Lexi Webster
Divorce rates in Australia have been a subject of interest and analysis for many years, with a variety of factors influencing divorce rates, including age, economic conditions, and changing social attitudes. In 2023, the divorce rate in Australia was 2.3 divorces per 1,000 residents aged 16 and over, a decrease from 2.4 in 2022 and the lowest level since the 1970s. The median duration of marriages ending in divorce in 2023 was 13 years, and the median age at divorce was 47.1 years for men and 44.1 years for women. While the divorce rate has generally been on a downward trend since the turn of the millennium, there was a spike in 2021, with 56,244 divorces granted, which may be attributed to administrative changes that enabled quicker finalisation of divorces.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Divorce rate in 2023 | 2.3 divorces per 1,000 residents aged 16 and over |
| Divorce rate at the start of the millennium | 3.4 per 1,000 adult residents |
| Median age at divorce for men in 2023 | 47 years |
| Median age at divorce for men in 1980 | Early 30s |
| Median age at divorce for women in 2023 | 44 years |
| Median age at divorce for women in 1980 | Early 30s |
| Percentage of marriages that are second marriages | 10.8% |
| Percentage of second marriages that end in divorce | 60% |
| Percentage of marriages that end in divorce | 44% |
| Percentage increase in separation enquiries in December 2024 and January 2025 compared to the same period the previous year | 40% |
| Number of divorces granted in 2021 | 56,244 |
| Number of divorces granted in 2022 | 49,241 |
| Number of divorces granted in 2023 | 48,700 |
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What You'll Learn
Divorce rates are at a 50-year low
Divorce rates in Australia are at their lowest level in 50 years. In 2023, there were 2.3 divorces per 1,000 residents aged 16 and over, continuing a downward trend since the start of the millennium when divorce rates were at 3.4 per 1,000 adult residents. This decrease may be attributed to several factors, including a gradual drop in the marriage rate, people marrying at a later age, and more couples choosing to live together before marriage or opting for de facto relationships instead of traditional marriage.
The Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) reports that the median age of marriage has increased, with women marrying at 30 and men at 31, around eight years older than their counterparts in 1975. Similarly, the median age at divorce has risen for both men and women. In 2023, the median age at divorce was 47 years for men and 44 years for women, a significant shift from the early 30s median age for both genders in 1980.
The acceptance of diverse relationship forms, including de facto and same-gender marriages, has also contributed to the decline in divorce rates. In 2023, 83% of marriages were performed by civil celebrants, a shift from 1970 when 88% were conducted by ministers of religion. Almost 4% of marriages are now between same-gender couples, with female same-gender marriages outnumbering male same-gender marriages (2% and 1.5% of all marriages, respectively).
While the divorce rate has decreased overall, there are distinct patterns across different economic zones. Income disparities and access to legal services impact divorce rates, with metropolitan areas typically showing different divorce trends compared to rural regions. Additionally, the availability of relationship support services varies between regions, influencing the ease and timing of divorce finalisation.
The high standard of living and robust social security system in Australia also play a role in divorce patterns. Financial security and economic stability factors, such as employment rates and housing costs, are crucial considerations for couples when deciding to separate or divorce. These factors, along with changing social attitudes and relationship dynamics, have contributed to the decline in divorce rates over the last two decades.
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Second marriages are more likely to end in divorce
Australia's divorce rates are at their lowest level in 50 years. In 2023, there were 2.3 divorces per 1,000 residents aged 16 and over, continuing a downward trend since the start of the millennium. The median age at divorce in 2023 was 47 years for men and 44 years for women, up from the early 30s for both genders in 1980. The general decline in divorces is likely due to several factors, including a decrease in the number of marriages, people marrying at an older age, and the growing acceptance of de facto relationships.
Despite this overall decline, second marriages are more likely to end in divorce than first marriages. In Australia, 60% of second marriages end in divorce. This may be due to various factors, including individuals' increased inclination to leave unsatisfactory relationships, the challenges of blended families, and financial pressures from previous relationships. Additionally, certain character traits that contribute to marital instability may be more common in those who remarry.
There are several reasons why second marriages might be more prone to divorce. For instance, individuals may rush into a second marriage before fully healing from their first, or they may not have reflected on what they want to do differently. Additionally, prenuptial agreements are more common in second marriages, which may impact financial concerns. Furthermore, individuals may forget the worst parts of their first divorce over time, especially after finding love again, making them more likely to end their second marriage.
However, it is important to note that not all sources agree on the likelihood of second marriages ending in divorce. Some reports suggest that second marriages are generally more stable and successful than first marriages. This could be attributed to older couples having increased affluence and being less influenced by social and family pressures. Additionally, couples in second marriages may bring more wisdom and maturity to their relationship and be more committed to making it work.
Overall, while the divorce rate in Australia is declining, second marriages continue to face unique challenges that can increase the likelihood of divorce. However, awareness of these challenges can help couples build stronger and more lasting second marriages.
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The median age at divorce is rising
Divorce rates in Australia have been declining over the past two decades, with the exception of 2021 and the first two months of 2025. In 2023, there were 2.3 divorces per 1,000 residents aged 16 and over, down from 3.4 per 1,000 in 2000. This decrease is attributed to various factors, including a gradual drop in the marriage rate, people marrying at a later age, and more couples choosing to live together before marriage or opting for de facto relationships.
Despite the overall decline in divorce rates, there has been an increase in the median age at divorce for both men and women. In 2023, the median age at divorce was 47.1 years for men and 44.1 years for women, a significant shift from the early 30s median age for both genders in the 1980s. This trend is partly due to the rise in divorces of long-term marriages where children have grown up, as well as people marrying at a later age and prioritising personal development and individual goals.
The age at divorce has been consistently rising over recent decades, reflecting a significant shift from historical patterns. This upward trend is influenced by various factors, including the acceptance of diverse relationship forms, such as long-term de facto relationships, and the diminishing social pressure to marry early. Couples today have more freedom in timing their commitments, often delaying marriage due to extended periods of education and career establishment.
Additionally, financial considerations play a crucial role in relationship decisions. The high cost of housing and the pursuit of financial independence may delay couples' decisions to formalise their relationships. Furthermore, financial stressors, such as those experienced during the holiday period and exacerbated by the cost-of-living crisis, can push some couples to their breaking point, potentially contributing to the spike in divorce enquiries observed at the beginning of 2025.
While the median age at divorce is rising, it is important to note that younger couples (under 35) exhibit different divorce patterns compared to middle-aged (35-50) and older couples (50+). Additionally, second marriages in Australia tend to have higher divorce rates, with up to 60% ending in divorce due to factors such as the impact of previous relationship experiences, blended family dynamics, and financial pressures from past commitments.
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Divorce rates vary across different economic zones
Divorce rates in Australia have been on a general decline for the last two decades. In 2023, the crude divorce rate was 2.3 per 1,000 residents aged 16 and over, continuing the downward trend since the start of the millennium when divorce rates were at 3.4 per 1,000 adult residents. However, this rate varies across different economic zones in the country.
Income disparities between regions influence how easily couples can access legal services and support networks, resulting in varying divorce rates. Urban areas tend to show different divorce trends compared to rural regions due to factors such as cultural composition and the acceptance of de facto relationships. Metropolitan areas typically offer more comprehensive legal support, and faster processing times for divorce applications, affecting how quickly couples can finalise their divorces.
The availability of relationship support services also impacts divorce rates, with some regions having more robust support networks than others. Regional areas have traditionally had more limited access to legal services, but recent administrative changes have streamlined divorce application processing across all states, benefiting these areas.
Australia's high standard of living and robust social security system also influence divorce patterns. Financial security and economic stability factors, such as employment rates and housing costs, play a crucial role in relationship decisions. For example, housing affordability challenges can delay couples' decisions to formalise their relationships, contributing to changing patterns in divorce rates.
In summary, divorce rates in Australia vary across different economic zones due to factors such as income disparities, access to legal and support services, standard of living, and economic stability considerations. These factors interact in complex ways to shape the divorce landscape across the country.
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The number of marriages increased in 2022
After two years of decline, the number of marriages in Australia increased significantly in 2022. The country recorded 127,161 marriage registrations, the highest number ever, marking a notable rise from the COVID-19 pandemic years of 2020 and 2021, which saw 78,987 and 89,167 marriages, respectively.
The crude marriage rate for 2022 was 6.1 marriages per 1,000 eligible individuals aged 16 and over, a recovery from the previous five years, though still below pre-2015 levels. This rate reflects the number of marriages registered during the year per 1,000 people of the estimated resident population over the age of 16 in Australia.
The median age at marriage also increased slightly in 2022, with men marrying at an average age of 32.5 years and women at 30.9 years. Marriages among same-sex couples rose in 2022, but did not surpass the figures from 2018 and 2019. New South Wales and Victoria experienced significant increases in marriage numbers in 2022, with rises of 65% and 77%, respectively, attributed to post-COVID recoveries.
The number of marriages in Australia decreased in 2023, with 118,439 marriages registered, though this figure is still well above the pandemic-related lows of 2020 and 2021. The crude marriage rate for 2023 was 5.5 marriages per 1,000 people aged 16 and over, comparable to the pre-pandemic rate of 5.6 recorded in 2019.
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Frequently asked questions
The crude divorce rate in Australia in 2023 was 2.3 divorces per 1,000 residents aged 16 and over. This is a significant decrease from 2000, when the rate was 3.4 per 1,000 adult residents.
The crude divorce rate in Australia rose in the 1960s and 1970s, peaking at 4.6 per 1,000 residents in 1976. The rate then began to trend downwards in the 2000s, reaching a low of 1.9 in 2016. There was a slight increase in 2021, but the overall trend has continued downward.
Several factors influence divorce rates in Australia, including age, income, relationship support services, cultural composition, and social attitudes. People who marry at a younger age are more likely to divorce, with the highest divorce rate for men between 25 and 29 years and for women aged 24 and under, and 25-29 years. Income disparities between regions also impact divorce rates, as access to legal services and support networks varies. Cultural composition and social attitudes also play a role, with metropolitan areas typically showing different divorce trends compared to rural regions.
The decline in divorce rates in Australia has been attributed in part to the decreasing number of marriages and the increasing acceptance of alternatives such as de facto relationships. In 2023, almost 4% of marriages were between same-gender couples, and the majority of couples lived together before getting married. These factors contribute to the overall decline in divorce rates.
