What Is the United States’ Average Age of Marriage?

Is there ever really a “right” time to get married?

Some tie the knot young, swept up in the excitement of early love. Others wait—until the career settles, until the timing feels better, or until they feel completely sure.

There is no one-size-fits-all, yet the numbers still tell a quiet story about how things have changed… and how we, as a society, have changed, too. Over the years, expectations have shifted, priorities have evolved, and the idea of what counts as “too early” or “too late” has blurred.

The United States average age of marriage reflects much more than statistics—it captures generational choices, pressures, and freedoms. Behind every average is a mix of hesitation, hope, and personal timing… and sometimes, that timing says more than we realize.

What is the current United States average age of marriage?

There is no rush to the altar these days—and that is okay. People are taking more time, thinking things through, and choosing marriage when it feels right for them.

So, what is the current United States average age of marriage?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau (2024):

• Men are now marrying at an average age of 30.2 years
• Women are marrying at an average age of 28.6 years

That is the highest recorded average in American history—and it says a lot. Back in 1960, the numbers looked quite different:

• The average age for men was just 22.8 years
• For women, it was 20.3 years

That means that in just over six decades, the average age of marriage has jumped by 7 to 8 years for both men and women. It is not a small shift—it is a generational one.

Research highlight: The median age at first marriage has increased significantly, reaching 28.1 for women and 30.5 for men by 2020. Delays are accelerating, with projections showing half of women born in 1997 may remain unmarried by age 37.4. This highlights a need to focus more on midlife marriage patterns.

What has changed?

Quite a lot, actually. People are prioritizing education, careers, financial stability, and emotional readiness. Some are healing from past relationship patterns before committing to something long-term. Others are simply redefining what commitment means.

And maybe that is not something to worry about… maybe it is something to understand. Marriage is no longer a race to the altar—it is becoming a thoughtful choice made on your own timeline.

7 ways the U.S. marriage age has shifted over time

Marriage in the U.S. has not followed a straight path. It has shifted, stalled, and surged—each twist telling a story about culture, economy, and individual choice.

While love has always played a role, so have expectations, norms, and changing definitions of what it means to build a life together. Let us look at how the journey toward saying “I do” has changed across generations.

1. Marriage happened much earlier in the 1950s and ’60s

Back then, most couples tied the knot in their early 20s—or even their late teens. Getting married young was seen as the natural next step after high school or college.

Women often became wives before starting careers, and men married early while working stable jobs. The average age to get married was around 20 for women and 22 for men, making early adulthood synonymous with commitment and family life.

• Quick stat: In 1960, the U.S. Census Bureau recorded the median age at first marriage as 22.8 for men and 20.3 for women.
• Myth buster: People often think these early marriages were always stable, but divorce rates actually began rising sharply in the decades that followed.

2. The 1970s sparked a noticeable delay

The rise of feminism, the influx of women in college, and increased access to birth control started shifting timelines. People—especially women—began to focus more on independence before settling down.

The idea of choosing marriage later or not at all slowly gained acceptance. For the first time, marriage was no longer a “must” by your early 20s.

• Quick stat: By 1979, the average age had risen to 24.2 for men and 21.6 for women.
• Myth buster: There is a belief that fewer marriages meant less commitment—but many long-term couples chose cohabitation instead of traditional vows.

3. The 1980s brought balance but no return to early marriage

While traditional values were often promoted in the 80s, the marriage age did not drop back to earlier levels. Instead, couples found a kind of middle ground—marrying a little later, often after finishing school or launching a career.

It was a quieter shift but one that continued the trend of thoughtful timing over urgency. By then, many people were in their mid-to-late 20s before walking down the aisle.

• Quick stat: In 1985, the median age at first marriage was 25.5 for men and 23.3 for women.
• Myth buster: The 80s are remembered for “traditional family values,” but that did not mean a return to 1950s timelines—marriage was already evolving.

4. The 1990s made cohabitation more common

Living together without marriage became more accepted, giving couples room to explore relationships without formal commitment. This naturally pushed marriage further down the timeline for many.

The delay was not always about resistance—it was often about wanting to be sure. The culture began embracing trial and error before tying the knot.

• Quick stat: By the late 1990s, over 40% of couples reported living together before marriage.
• Myth buster: Some assumed cohabiting couples were less serious—but many were simply redefining the pathway to commitment.

Research highlight: Serial cohabitation rose nearly 40% from the late 1990s to early 2000s, especially among young adults. Though more common among never-married women, most still cohabited only with future spouses. The trend is concentrated among disadvantaged groups but has increased broadly across the U.S. population.

5. The 2000s emphasized individual fulfillment

By the early 2000s, more people began viewing marriage as something that should happen only after you truly “found yourself.” Careers, personal growth, and mental health became part of the decision.

The pressure to follow a timeline started to fade. Choosing when and whether to marry became a deeply personal path, not a social rule.

• Quick stat: In 2005, the average marriage age reached 27.1 for men and 25.3 for women.
• Myth buster: The idea that “waiting too long” would hurt your chances of marriage was common—but many people found stronger partnerships later in life.

6. The 2010s normalized late 20s and early 30s marriages

It was no longer unusual—or even questioned—for people to marry closer to 30. The shift became the norm.

The United States average age of marriage rose steadily during this time, with couples waiting longer to achieve financial security, stability, and shared goals. It was a quiet cultural agreement: later can be better.

• Quick stat: By 2018, the median age had risen to 29.8 for men and 27.8 for women.
• Myth buster: Delayed marriage was once seen as a sign of “fear of commitment,”—but for many, it reflected emotional maturity and practical wisdom.

7. Today’s generation values readiness over tradition

Now, many people do not feel rushed—and that is a healthy change. Readiness means different things to different people: emotional maturity, financial independence, or just knowing yourself better.

Marriage is still important to many, but the urgency is gone. More than ever, it is about timing that feels right—not one that is expected.

• Quick stat: In 2024, the average age stands at 30.2 for men and 28.4 for women—marking the highest in U.S. history.
• Myth buster: There is still a myth that “later means never,” but many people today are marrying later—and staying married longer.

Who marries the youngest and oldest? A state-by-state comparison

While national trends indicate people are marrying later in life, state-by-state differences reveal a more nuanced picture. Factors such as cultural norms, economic conditions, and educational attainment all play a role in these variations.

• Median age at first marriage by state

The following table presents the median age at first marriage for men and women in each U.S. state, based on the latest data from Bowling Green State University (BGSU):

State	Median Age at First Marriage (Men)	Median Age at First Marriage (Women)
Alabama	29	27.2
Alaska	28.8	27.4
Arizona	31.1	28.5
Arkansas	28.1	26
California	32.1	30.2
Colorado	30.9	28.6
Connecticut	31.8	30.3
Delaware	31.2	29.6
Florida	31	29.2
Georgia	30.6	28.4
Hawaii	32.5	27.1
Idaho	27.8	26.2
Illinois	31	29.6
Indiana	29.4	26.9
Iowa	29	26.7
Kansas	28.9	26.2
Kentucky	27.8	26.3
Louisiana	30.4	27.9
Maine	30.2	28.8
Maryland	31.5	29.6
Massachusetts	32	30.5
Michigan	30.8	28.6
Minnesota	30.2	28.3
Mississippi	27.6	28.2
Missouri	28.8	27
Montana	29.7	26.2
Nebraska	28.8	27
Nevada	31	29.3
New Hampshire	30.6	29.3
New Jersey	31.5	30.3
New Mexico	30.5	27.5
New York	32.2	30.5
North Carolina	29.8	27.6
North Dakota	29.5	27.1
Ohio	30.2	28.3
Oklahoma	28.2	26.2
Oregon	31	28.2
Pennsylvania	31.1	29.4
Rhode Island	31.6	30.1
South Carolina	29.7	27.8
South Dakota	27.2	27
Tennessee	28.2	27.1
Texas	30	27.9
Utah	26.8	25.2
Vermont	31.2	30.3
Virginia	30.3	28.1
Washington	30.4	28
West Virginia	27.7	26.4
Wisconsin	30.4	28.5
Wyoming	29.2	28

Here are some quick observations on the average age of marriage by state:

• Youngest median ages: States like Utah, Arkansas, and Idaho have the youngest median ages at first marriage. Cultural and religious influences, particularly in Utah, contribute to earlier marriages.
• Oldest median ages: Northeastern states such as Massachusetts, New York, and Connecticut exhibit higher median ages, possibly due to factors like higher educational attainment and urban living.
• National averages: The national median age at first marriage in 2024 is 30.2 for men and 28.6 for women, reflecting a continued trend of marrying later in life.

5 reasons why Americans are getting married later

The reasons people wait to get married are not always obvious—but they are often thoughtful. Marriage is still a meaningful milestone for many; it just happens later now.

Whether it is about career, identity, or the changing pace of life, the shift is not random… it is deeply personal.

1. Prioritizing education and career goals

More Americans are spending their early adulthood finishing degrees, building careers, and securing financial independence. These years, once spent preparing for marriage, are now often used to establish personal stability.

People want to bring their best selves into a relationship—and that takes time. Marriage is not off the table; it is simply delayed to make room for growth. This shift is not about avoiding love—it is about being ready for it.

2. Greater acceptance of cohabitation

Cohabiting before marriage is now common and socially accepted. Couples are choosing to live together first, using that time to learn about compatibility and shared responsibility.

This offers many of the benefits of marriage without immediate legal or social pressure. For many, this stage builds emotional security and clarity. It helps couples decide if marriage is the right next step—or not.

3. Changing definitions of commitment

Commitment today looks different from what it used to be. People are more open to long-term relationships without immediate marriage. This flexibility allows partners to define love and connection in ways that work for them.

While some still follow the traditional path, others rewrite it entirely. That freedom has contributed to the gradual increase in the United States’ average age of marriage.

4. Financial stress and insecurity

Marriage is not just an emotional bond—it is a financial one, too. Rising living costs, student debt, and economic uncertainty make many people feel unprepared.

The idea of building a life together sounds lovely, but it also requires stability. Rather than rush in, many couples choose to wait until their financial foundation feels more secure. It is a practical choice, not a lack of love.

5. Desire for personal growth and independence

There is a growing desire to know oneself before committing to someone else. Young adults are focusing on self-discovery, therapy, travel, and hobbies—all the things that help shape identity. It is not about selfishness; it is about clarity.

By the time they choose to marry, many feel more confident, more grounded, and more sure of what they want. That personal foundation can lead to healthier, more fulfilling partnerships.

How does the U.S. stack up globally?

In the United States, the median age at first marriage has been steadily rising over the past few decades. As of 2021, the median age was approximately 30.4 for men and 28.6 for women.

Globally, the age at first marriage varies significantly across countries:

• Higher Median Ages: Countries like Spain (38.8), Chile (37.8), and the Netherlands (37.6) report some of the highest average ages at first marriage.
• Similar Median Ages: Nations such as Ireland (35.0) and Uruguay (34.8) have median ages that are comparable to the U.S.
• Lower Median Ages: In contrast, countries like Chad have much lower average ages at first marriage, with couples typically marrying around age 19.2.

These variations reflect diverse cultural, economic, and social factors influencing marriage decisions worldwide. They also show how marriage is no longer tied to a fixed timeline—but to individual readiness, stability, and evolving societal expectations.

7 ways delayed marriage is affecting American society

Marriage is still on the table—but it is just arriving a little later. Whether it is the pursuit of independence, a growing sense of self, or simply different priorities, the shift in timing is undeniable.

And with the United States average age of marriage rising steadily, society is feeling the ripple effects in ways both subtle and surprising.

1. Greater focus on personal development

More Americans are prioritizing education, careers, and mental health before settling down.

Delaying marriage often gives individuals time to understand who they are and what they truly want from a relationship—something that was not always a luxury in previous generations.

Through the generations:

• Boomers typically married early, often in their early 20s, and grew into adulthood together.
• Millennials and Gen Z are taking more time, seeing personal growth as a prerequisite—not a result—of marriage.

2. Changes in family planning

With marriage happening later, the timeline for having children has shifted too. Many couples are choosing to have kids later, have fewer children, or explore nontraditional family structures.

Fertility conversations and technologies have become part of the picture in ways they were not before.

Through the generations:

• Gen X may have delayed kids slightly, but Millennials are now facing a different set of decisions—balancing biological clocks with financial stability and lifestyle goals.
• Gen Z is still forming opinions.

3. Shifts in financial dynamics

Waiting to marry often means entering relationships with established careers, savings, or even debt.

Financial independence can bring more equality into a partnership—but also adds pressure to “have it all together” before saying “I do.”

Through the generations:

• Boomers often built financial lives together from scratch.
• Millennials and Gen Z tend to want more solid footing before taking the plunge, influenced by student debt and rising living costs.

4. Redefining commitment and timelines

Modern couples no longer feel the need to follow a rigid relationship timeline.

Some cohabit for years, others marry and never have kids, while a growing number choose long-term commitment without marriage at all.

Through the generations:

• Where Boomers saw marriage as the default marker of commitment,
• Millennials and Gen Z are exploring varied definitions—engagements without weddings or lifelong partners without rings.

5. Mental health and emotional readiness

More individuals are stepping into marriage with therapy experience, emotional awareness, and healthier communication skills.

This shift supports more intentional, stable partnerships—but it also raises expectations for what marriage should look and feel like.

Through the generations:

• While older generations often kept struggles private,
• Younger ones are embracing emotional wellness and are more open to asking for help—before and during marriage.

Watch this TED Talk where Simone Cox, a professor of counseling, explains how emotional well-being affects personal growth:

6. Economic and housing pressures

High rent, inflation, and job instability have made it harder for many to feel “ready” for marriage. These external factors often delay major milestones, even when couples feel emotionally prepared.

Through the generations:

• Boomers bought homes in their 20s; Millennials may still be renting in their 30s.
• Gen Z is coming of age in a financially uncertain world and may face even longer delays.

7. Evolving cultural expectations

There is less stigma around waiting to marry—or not marrying at all. Society is growing more accepting of diverse paths, from single parenthood to lifelong cohabitation.

This flexibility allows people to define love and commitment in ways that feel true to them.

Through the generations:

• Gen Z and younger Millennials are actively reshaping societal norms.
• Gen X often serves as the in-between—balancing tradition with openness to change.

What these trends mean for the future

The rising United States average age of marriage tells us something important—it is not that love or commitment matters less, but that people are taking more time to understand themselves, build stability, and make thoughtful choices.

This shift could lead to stronger partnerships, more intentional family planning, and a broader definition of what a meaningful relationship looks like.

It is not about delaying happiness—just reshaping the path to it. As society continues to evolve, so will the way we define connection, timing, and what it truly means to build a life together.