In short? About 30% of marriages in Australia end in divorce – however, it fluctuates. It has been more challenging to assess in recent years in Australia due to previously unaccounted-for factors, such as overseas same-sex marriages becoming valid in Australia, and cancellations and administrative delays due to Covid. Many fewer marriages take place per 1000 people today, and de facto relationships, which are very common, are not shown in divorce data.
2025 Australian divorce rates & trends over time
In this article, we’ll look at the available data for divorce rates in Australia and recent trends over time. Please be aware that the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), which provides the most current insights into marriage stability and divorce trends across the country, was released on July 23rd, 2025. This data covers 2024 – you can view it in full here.
It’s always worth remembering that data often results in averages, and that every person in a long, happy, and stable marriage will be rounded out by others on their fourth marriage.
Introduction
Divorce rates offer essential insights into the health and stability of marriages across Australia. While approximately 30% of marriages end in divorce, this number isn’t fixed and is influenced by social changes, legal reforms and external events. In recent years, new factors have been affecting how these statistics are recorded and interpreted, making ongoing analysis essential.
Key divorce statistics in Australia based on 2024 ABS data
In 2024, 47,216 divorces were granted in Australia, with a crude divorce rate of 2.1 per 1,000 people aged 16 and over. The median duration of marriage at divorce rose to 13.2 years, while the median age at divorce remained steady at 47.1 for men and 44.1 for women. Around half of divorces continue to involve children under 18.
In 2024, 1,773 people chose to marry on 24/02/2024,
likely due to its palindromic structure.
What is the total number of marriages recorded in Australia in recent years?
Recent marriage numbers in Australia show fluctuations, but these are mainly due to administrative delays. Due to Covid restrictions and associated impacts, numbers dropped in 2020 and 2021, then rose again from 2022 onwards.
- 2024 – 120,844
- 2023 – 118,43
- 2022 – 127,161
- 2021 – 89,167
- 2020 – 78,987
- 2019 – 113,815
Divorce rates in 2023 – 2024
In its latest report based on 2023 data, the Australian Institute of Family Studies noted that Australia’s divorce rate has declined to its lowest level in decades. The crude divorce rate for people aged 16 and over was 2.3 divorces per 1,000 people, down from a peak of 4.6 per 1,000 in 1976, following the introduction of no-fault divorce under the Family Law Act 1975.
However, the rate of marriage per 1000 people was far higher in 1976, sitting at 9.3 per 1,000 people, compared to 5.5 per 1,000 in 2024. Many people who did not wish to divorce under the ‘at-fault’ divorce system may have chosen to leave their marriages after the laws changed. It’s also likely that many people today, who would have been married in 1976, may instead opt for a de facto relationship, marry later, or not at all, reflecting the change in societal norms.
In 2021, the ABS’s ‘People and Communities Report’ (still the most current release) showed that 2,168,351 people were recorded as being in de facto relationships, representing approximately 11.5 % of Australians aged 16 and over. In the same year, 8,747,135 people were married, and 7,863,327 people were not married.
How the data is worked out
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) provides the most reliable data on marriage and divorce rates in Australia. The ABS publishes annual reports detailing the number of marriages and divorces, along with crude rates per 1,000 people aged 16 and over. You can view ABS methodologies here.
For example, in 2024, the ABS reported that 120,844 marriages were registered and 47,216 divorces were granted, resulting in a crude marriage rate of approximately 5.5 and a crude divorce rate of about 2.1 per 1,000 people aged 16 and over. This means that in 2024, for every 100 marriages registered, there were roughly 39 divorces finalised in the same year, which is 39% comparatively when looking at annual rates, which are not the same as the annual rates and lifetime risk a particular marriage will end in divorce.
What is a crude rate?
A crude rate is a simple way to express the number of events (such as marriages or divorces) occurring in a population over a specific time period, usually one year. It is calculated by dividing the total number of events by the total population at risk (in this case, people aged 16 and over) and then multiplying by 1,000.
For example, a crude divorce rate of 2.1 per 1,000 means that, on average, 2.1 divorces occur for every 1,000 people aged 16 and over in a year.
Crude rates are helpful in providing an overall snapshot, but they do not take into account factors such as age distribution, marriage duration, or cohort effects. This means they should not be interpreted as the likelihood that a specific marriage will end in divorce.
Why the data for divorce numbers doesn’t always show the full picture
In 1976, Australia recorded 109,973 marriages. The median age at marriage that year was 24.9 years. The estimated total population of Australia was approximately 14.03 million, meaning about 0.79% of the entire population married that year.
In 2024, the number of marriages registered was 120,844 (an increase of 2,400 marriages – around 2% – compared to 2023, continuing a slight upward trend). This marked the first rise in registered marriages since 1999. The population in 2024 was about 26.97 million, so roughly 0.45% of the total population in Australia married that year.
Although the population nearly doubled between 1976 and 2023, rising by around 13 million, the number of marriages increased by only 10,871 over the same period. This indicates that the marriage rate relative to population size has dramatically reduced, with the marriage rate relative to the total population decreasing by approximately 43% between 1976 and 2023.
This may be due to fewer people deciding to marry, or much larger groups of people opting for de facto relationships. This context helps explain why raw divorce numbers or marriage figures alone do not always provide a complete picture of societal trends.
2021 made an Australian record for the most divorces in Australia, while 2022 holds the record for the most marriages. Why?
In 2022, Australia recorded the highest number of marriages ever (not the highest percentage by population, though), with 127,161 weddings registered. This surge marked a significant rebound following the Covid restrictions, during which many couples had to postpone their weddings due to restrictions and uncertainties. As social and legal processes returned to normal, many delayed marriages took place, contributing to this record number.
The year before, 2021, saw the highest number of divorces ever recorded in Australia (around 50,000). This was partly due to administrative changes aimed at processing divorce applications faster post-2020 lockdowns. The 2022 marriage figures indicate a stabilisation as the system balanced out post-pandemic.
The most popular date to marry in 2023
was 11/11/23 with 1,799 marriages
Overall, the pandemic influenced both marriage and divorce patterns, causing delays and subsequent rebounds. People marrying later, combined with evolving social dynamics, continue to shape Australia’s marriage and divorce rates.
Australian divorce statistics trends over the last five years
In the past five years, Australia has seen relatively stable divorce rates, with between 48,000 to and,000 divorces granted annually. The crude divorce rate has hovered near 2.1 divorces per 1,000 people aged 16 and over. While Covid caused delays in court processing and temporary dips in divorce applications in 2020, rates have since rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, reflecting consistent social patterns in marriage and divorce rates.
Divorce trends in Australia over the last 20 years
Over the last two decades, Australia’s divorce rate has gradually declined from its peak in the early 2000s. The crude divorce rate fell from about 2.4 divorces per 1,000 people in 2000. In 2024, the crude divorce rate was 2.1 divorces per 1,000 people, which shows that divorce is on a slow, but noticeable downward trend.
This decline is partly attributed to changing social attitudes, later marriage ages, and longer cohabitation periods before divorce. Despite fluctuations, the overall trend points to a gradual stabilisation in marriage breakdowns.
In the last 50 years, what’s the divorce rate in Australia?
Over the past 50 years, Australia’s divorce rate has seen significant changes influenced by social, legal and economic factors. In the early 1970s, the crude divorce rate was about 1.0 per 1,000 residents. This rate rose sharply following the introduction of the Family Law Act 1975, which introduced no-fault divorce, allowing couples to separate without assigning blame. The rate peaked at approximately 6.3 per 1,000 in 1976.
Between the early 1980s and early 2000s, the divorce rate stabilised around 2.5-3 per 1,000 people. Between 2014 and 2019, the crude divorce rate remained between 1.9 and 2.0, with a slight dip during 2020 due to Covid-related court delays. Since 2021, the rate has risen again, reaching approximately 2.1 per 1,000 in 2024.
This decline in divorce rates is attributed to several factors:
- People are marrying later in life, often resulting in more mature and stable relationships
- Increased cohabitation before marriage, giving couples better insight into long-term compatibility
- Evolving social norms, with less pressure to marry and greater acceptance of divorce when relationships break down
Trends that may skew data and affect marriage and divorce data in Australia
Australia’s marriage and divorce patterns have evolved significantly over recent decades. Various social, legal and economic factors shape these trends, from changing relationship dynamics to demographic shifts. Understanding these influences helps provide a clearer picture of union stability and breakdown in today’s society.
Separated but living apart (SUOR)
Many couples remain legally married for years despite living separately, often due to financial, emotional or legal complexities. This “separation under one roof” (SUOR) trend means official divorce rates may not fully capture relationship breakdowns.
Ageing population
Australia’s ageing population contributes to rising rates of “grey divorce,” where older couples choose to separate after many years together, often following retirement or life changes. It also means that a larger number of the population are in their older years, and are less likely to marry.
High immigration and overseas marriages
With a significant proportion of Australia’s population born overseas, many marriages are registered abroad or involve diverse cultural backgrounds. This influences marriage patterns and complicates statistics on union stability, as most stats available are from Australian data, and don’t reflect data from other countries.
De facto relationships
Though increasingly common, de facto partnerships remain underreported in official marriage statistics. Reliable data on breakdowns in these relationships is limited, but they form a growing part of Australia’s relationship landscape.
Recognition of overseas same-sex marriages
Since December 2017, same-sex marriages performed overseas have been legally recognised in Australia. This shift impacted how marriage data is recorded and contributed to a short-term rise in marriage registrations, as existing overseas marriages were formally acknowledged under Australian law.
First-time marriages & divorce risk
Research indicates first-time marriages have a lower risk of ending in divorce compared to subsequent marriages, reflecting lessons learned or different commitment dynamics. It also means that one person may marry and divorce four times, and another only once – but their data is pooled and averaged in related figures.
Recognition of non-binary and same-sex marriages
Legal recognition of same-sex marriages since 2017, alongside increasing awareness of non-binary identities, has diversified the marriage landscape, affecting how relationship data is collected and understood.
Covid-19 impacts
The pandemic caused delays in marriage ceremonies and divorce proceedings, temporarily lowering marriage registrations and court cases. However, marriage rates have rebounded, and some couples cite pandemic-related stress as a factor in separation.
Financial pressures & delaying divorce
Rising living costs have led some couples to stay together longer or postpone divorce and property settlements for financial stability, influencing official divorce statistics.
Median ages for marriage and divorce
The median age at marriage in Australia continues to rise. In 2024, it reached 32.8 years for males (similar to 2023’s age of 32.9) and 31.2 years for females, which was the same as in 2023 and up from 30.9 in 2022. This trend reflects broader social shifts, such as delayed life milestones and longer periods of cohabitation before marriage.
The median age for divorce is also increasing, typically occurring in the early to mid-40s. This aligns with patterns of longer relationships and later marriages, contributing to a broader shift in the age profile of separating couples. In 2023 and 2024, the median divorce age held firm for both men and women, at 47.1 and 44.1 years, respectively.
Median length of marriages
In 2024, there is a notable slight upward trend towards longer marriages, with 9.3 years until separation and 13.2 years until divorce in Australian marriages.
This follows 2023 trends, with the median duration from marriage to divorce in Australia increasing to 13.0 years, up from 12.8 years in 2022, and 12.1 years in 2020. This gradual rise reflects broader social trends, including couples marrying later in life and often spending more time cohabiting before marriage.
Studies by the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) also report that the median time between marriage and separation in recent years (2020–21) is approximately 8 to 8.9 years, aligning well with the pattern of longer marriages followed by extended separation periods before divorce.
Key statistics for same-sex marriages and inclusive gender data
Registrations of same-sex marriages have eased since the initial post-legalisation spike in 2017. Since September 2021, marriage forms in Australia have been updated to include identifying three gender options: male, female and non-binary. As a result, comparisons across years should be viewed with care, as earlier data reflects traditional male/female gender categories. Notably, female same-sex marriages are also on the rise.
- 2024: total 4,746 same‑gender (or non‑binary) marriages – a 4.1% increase on 2023
- 2023: total 4,354 (male: 1,735, female: 2,619)
- 2022: total 4,434 (male: 1,767, female: 2,667)
- 2021: total 2,843 (male: 1,072, female: 1,771)
- 2020: total 2,901 (male: 1,116, female: 1,785)
Marriages
Divorce remains a significant aspect of family life in Australia. While the exact percentage of marriages that end in divorce is complex to calculate precisely (as not all marriages and divorces occur in the same time frame), the best estimate is that around 32% of Australian marriages end in divorce, based on long-term trends and current data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
While it’s difficult to state precisely how many marriages end in divorce – since divorces may occur many years after the marriage – lder cohort-based analyses suggest that around one‑third of marriages may eventually end in divorce. For instance, ABS data from the start of the 20th century estimated that roughly 32% of marriages would ultimately dissolve – and in 2025, the same figure seems to float around!
“The probability that a marriage will end in divorce has been increasing over time. Based on the nuptiality tables, around 28% of marriages entered into in 1985–1987 could be expected to end in divorce. This proportion increased to 33% for all marriages entered into in 2000–2002” – ABS, Australian Social Trends, 2007
The ABS hasn’t updated this definitive estimate for recent cohorts in its latest publications, but those historical figures still inform our understanding of long‑term trends.
Duration of marriage and divorce
The length of a marriage is an essential factor in understanding divorce trends in Australia. Recent data shows the median duration of marriages ending in divorce has increased, reaching approximately 13.2 years in 2024. However, interpreting this data can be complex, as divorces include both very short marriages and those lasting many years.
Since the 1980s, the proportion of divorces involving marriages lasting over 20 years has steadily risen, reflecting changing patterns of marital stability and societal expectations. As Australians marry later and life expectancy increases, the nature and challenges of long-term relationships have also evolved.
Consistent with these trends, the median age at divorce remains relatively high, with men divorcing at a median age of about 47.1 years and women at approximately 44.1 years as of 2024. These figures highlight how life stages – such as career transitions, parenting responsibilities, and retirement – can impact the timing and likelihood of separation.
Historical divorce data and divorce trends
Since the early 1970s, the crude divorce rate has been consistently tracked, providing valuable insight into national trends in marriage and separation. These statistics reveal that younger couples are more likely to divorce than those in longer-term marriages, though divorces involving older age groups are on the rise.
In recent decades, the median age at divorce has steadily increased for both men and women, reflecting shifts in when people marry and how long relationships last. Understanding these trends helps to explain not only how relationships evolve, but also the broader social and legal factors that influence why marriages end in Australia today.
Does being married at a younger age or an older age change anything?
Yes, the age at which people marry can affect the likelihood of divorce. This may be due to factors like less emotional maturity, financial instability and changing life goals.
A recent AIFS Divorce study states that ‘divorce rates are higher for younger married couples but declining over time. While, on the other hand, divorce rates are lower for older couples but are increasing over time.’
Conversely, couples who marry later, typically in their late 20s or 30s, tend to have more stable marriages and lower divorce rates. They often benefit from greater maturity and financial security. While marriages that begin later in life (after 40) face unique challenges, overall, these tend to have lower divorce rates compared to younger marriages.
Are there fewer marriages in Australia now?
Yes, over the last 50 years, fewer people in Australia have been marrying relative to the population size. The marriage rate per 1,000 people has steadily declined from around 7.5 in the 1970s to about 5.5 today. This reflects changes in social attitudes, later marriage ages, and more couples choosing to live together without marrying.
What about marriages for same-gender couples?
Since same-sex marriage was legalised in Australia under the Marriage Act in December 2017, the number of same-gender couples marrying has steadily increased. By 2021, nearly 24,000 same-sex marriages had been registered across the country. In 2024, around 4,700 marriages involving same- or non-binary-gender couples were recorded, showing a 4.1% rise from the previous year. This reflects growing recognition and acceptance of diverse relationships.
The 2021 Census also revealed that there were over 78,000 same-sex couples living together in Australia, making up about 1.4% of all couples, which was an increase from 0.9% in 2016. These figures highlight the increasing visibility of same-gender relationships in Australian society.
What’s the average length of first marriages?
On average, the time from marriage to separation in Australia is slightly shorter than the time to divorce. For first marriages, couples typically separate after around 10 to 11 years.
While the median duration before divorce is about 13 years, separation usually occurs a few years earlier, reflecting the period couples spend apart before legally finalising their divorce.
Why do marriages end in Australia?
Divorce results from a range of complex personal, emotional, and economic factors. Contributing issues include:
- Communication breakdown
- Financial stress
- Incompatibility or growing apart
- Infidelity
- Domestic violence or abuse
The introduction of no-fault divorce under the Family Law Act 1975 has allowed couples to legally separate after 12 months of separation, without needing to prove wrongdoing. This has streamlined the process and focused legal outcomes on wellbeing, especially for children.
Trends in marriage & divorce
While marriage rates have bounced back post-pandemic, divorce rates have not significantly spiked. In fact:
- Longer marriages are increasingly represented in divorce statistics.
- Same-sex marriages, legally recognised since 2017, are becoming a regular part of marriage and divorce data.
- Couples are marrying later in life, which is associated with longer-lasting unions.
Impact on children involved
Nearly half of divorces in Australia involve children under the age of 18. It is estimated that 3.9 per cent of Australian children will have experienced the divorce of their parents by the time they are five years old, 10.2 per cent by the time they are ten, and 16.5 per cent by the time they are sixteen, according to the Australian Institute of Family Studies.
While Australian family law prioritises the best interests of the child, and courts encourage shared parental responsibility, research still indicates that divorce can impact a child’s overall wellbeing, especially in the short term, or when high-conflict dynamics exist. Support services such as family counselling, collaborative law and dispute resolution play a vital role in reducing the emotional toll of divorce on children and parents alike.
Compared to the mid-1970s in Australia, the number of divorces granted with children has actually fallen, from 68% in 1975 to 47% since 2014. Declines in fertility and remaining childless by choice have been noted as potential factors for this decline.
What about second, and subsequent marriages?
A quick online search will find many articles pointing towards a 50-60% divorce rate among second marriages in Australia. However, there is very little publicly available data tracking second marriage success rates. Most of what’s cited appears to be extrapolated from overseas studies or older, very limited data sets. There does seem to be a broader view that second marriages are more prone to end in divorce, but also that marriages started by couples in their thirties or forties have a tendency to last longer.
Looking forward
As we’ve explored throughout this article, Australian divorce statistics tell a nuanced story that extends far beyond simple numbers. While approximately one in three marriages continues to end in divorce as of 2025, the reality behind these figures reveals significant shifts in how Australians approach marriage, separation, and family restructuring.
What remains consistent is the need for informed decision-making during what is inevitably one of life’s most challenging transitions. The statistics we’ve examined highlight that while divorce affects a substantial portion of Australian families, the outcomes vary dramatically based on the approach taken, the support systems available, and the quality of legal guidance received.
Conclusion
As of 2025, about one in three marriages in Australia is expected to end in divorce. While the crude divorce rate has remained relatively stable, the dynamics of who divorces, when, and why are evolving. The legal system continues to evolve, with reforms aimed at reducing court delays, minimising conflict and prioritising children’s wellbeing. These changes, combined with increased awareness of mental health support and financial planning resources, are creating pathways for more constructive separation processes.
If you’re facing these challenging decisions, remember that while you may become part of these statistics, there are many avenues for support. Having supportive legal guidance can help you successfully manage your unique situation, protect your interests, and work toward outcomes that serve you (and your family’s) long-term wellbeing. If you have any questions about divorce or separation, get in touch with the team at Avokah Legal today.
For more detailed statistics and trends, you can explore:
For those interested in exploring Australian marriage and divorce statistics in greater detail, the following official sources provide comprehensive data and analysis:
Australian Bureau of Statistics
- Marriages and Divorces, Australia (Latest Release) – The most current official marriage and divorce statistics for Australia
- Australian Historical Population Statistics (2021) – Long-term demographic trends including marriage and divorce data
Australian Institute of Family Studies
- Divorces in Australia 2024: Facts and Figures – Detailed analysis of recent divorce trends and demographics
- Family Facts: Divorce Trends – Research overview of divorce patterns and their social implications