Marriage Rates Fall to Record Low

Photo Courtesy - U.S. Census Bureau(WASHINGTON) -- The number of young adults, ages 18 and older, getting married has fallen to a record low of 52 percent, according to data released Wednesday from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2009 American Community Survey (ACS) and 2010 Current Population Survey (CPS).  The data shows a five percent drop from figures taken in 2000, making it the lowest percentage on record since the U.S. Census Bureau began collecting information on marital statuses over 100 years ago.

Between 2000 and 2009, the amount of married 25 to 34-year-olds fell from 55 percent to 45 percent, according to ACS statistics.  Within the same time period, the number of those who have never been wed jumped from 34 percent to 46 percent.  In fact, the proportion of unmarried young adults now surpasses those who are married.

The decline in marriage rates is accompanied by an uprise in cohabitation, as the U.S. Census Bureau reports.  The Census Bureau attributes this increase to rising unemployment rates and growing economic uncertainty.

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