Data Shows Fewer Minnesotans Married

Minnesota could be just a year away from a historic turning point where fewer than half of the state’s adults are married. 

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Minnesota’s marriage rate dipped to 50.5 percent in 2014. 

In 2005, the marriage rate was 53 percent. 

If the state’s marriage rate continues to fall at the same rate it has been, it would fall below 50 percent in 2016. 

The fall would be in historic in Minnesota, which has touted one of the nation’s highest marriage rates. 

Officials say the drop has nothing to do with the institution of marriage, rather it’s an “age thing” including there being more seniors, who are more likely to be widowed. 

Population Reference Bureau demographer Mark Mather says young adults with college degrees are delaying marriage.