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Marriage and divorce trends in Ohio: Which counties lead the way?

On Behalf of | Jan 17, 2025 | Divorce

Ohio is home to over 11 million people spread across 88 counties. In 2023, Ohio saw 60,080 marriages and 27,962 divorces. This means that for every 1,000 people in Ohio, about 5 got married and 2 got divorced.  Let’s take a closer look at which counties had the highest rates of marriages and divorces in 2023.

Counties with the highest marriage rates

Some counties in Ohio saw more people tying the knot than others. Here are the top five counties with the highest marriage rates per 1,000 people:

  • Hocking County – 7.8
  • Holmes County -7.6
  • Washington County – 6.5
  • Shelby County – 6.4
  • Franklin County – 6.3

These counties show that both rural and urban areas can have high marriage rates. Hocking County, known for its natural beauty, tops the list. Holmes County, home to a large Amish community, comes in second. Franklin County, which includes the state capital, Columbus, also makes the top five.

Counties with the highest divorce rates

On the flip side, some counties saw higher rates of divorce. Here are the top five counties with the highest divorce rates per 1,000 people:

  • Crawford County – 4.7
  • Pike County – 4.7
  • Jackson County – 4.5
  • Brown County – 3.9
  • Adams County – 2.9

These counties, mostly rural, show higher divorce rates than the state average of 2.4 per 1,000 people. Crawford and Pike counties tie for the highest rate at 4.7, nearly double the state average.

Seeking legal help may be advisable for couples navigating the complexities of marriage and divorce. A qualified attorney can provide guidance on the legal aspects of marriage, divorce and related issues, such as child custody, alimony and property division.

The reasons behind these trends are complex and can vary from county to county. Economic factors, cultural differences and access to support services can all play a role in marriage and divorce rates. However, it is important to remember that these numbers don’t tell the whole story. Whether you’re celebrating a marriage or going through a divorce, resources and support are available to help you through the process.

 

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