.

Summary of Regional Marital Stability

The Wyoming divorce rates tell us that the Equality State is a place of extremes. It is a state where people value marriage and starting families early, but it is also a place where the harsh realities of industrial work and rural isolation take a toll on relationships.

While the numbers remain high, the shift toward later marriages and better access to support suggests that the "Marriage Paradox" may eventually level out. By examining data from the National Center for Health Statistics, community leaders can better provide the resources families need to navigate the unique challenges of life in the West.

For more information on local community impacts, you can follow updates from laramielive.com or kowb1290.com.