Marriage Rates Climb as Family Stability Rebounds in America

Recent trends indicate a resurgence in marriage and family stability across the United States. After years marked by increasing divorce rates and single parenthood, recent data suggests that more children are growing up in stable two-parent households. This shift could significantly enhance opportunities for those children and strengthen familial bonds.

On November 27, 2025, many Americans gathered for what Dr. Anne Fishel, co-founder of the Family Dinner Project, describes as “the mother of all family dinners.” This Thanksgiving tradition exemplifies how families come together, reflecting on evolving social norms and the importance of marriage and family in contemporary society.

According to a recent survey by the Barna Group, a significant majority of U.S. adults still regard marriage as a vital foundation for family life and child-rearing. In November, the report highlighted that 81% of Generation Z respondents express a belief in marriage and hope to wed in the future, indicating a reimagining of what family means to the younger generation.

Data from the American Enterprise Institute reveals a notable decline in divorce rates and single parenthood, alongside an increase in the percentage of children raised within stable married families. The authors of the report noted that “new marriages are stronger today than at any point since the 1950s.” This trend is a positive sign for families and children throughout the nation.

The benefits of stable marriages extend to educational and economic outcomes for children. Columnist Nicholas Kristof of the New York Times emphasizes that children tend to thrive when raised by married parents. Research indicates that 81% of children with college-educated parents live with both parents, compared to about 50% for children whose parents have a high school education or less. The Georgia Center for Opportunity refers to two-parent households as providing significant advantages, leading to better educational results and lower incarceration rates.

The importance of marriage as a cornerstone of society is echoed by anthropologist Joseph Henrich from Harvard University. He asserts that marriage is a fundamental institution across cultures, serving as a primary source of security and nurturing within families.

Surveys show that “family” and “family time” are among the highest values for Americans. A 2023 report from the Pew Research Center found that 73% of American adults ranked family time as one of their most important life aspects. This sentiment aligns with the views of Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of this newspaper, who once wrote, “Home is the dearest spot on earth, and it should be the centre, though not the boundary, of the affections.”

As Americans continue to navigate changing social dynamics, the stability of marriage and family life appears to be on an upward trajectory, fostering an environment that benefits future generations. The evolving definition of family may encompass various forms, but the underlying value of stable, nurturing environments remains paramount.