A significant number of 40-year-olds in the United States have never been married, with men, African Americans, and individuals with a high school education or less being most likely to fall into this category, according to a new analysis by the Pew Research Center. The study, which analyzed Census Bureau data, revealed that 25% of 40-year-olds in 2021 reported never having been married, marking a 5% increase from 2010 when only 20% of individuals in that age group were unmarried. Comparatively, back in 1980, only 6% of 40-year-olds stated they had never been married.
The analysis, conducted by Richard Fry, a senior researcher at the Pew Research Center, also highlighted that the majority of these never-married 40-year-olds are not cohabiting with a romantic partner. Fry’s findings revealed that in 2022, only 22% of never-married adults between the ages of 40 and 44 were living with a partner.
Further breakdowns introduced in the analysis demonstrated that 28% of 40-year-old men in the United States were unmarried, compared to 22% of women in the same age group. Additionally, the data indicated that black Americans were the least likely to have ever married by the age of 40, with 46% of black 40-year-olds reporting that they have never been married. In comparison, 27% of Hispanics, 20% of white Americans, and 17% of Asians reported the same.
The analysis also highlighted the influence of educational attainment on marriage rates among 40-year-olds. Individuals with lower levels of education were more likely to be unmarried, with 33% of never-married 40-year-olds reporting a high school level of education or less. In contrast, 26% of individuals with some college-level education and only 18% of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher stated they had never been married.
Despite an increase in the number of 40-year-olds with at least a bachelor’s degree, Fry emphasized that having a higher education level does not counteract the trend of delayed or foregone marriage. While the share of never-married 40-year-olds has decreased among the more highly educated individuals, it has not reversed the overall trend.
Several factors contribute to the declining marriage rates, including changing social norms and economic insecurity. A 2020 report from the National Center for Health Statistics revealed that the marriage rate in the United States reached its lowest point in over 100 years. The report highlighted that adults are increasingly postponing marriage, and a growing number of young adults are projected to forgo marriage altogether.
Researchers have also noted the role of economic factors in shaping marriage trends. A study published in Mismatches in the Marriage Market by Daniel T. Lichter, Joseph P. Price, and Jeffrey M. Swigert acknowledged that marriage is becoming a status symbol of wealth. Successful women, in particular, face challenges in finding partners who earn equal or higher incomes and possess a college degree. These factors contribute to their decision to remain unmarried or compromise on their partner’s financial and educational qualifications.
University of Maryland sociology professor Philip Cohen, author of The Coming Divorce Decline, highlighted that marriage is evolving into an achievement of status for those who choose it. As attitudes toward divorce become more permissive and cohabitation becomes less stable, marriage is becoming rarer but more stable. Cohen suggested that this changing landscape represents a central component of social inequality.
The declining marriage rates among 40-year-olds in the United States reflect broader societal shifts and changing dynamics in personal relationships. While marrying later or remaining unmarried may have its benefits, such as increased independence and career opportunities, it is essential to consider the potential consequences on health outcomes, longevity, and economic security. As researchers continue to explore the reasons behind these trends, it is crucial to understand the impact on individuals, families, and society at large.
