Kansas Divorce Rates

Divorce is a common part of family life across the United States, but the numbers vary widely depending on where you live. Kansas stands out for having one of the lowest divorce rates in the country, making it very different from southern or western states where separation is more common.

What Are Divorce Rates in Kansas?

Divorce rates are usually measured as the number of divorces per 1,000 people or per 1,000 women aged 15 and older. The National Center for Health Statistics and the American Community Survey provide the most reliable data.

In Kansas, the divorce rate has hovered around 1.9 per 1,000 residents in recent years. This puts Kansas near the bottom of all U.S. states that report data, making it one of the most stable states for marriages.

Compared to the U.S. average of around 2.3 per 1,000, Kansas couples divorce less frequently.

Kansas Divorce Rates Compared to National Trends

Across the United States, divorce rates have declined steadily since the 1980s. The peak came in 1979, when rates reached over 22 divorces per 1,000 married women. Since then, the numbers have dropped, especially after the 2008 recession and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kansas followed this national trend but at a lower baseline. Even when divorce was peaking in other states, Kansas consistently reported below-average levels.

National vs. Kansas Divorce Rates

Kansas consistently places in the bottom 10 states for divorce rates.

Marriage and Divorce Together

Divorce rates cannot be understood without looking at marriage rates. Kansas reports a marriage rate of about 5.3 per 1,000 residents , which is close to the national average. This means that Kansans still marry at regular rates but tend to stay married longer compared to other states.

Some states with high divorce rates, like Nevada, also have high marriage rates. The churn of frequent marriages and divorces boosts both numbers. Kansas is different, its couples marry at moderate levels and then remain married more often.

This stability reflects both cultural and economic factors. Kansas is not a major destination for “quick weddings” or tourism-based marriages, so its numbers avoid the spikes seen in places like Las Vegas. Instead, marriages are more rooted in long-term community and family life. This creates a pattern where fewer people cycle through multiple marriages, and those who do marry are more likely to take a traditional, long-term view of the commitment.

Historical Perspective on Kansas Divorce

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has tracked marriages and marriage dissolutions for decades. While rates in the state have dropped since the late 20th century, the decline has been steady and not as sharp as elsewhere.

• In the 1990s, Kansas divorce rates were slightly higher than today but still below the national average.
• During the 2008 recession, Kansas saw only a modest dip in marriages and divorces.
• In 2020 and 2021, when COVID-19 disrupted court operations nationwide, Kansas divorces briefly dropped, then returned to normal by 2022.

This stability shows that Kansas is less vulnerable to sharp swings caused by national crises.

Demographic Patterns in Divorce

Divorce rates vary not just by state but also by age, education, income, and religion.

• Age: National data shows people aged 20–25 are most likely to divorce. In Kansas, later marriages and family traditions reduce this early risk.
• Religion: Kansas has higher levels of religious participation than many states. While divorce is not prohibited, strong cultural norms encourage couples to work through challenges.
• Education: Higher education levels are linked to lower divorce. Kansas universities and stable employment sectors contribute to this trend.
• Urban vs. Rural: Rural areas often show lower divorce rates, and much of Kansas is rural. Smaller communities mean stronger social expectations around marriage.

Kansas Compared to States with High and Low Divorce Rates

According to the American Community Survey and National Center for Health Statistics, the states with the highest divorce rates are concentrated in the South and West, while the lowest are in the Northeast and Midwest.

Highest and Lowest Divorce Rates by State (2022)

Kansas does not fall in the absolute bottom five but is always ranked among the lowest quartile of divorce states.

Why Kansas Has Low Divorce Rates

Several factors explain why Kansas divorce rates are consistently low:

• Strong community and family networks: Many Kansans live near extended family, which provides support during marital difficulties.
• Moderate marriage rates: Couples marry at average ages, reducing the risks linked to very young marriages.
• Economic stability: While not the wealthiest state, Kansas has a steady agricultural and service economy, reducing the financial stress that often leads to divorce.
• Conservative values: Cultural expectations in Kansas encourage long-term commitment and discourage divorce unless absolutely necessary.

The Role of Age and “Gray Divorce”

One of the most talked-about national trends in family law today is the rise of gray divorce, a term used to describe divorces among couples over the age of 50. While divorce was once less common in this age group, shifting cultural attitudes and longer life expectancy have led many older adults to reconsider whether they want to remain in marriages that no longer bring satisfaction or stability.

In Kansas, gray divorce is becoming more visible, though the state does not show the same steep increases seen in retirement-heavy destinations like Florida or Arizona. Several factors help explain this pattern. Kansas has a more balanced age distribution, with fewer retirees relocating specifically for retirement living. Additionally, community ties and cultural values in Kansas often encourage long-term marital stability.

Still, as people live longer, healthier lives, some older couples begin to pursue independence or new opportunities rather than remain in marriages that no longer work for them. For example, individuals in their 50s or 60s may decide that they want a fresh start in retirement, or they may have delayed divorce until children are grown and out of the home.

Despite this growing trend, the majority of divorces in Kansas still occur among younger couples. Data shows that divorces most commonly involve people in their late 20s to late 30s, often within the first decade of marriage. These cases are usually driven by financial stress, child-rearing pressures, or mismatched life expectations. Older marriages, on the other hand, are statistically more likely to remain intact, even when challenges arise, partly because of stronger community roots and longer histories together.

Gray divorces also bring unique challenges compared to younger divorces. Older couples must navigate the division of retirement accounts, pensions, Social Security considerations, and sometimes adult children’s involvement. In Kansas, equitable distribution rules apply, meaning retirement assets built up during the marriage are subject to division. This can complicate financial planning for individuals close to or already in retirement.

Economic and Social Impacts of Divorce in Kansas

Even though Kansas divorce rates are low, divorce still affects thousands of families every year. The impacts include:

• Financial strain: Division of property, child support, and possible spousal support.
• Emotional stress: Families often face challenges adjusting to new routines.
• Community support: In smaller Kansas towns, churches and local organizations often step in to help divorced families.

Divorce also places demands on the court system. Kansas district courts handle hundreds of divorce filings annually, though fewer than in states with higher rates.

Divorce Rates and Public Policy

The Kansas government and courts do not take steps to directly raise or lower divorce rates. However, policies such as mandatory parenting classes in some counties and the availability of mediation services help reduce conflict. These measures may indirectly support Kansas’ relatively low divorce levels.

Comparing Kansas to Neighboring States

Kansas divorce rates are lower than most of its neighbors.

• Oklahoma has historically had one of the highest divorce rates in the country.
• Missouri sits above the national average.
• Colorado is closer to the national average.
• Nebraska is more similar to Kansas, also reporting relatively low rates.

This regional variation shows that state culture and demographics matter as much as national trends.

The Future of Divorce in Kansas

Looking forward, experts expect Kansas divorce rates to remain low. Younger generations are waiting longer to marry, which usually leads to more stable unions. At the same time, gray divorce may rise slightly, reflecting national patterns.

Overall, Kansas is likely to continue ranking among the lowest divorce states in the U.S.

Key Takeaways

• Kansas has one of the lowest divorce rates in the nation, about 1.9 per 1,000 residents.
• Marriage rates are average, meaning couples marry at regular levels but divorce less often.
• Demographics such as religion, rural living, and strong family support help explain the trend.
• Kansas divorces are most common in younger couples but less frequent among older adults compared to other states.
• Compared to neighboring states, Kansas is more stable, with divorce rates well below Oklahoma and Missouri.

Finally…

Divorce is part of life in every state, but Kansas divorce rates show a different picture than much of the United States. With one of the lowest rates in the country, Kansas reflects a culture of family stability, strong community ties, and moderate marriage practices.

While challenges like gray divorce and financial pressures still exist, Kansas remains a place where marriages are less likely to end in separation. For policymakers, families, and researchers, this makes Kansas an important case study in how demographics and culture shape divorce outcomes.