Splitsville, U.S.A.: Top 14 states for divorce
Unhappy marriages are no picnic, but divorce has been tied not just to short-term depression but also to some potentially deadly chronic medical problems. Divorcees are 20 percent more likely to have heart disease, diabetes, cancer, or another chronic condition, according to a landmark study published in the September 2009 issue of the Journal of Health and Social Behavior.
A new report from the Census Bureau identifies 14 states with divorce rates (divorces per 1,000 men or women) that are significantly above the U.S. average. Which state in the Union is worst for unions? Keep clicking to find out...
14. MEN: South Dakota, West Virginia (TIE); WOMEN: Oregon
Divorce rates vary not just by state, but also by gender. Oregon kicks off the list of highest divorce rates for women, with a divorce rate of 11.4. For men, South Dakota and West Virginia are tied for 14th place, with divorce rates of 10.9.
13. WOMEN: Vermont
With a divorce rate of 11.5, Vermont is number 13 on the list of states with highest divorce rates for women.
12. MEN: Indiana, Louisiana (TIE); WOMEN: Tennessee
Indiana and Louisiana tie at number 12 for men, with divorce rates of 11.0. For women, Tennessee is number 12 with a divorce rate of 11.6.
11. MEN: Mississippi, WOMEN: Georgia
For men, Mississippi is number 11 on the list, with a divorce rate of 11.1. Georgia takes 11th place for women, with a divorce rate of 11.7.
10. MEN: Tennessee, WOMEN: West Virginia
Divorce rate for men in Tennessee: 11.4
Divorce rate for women in West Virginia: 11.8
9. MEN: Georgia, WOMEN: Arizona, Texas (TIE)
Georgia is number 9 on the list of states with highest divorce rates for men - the divorce rate is 11.5. Arizona and Texas tie at 9th place for women, with divorce rates of 11.9.
8. MEN: Colorado
The divorce rate for men in Colorado is 11.6.
7. MEN, WOMEN: Nevada
Nevada is number 7 on the list for both men and women, with divorce rates of 12.3 for both sexes.
6. MEN: Alaska, WOMEN: Mississippi
Divorce rate for men in Alaska: 12.5
Divorce rate for women in Mississippi: 12.5
5. MEN: Kentucky, WOMEN: Arkansas
Divorce rate for men in Kentucky: 12.6
Divorce rate for women in Arkansas: 12.8
4. MEN: Alabama, WOMEN: Arkansas
Divorce rate for men in Alabama: 12.7
Divorce rate for women in Arkansas: 13.5
3. MEN: Oklahoma, WOMEN: Arkansas
Divorce rate for men in Oklahoma: 12.8
Divorce rate for women in Arkansas: 13.9
2. MEN: Maine, WOMEN: Oklahoma
Divorce rate for men in Maine: 13.0
Divorce rate for women in Oklahoma: 14.1
1. MEN: Arkansas, WOMEN: Alaska
What's the worst state in the Union for unions? Arkansas, for men, with a divorce rate of 13.5. For women, Alaska is worst, with a divorce rate of 16.2.