Best states for wedded bliss: Marriages in West Virginia last the longest

TORONTO — Virginia may be for lovers, but West Virginia is where Americans should be headed if they’re looking for a long and happy marriage. In a revealing new study, researchers have uncovered some fascinating insights into the longevity of marriages across the United States.

The findings, which show a striking six-year gap between the states with the longest and shortest marriages, highlight how the location couples choose to settle down in has a significant impact on their marital bliss.

“Marriage trends tell us a lot about the health of our communities and can significantly influence public perception and related industries,” says Deepa Tailor, an expert in mental health from Divorce Lawyers, which commissioned the research.

The Marriage Marathon: Top States for Lasting Love

West Virginia emerges as the champion of lasting love, with marriages in the Mountain State enduring an impressive 22.6 years on average. The top states for marriage longevity form a diverse geographical spread, with Wisconsin close behind at 22.5 years, followed by Vermont at 22.4 years, and Montana at 22.1 years.

“In states like West Virginia, community support and traditional values play a huge role in keeping marriages intact,” explains Tailor.

Researchers add that the emphasis on traditional family life in Wisconsin, the progressive yet family-focused culture of Vermont, and the outdoor lifestyle of Montana all contribute to creating environments where marriages can thrive.

Top 10 States for Marriage Longevity

Rank	State	Median Marriage Duration (In Years)
1	West Virginia	22.6
2	Wisconsin	22.5
3	Vermont	22.4
4	Montana	22.1
5	Iowa	22
6	Michigan	22
7	Maine	21.8
8	Pennsylvania	21.8
9	South Dakota	21.8
10	Minnesota	21.4

Challenges in Paradise: States with Shorter Marriages

In stark contrast, couples in some states face a more challenging path after tying the knot. Alaska ranks at the bottom of the list, with marriages lasting just 16.8 years on average. Texas follows with 17.6 years, and Nevada, at 17.7 years, rounds out the bottom three.

According to the team from Divorce Lawyers, the reasons behind these shorter marriages are as varied as the states themselves. In urban areas like Georgia, where marriages last an average of 18.8 years, Tailor notes, “the high stress and mobility disrupt the stability needed for long-term relationships.”

Economic instability in Arkansas, rapid growth in Idaho, and the high cost of living in Washington all contribute to the strain on marriages in these states.

Bottom 10 States for Marriage Longevity

Rank	State	Median Marriage Duration (In Years)
41	Arkansas	19.2
42	Georgia	18.8
43	Idaho	18.6
44	Washington	18.3
45	Colorado	18.2
46	Oklahoma	18.2
47	Utah	18
48	Nevada	17.7
49	Texas	17.6
50	Alaska	16.8

What Keeps Couples Together for the Long Haul?

There are several key factors contributing to the longevity of marriages in different states. Economic stability plays a crucial role, with states boasting stable economies often seeing longer-lasting marriages, according to the study.

Community support and traditional values also significantly impact marital endurance, as seen in states like West Virginia and Wisconsin. The local culture and lifestyle, such as Vermont’s progressive yet family-focused environment or Montana’s outdoor-oriented living, create nurturing grounds for lasting relationships.

Conversely, high-stress urban environments, frequent relocations, and career pressures can strain marriages, as the study found in states like Colorado and Washington.

What Does This Mean for American Marriages?

“Our findings show how where you live can really impact how long your marriage lasts,” Tailor says. “States with longer marriages often have stable economies, strong community support, and traditional values, creating environments where relationships can thrive. On the other hand, states with shorter marriages face economic pressures, high mobility, and diverse cultural attitudes that make it harder for relationships to last.”

It’s important to remember that these are averages, and individual experiences may vary widely.

“Just like love, every place has its own way of making it work,” Tailor concludes.

Methodology

The average on a nationwide basis was calculated by using the state averages, taking into account the proportion of married people in a state using the same census data, then weighting it based on state population.