Marriage and Divorce Decline During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Study of Five States

• DOI: 10.31235/osf.io/tdfvc
• Publication Date: 2020-12-30T22:00:12Z
• Authors: Wendy Manning; Krista Payne
• Keywords: Pandemic; 2019-20 coronavirus outbreak

The decline in marriage and divorce was evident prior to the pandemic, but it remains unknown whether these patterns have persisted during pandemic. We compared monthly counts for two years pandemic (2018 2019), five states that published vital statistics data 2020 (Arizona, Florida, Missouri, New Hampshire, Oregon). All witnessed an initial dip marriage. Counts of marriages Arizona Hampshire rebounded. In contrast, a shortfall occurred Oregon. early months divorces initially declined all rebounded Arizona. remaining four has occurred. Based on results we provide national estimates response As more become available will be important acknowledge state variations