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LDS Divorce Statistics for 2024
(Trends & More) 

Welcome to my comprehensive exploration of LDS divorce statistics (based on the limited information and data available). In this space, I delve into the nuanced trends within the Latter-day Saint community, shedding light on the complexities of marital relationships and divorce dynamics.

Navigate through the latest data to discern patterns and shifts in divorce rates, exploring how factors like age, duration of marriage, and regional variations contribute to the evolving landscape of relationships within the LDS community.

Whether you seek a deeper understanding of these trends for personal insight or academic curiosity, my goal is to provide a valuable resource for individuals navigating the challenges and triumphs of divorce within the unique context of Latter-day Saint beliefs and practices. Join me on this journey of discovery and empowerment.

Top 5 LDS Divorce & Marriage Statistics

  • Divorce Rate of Temple Marriages?

It is unknown. Estimates range from 6% to 30%
  • Average age of marriage of Latter-day Saints
Surveys suggest that the average age of marriage for U.S. Latter-day Saints is around 22 to 23.
  • % of Latter-day Saints marriages outside of their faith
About 12% of Latter-day Saints are interfaith marriages
  • What percentage of Latter-day Saints get married in the temple versus civil unions?
In the United States in 1990, 65% of marriages where both spouses were members of the Church were temple marriages, whereas in Mexico it was 20%. Unfortunately, there is no more recent data available.
  • Are Latter-day Saint Marriages More Stable?
9% of Latter-day Saints identified as divorced.
Catholics (15%), Buddhists (16%), Evangelical Protestants (17%), Historically Black Protestants (30%), Jehovah’s Witnesses (15%), Jews (12%), Mainline Protestants (15%), Muslims (15%), Orthodox Christians (13%), and Unaffiliated (17%).
My Take

In the Church 0f Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, marriage and family hold a central role, but these topics can be sensitive for various reasons. Questions arise about potential pressure to marry, the acceptance of divorce among Latter-day Saints, and the impact of a perceived stigma on staying in unhappy marriages. Additionally, there's curiosity about whether it's acceptable for Church members to marry outside the faith.

It's crucial to acknowledge the uniqueness of each marriage, recognizing that reducing the complexities of these relationships to statistics doesn't capture the full narrative. Some data suggests that married Latter-day Saints in the United States experience lower divorce rates, with indications that their marriages may be happier compared to the general population.

While marriage is fundamental in the Church, not everyone can marry in this life, and some may face the pain of divorce. Despite simple phrases like "families are forever," it's essential to understand that mortal realities can be more intricate. Marriages may not always succeed, leading to complex family structures. However, with the assurance that the plan of salvation extends beyond this life, we can find comfort in the belief that we will be reunited with our loved ones in the eternities.

Breakdown of statistics with known data by year

Unfortunately, the church does not put a lot data/information about the subject, and there isn't much 3rd party research on the subject either. Of course we all know divorce in the church is on the rise and is almost becoming an epidemic. As soon as more information becomes available, I will post it on my website.

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  1. 1985:

    • Latter-day Saints (Male): 14.3%

    • Latter-day Saints (Female): 18.8%

    • Catholics (Male): 19.8%

    • Catholics (Female): 23.1%

    • Liberal Protestants (Male): 24.4%

    • Liberal Protestants (Female): 30.8%

    • Conservative Protestants (Male): 27.7%

    • Conservative Protestants (Female): 30.9%

    • None (Male): 39.2%

    • None (Female): 44.7%

  2. 1993:

    • Latter-day Saints: 13%

    • Catholic: 20%

    • Jewish: 27%

    • Other Religion: 13%

    • No Religion: 36%

    • Ecumenical Protestant: 20%

    • Exclusivist Protestant: 19%

  3. 2009:

    • Latter-day Saints: 9%

    • U.S. National Average: 13%

    • 'None's': 11%

    • Jewish: 8%

  4. 2010:

    • Returned-missionary men: 9%

    • Returned-missionary women: 15%

    • Non-returned-missionary LDS men: 29%

    • U.S. Men nationally: 38%

    • Non-returned-missionary LDS women: 21%

    • U.S. Women nationally: 48%

  5. 2021 (From the Mouth of Two or Three Surveys):

    • Latter-day Saints: 28%

    • Nonmembers: 42%

  6. 2021 (Are Latter-day Saint Marriages More Stable?):

    • Latter-day Saints: 9%

    • Catholics: 15%

    • Buddhists: 16%

    • Evangelical Protestants: 17%

    • Historically Black Protestants: 30%

    • Jehovah’s Witnesses: 15%

    • Jews: 12%

    • Mainline Protestants: 15%

    • Muslims: 15%

    • Orthodox Christians: 13%

    • Unaffiliated: 17%

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