A recent study of Census Data, and survey conducted by Mixbook of 3,000 Americans has provided insights into how many people who are married across the U.S feel that they are happy in their relationship. The study found that overall (on average), 74%, or about 98 million Americans say they are happily married.

When broken down by state, it found that the most happily married couples reside in West Virginia. With a whopping 90% saying that they are happy, amounting to 635k people in the state. Those in North Dakota however weren’t as happy, with only 1 in 3 (97k) saying they were happily married.

A happy marriage is essential for individuals to have a fulfilling and satisfying life. It provides a sense of security, companionship, and support that can help couples navigate life's challenges. A healthy marriage can also lead to better physical and mental health, as well as increased longevity. In a happy marriage, partners learn to communicate effectively, compromise, and work together towards common goals, which can strengthen their bond and deepen their love for each other. Ultimately, a happy marriage can create a foundation of love and stability that can positively impact not only the couple but also their children and society as a whole.

Key Findings:

Overall 91.8 million Americans say they are happily married.
Married couples in West Virginia are the happiest in America, those in North Dakota and Montana are equally the least.
53% of Americans believe married couples can live separately and be happy.
A quarter of those who are married admit they compare their relationships to other married couples.

The Top 10 States: Those who are most happy in their marriage.

The survey found that those in West Virginia were the most happily married in the country (90%). This was closely followed by those in Minnesota (88%) and Colorado (88%).

There are various reasons why some people might be happier in marriage than others. One of the most important factors is the quality of the relationship itself. Couples who have strong communication skills, mutual respect, and a deep emotional connection tend to be happier in their marriages than those who do not. Additionally, individuals who are naturally more optimistic and have a positive outlook on life may find it easier to maintain a happy marriage. Similarly, those who are more adaptable and open to change may be better able to navigate the ups and downs of married life. Finally, external factors such as financial stability, social support, and a strong sense of community can also contribute to overall marital happiness.

Comparatively, the survey found that North Dakotans and Montanans were equally the least happy in their marriage when broken down across America, with only 33% happily married. This equates to around 97,000 people in North Dakota, and 142,000 in Montana.

The 5 States where the % of married couples in the population is highest.

Census Data showed that Utah has the most married couples by % in America, at 55.3%, which equates to roughly 1.2 million people.

The 5 States where the % of married couples in the population is lowest.

The marriage rates in Louisiana were the lowest in America in comparison, at 43.5%. This equates to around 1.5 million people.

Separation for Success? Over half of Americans believe a married couple can be happy living apart from one another.

It is possible for a married couple to be happy while living in different homes, but it depends on various factors. While most couples choose to live together, there are situations where couples may choose to live separately. For example, one spouse may have a job in a different city or country, or they may prefer to live in different locations due to personal preferences.

However, maintaining a happy and healthy relationship while living in separate homes can be challenging. Couples need to make extra efforts to stay connected and maintain intimacy despite the physical distance. This may involve regular communication through phone calls, video chats, or emails, as well as making time to visit each other in person.

Comparison: Over one quarter of married couples in America compare themselves to others who are married.

It's important not to compare your marriage to others because every relationship is unique, and every couple has their own set of challenges, strengths, and weaknesses. When you compare your marriage to others, you're likely to focus on the differences and shortcomings, which can create feelings of inadequacy, resentment, or envy.

Comparison can also lead to unrealistic expectations and put unnecessary pressure on your relationship. For example, if you compare your spouse to someone else's spouse who seems to be more romantic or successful, you may start expecting the same level of attention or achievement from your partner, even if it's not their natural way of expressing love or pursuing goals.

Instead of comparing your marriage to others, focus on improving your communication, understanding, and appreciation of each other. Work on building a strong foundation of trust, respect, and empathy that is based on your unique needs and values. Seek inspiration and guidance from other couples or sources, but don't use them as a standard to measure your own happiness and success.

The median age at first marriage is increasing.

In 2021, the median age at first marriage was 30.4 years for men and 28.1 years for women, which is the highest it has ever been. In 1960, the median age was 22.8 years for men and 20.3 years for women.

Living with a spouse…

The percentage of adults living with a spouse decreased from 52% to 50% over the past decade, according to newly released estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Never been married…

In 2021, 34% of adults age 15 and over had never been married, up from 23% in 1950.

Two thirds of married couples say that they have to work on their marriage.

Here are some ways in which you can maintain a happy marriage:

Communicate openly and honestly: Couples should communicate their thoughts and feelings with each other in a respectful and honest manner. Active listening and empathizing with your partner are also crucial components of effective communication.
Spend quality time together: It is important for couples to make time for each other and prioritize their relationship. Date nights, vacations, and shared hobbies are all great ways to strengthen the bond between spouses.
Show appreciation and affection: Small gestures of appreciation and affection, such as saying "thank you" and "I love you," can go a long way in making your partner feel valued and loved.
Practice forgiveness: No relationship is perfect, and conflicts are bound to arise. It is important for couples to be able to forgive each other and work through their differences.
Support each other's goals and dreams: Supporting each other's personal and professional aspirations can help couples feel fulfilled and connected.
Work as a team: Marriage is a partnership, and couples should work together to tackle challenges and solve problems. Sharing responsibilities and making joint decisions can strengthen the relationship.
Maintain intimacy: Physical intimacy is an important aspect of a happy marriage. Couples should make an effort to prioritize intimacy and connect with each other emotionally and physically.

Methodology:

Survey of 3,000 respondents; Survey carried out by QuestionPro; March 2023.

Number of Americans who are married from Census Data.