Special Report

The Marriage Capital of Every State

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Taking the next step in a serious relationship typically entails marriage and in this day and age, more American couples wed later in adulthood. Nearly 50% of those 15-and-over in the U.S. have tied the knot. While the prevalence of marriage varies among the states, there is one place in each state where people say “I do” more often than others.

To identify the marriage capital in every state, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the percentage of married people among the 15-and-over population in every U.S. city. The city, town, village, or Census Designated Place (CDP) with the highest percentage of married people in a state is the state’s marriage capital.

However, the median age in the populations of these places widely differs from state to state. For example, the two marriage capitals with the highest percentage of married people nationwide are located in Hawaii and Tennessee, and the difference between the median age of the places in both states are night and day. In Hickam Housing, Hawaii, the median age of the population is 23 years old, whereas the median age in Tellico Village, Tennessee is triple that at 69.

Click here to see the marriage capitals of every state.
Click here to read our detailed findings and methodology.

PROJimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr

1. Mountain Brook, Alabama
> Married population: 72.5%
> Married population, statewide: 47.9%
> Population ages 20-44: 24.6%
> Population 65 and over: 15.6%
> Median household income: $129,777

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flownaksala / iStock

2. Kalifornsky, Alaska
> Married population: 60.7%
> Married population, statewide: 48.3%
> Population ages 20-44: 30.5%
> Population 65 and over: 8.4%
> Median household income: $77,756

SaddleBrooke One / Facebook

3. Saddlebrooke, Arizona
> Married population: 78.3%
> Married population, statewide: 47.2%
> Population ages 20-44: 7.6%
> Population 65 and over: 65.9%
> Median household income: $69,792

Samuel Grant / Wikimedia Commons

4. Hot Springs Village, Arkansas
> Married population: 71.2%
> Married population, statewide: 50.1%
> Population ages 20-44: 9.0%
> Population 65 and over: 61.6%
> Median household income: $53,381

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Scott Olson / Getty Images

5. Camp Pendleton South, California
> Married population: 76.0%
> Married population, statewide: 46.6%
> Population ages 20-44: 55.6%
> Population 65 and over: N/A
> Median household income: $42,212

PatrickPoendl / iStock

6. Roxborough Park, Colorado
> Married population: 77.2%
> Married population, statewide: 50.8%
> Population ages 20-44: 33.3%
> Population 65 and over: 10.3%
> Median household income: $106,188

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Doug Kerr / Wikimedia Commons

7. Darien, Connecticut
> Married population: 65.6%
> Married population, statewide: 47.9%
> Population ages 20-44: 23.3%
> Population 65 and over: 11.6%
> Median household income: $208,125

Jerrye & Roy Klotz MD / Wikimedia Commons

8. North Star, Delaware
> Married population: 71.7%
> Married population, statewide: 47.4%
> Population ages 20-44: 20.7%
> Population 65 and over: 17.4%
> Median household income: $140,691

Casper and The Citrus Hills Home Team / YouTube

9. Citrus Hills, Florida
> Married population: 78.9%
> Married population, statewide: 46.2%
> Population ages 20-44: 8.4%
> Population 65 and over: 58.9%
> Median household income: $64,283

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Pete Seabolt / Wikimedia Commons

10. Skidaway Island, Georgia
> Married population: 75.3%
> Married population, statewide: 46.9%
> Population ages 20-44: 11.2%
> Population 65 and over: 48.2%
> Median household income: $104,643

Bob Goodwin/ U.S. Navy photo

11. Hickam Housing, Hawaii
> Married population: 80.7%
> Married population, statewide: 49.8%
> Population ages 20-44: 51.6%
> Population 65 and over: 0.1%
> Median household income: $75,487

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GaryERichardson / Wikimedia Commons

12. Eagle, Idaho
> Married population: 66.2%
> Married population, statewide: 54.7%
> Population ages 20-44: 23.8%
> Population 65 and over: 13.1%
> Median household income: N/A

Max allegro / Wikimedia Commons

13. Glencoe village, Illinois
> Married population: 71.8%
> Married population, statewide: 47.8%
> Population ages 20-44: 18.9%
> Population 65 and over: 15.7%
> Median household income: $185,320

Ken Lund / Flickr

14. Granger, Indiana
> Married population: 67.4%
> Married population, statewide: 49.3%
> Population ages 20-44: 24.4%
> Population 65 and over: 14.1%
> Median household income: $93,825

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Antwon Simmons / Flickr

15. Grimes, Iowa
> Married population: 63.7%
> Married population, statewide: 52.7%
> Population ages 20-44: 37.1%
> Population 65 and over: 6.6%
> Median household income: $83,125

Gary Gamso / Flickr

16. Leawood, Kansas
> Married population: 70.5%
> Married population, statewide: 52.3%
> Population ages 20-44: 20.5%
> Population 65 and over: 16.9%
> Median household income: $147,722

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W.marsh / Wikimedia Commons

17. Francisville, Kentucky
> Married population: 71.8%
> Married population, statewide: 49.7%
> Population ages 20-44: 33.7%
> Population 65 and over: 7.2%
> Median household income: $108,214

Airman Kevin Sommer Giron / U.S. Air Force

18. Fort Polk South, Louisiana
> Married population: 63.7%
> Married population, statewide: 43.5%
> Population ages 20-44: 57.1%
> Population 65 and over: 0.3%
> Median household income: $43,680

DrStew82 / Wikimedia Commons

19. Brewer, Maine
> Married population: 54.2%
> Married population, statewide: 50.5%
> Population ages 20-44: 34.6%
> Population 65 and over: 15.0%
> Median household income: $56,128

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Dan Reed / Flickr

20. Clarksburg, Maryland
> Married population: 68.5%
> Married population, statewide: 46.9%
> Population ages 20-44: 36.0%
> Population 65 and over: 6.9%
> Median household income: $74,435

Moonshine4711 / Wikimedia Commons

21. Winchester, Massachusetts
> Married population: 68.9%
> Married population, statewide: 46.4%
> Population ages 20-44: 27.4%
> Population 65 and over: 11.6%
> Median household income: $37,740

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WMrapids / Wikimedia Commons

22. East Grand Rapids, Michigan
> Married population: 69.4%
> Married population, statewide: 48.0%
> Population ages 20-44: 25.1%
> Population 65 and over: 10.2%
> Median household income: $118,393

J. Annie Wang / Flickr

23. Minnetrista, Minnesota
> Married population: 72.0%
> Married population, statewide: 52.1%
> Population ages 20-44: 24.4%
> Population 65 and over: 12.0%
> Median household income: $143,191

Pmsyyz / Wikimedia Commons

24. Madison, Mississippi
> Married population: 65.4%
> Married population, statewide: 44.6%
> Population ages 20-44: 33.0%
> Population 65 and over: 9.8%
> Median household income: $95,423

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cityofladue-mo.gov

25. Ladue, Missouri
> Married population: 73.0%
> Married population, statewide: 49.3%
> Population ages 20-44: 19.1%
> Population 65 and over: 19.8%
> Median household income: $186,371

Montanabw / Wikimedia Commons

26. Helena Valley West Central, Montana
> Married population: 61.8%
> Married population, statewide: 51.7%
> Population ages 20-44: 27.4%
> Population 65 and over: 15.5%
> Median household income: $70,441

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Atomic Energy505 / Wikimedia Commons

27. Papillion, Nebraska
> Married population: 58.2%
> Married population, statewide: 52.8%
> Population ages 20-44: 33.6%
> Population 65 and over: 12.3%
> Median household income: $77,339

Patrick Nouhailler / Flickr

28. Johnson Lane, Nevada
> Married population: 68.7%
> Married population, statewide: 45.5%
> Population ages 20-44: 20.2%
> Population 65 and over: 28.7%
> Median household income: $79,276

Steve Hedin / Wikimedia Commons

29. Hampton, New Hampshire
> Married population: 57.9%
> Married population, statewide: 51.9%
> Population ages 20-44: 20.8%
> Population 65 and over: 25.0%
> Median household income: $115,673

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Daniel Case / Wikimedia Commons

30. Short Hills, New Jersey
> Married population: 75.0%
> Married population, statewide: 49.1%
> Population ages 20-44: 20.3%
> Population 65 and over: 12.1%
> Median household income: $250,000+

Dean_Fikar / iStock

31. Los Alamos, New Mexico
> Married population: 63.6%
> Married population, statewide: 45.1%
> Population ages 20-44: 25.7%
> Population 65 and over: 11.5%
> Median household income: $59,688

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Daniel Case / Wikimedia Commons

32. Kiryas Joel village, New York
> Married population: 74.7%
> Married population, statewide: 44.5%
> Population ages 20-44: 29.2%
> Population 65 and over: 1.8%
> Median household income: $26,341

Porters Neck Country Club / Facebook

33. Porters Neck, North Carolina
> Married population: 73.1%
> Married population, statewide: 48.9%
> Population ages 20-44: 27.6%
> Population 65 and over: 29.6%
> Median household income: $98,200

Mandan, North Dakota - City Government / Facebook

34. Mandan, North Dakota
> Married population: 56.7%
> Married population, statewide: 52.0%
> Population ages 20-44: 36.0%
> Population 65 and over: 14.6%
> Median household income: $60,034

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Nheyob / Wikimedia Commons

35. Powell, Ohio
> Married population: 72.1%
> Married population, statewide: 48.0%
> Population ages 20-44: 26.6%
> Population 65 and over: 10.4%
> Median household income: $132,917

City of Newcastle, Oklahoma / Facebook

36. Newcastle, Oklahoma
> Married population: 63.6%
> Married population, statewide: 50.0%
> Population ages 20-44: 28.3%
> Population 65 and over: 12.9%
> Median household income: $78,144

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Steve Morgan / Wikimedia Commons

37. Bethany, Oregon
> Married population: 68.6%
> Married population, statewide: 49.2%
> Population ages 20-44: 31.6%
> Population 65 and over: 10.3%
> Median household income: $117,056

franklinparkborough.us

38. Franklin Park borough, Pennsylvania
> Married population: 71.0%
> Married population, statewide: 48.0%
> Population ages 20-44: 23.9%
> Population 65 and over: 14.5%
> Median household income: $121,661

John Phelan / Wikimedia Commons

39. Cumberland Hill, Rhode Island
> Married population: 63.5%
> Married population, statewide: 44.5%
> Population ages 20-44: 28.2%
> Population 65 and over: 18.5%
> Median household income: $80,625

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fiveforks.info

40. Five Forks, South Carolina
> Married population: 68.3%
> Married population, statewide: 47.1%
> Population ages 20-44: 27.8%
> Population 65 and over: 8.9%
> Median household income: $110,885

TCN7JM / Wikimedia Commons

41. Brandon, South Dakota
> Married population: 60.8%
> Married population, statewide: 52.0%
> Population ages 20-44: 30.8%
> Population 65 and over: 16.4%
> Median household income: $41,563

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Tellico Village / Facebook

42. Tellico Village, Tennessee
> Married population: 80.3%
> Married population, statewide: 49.3%
> Population ages 20-44: 4.9%
> Population 65 and over: 66.0%
> Median household income: $68,453

Lantana Community / Facebook

43. Lantana, Texas
> Married population: 74.2%
> Married population, statewide: 49.3%
> Population ages 20-44: 33.0%
> Population 65 and over: 6.5%
> Median household income: $142,375

Mikesmullin / Wikimedia Commons

44. Eagle Mountain, Utah
> Married population: 73.2%
> Married population, statewide: 55.9%
> Population ages 20-44: 38.6%
> Population 65 and over: 2.8%
> Median household income: $71,122

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Godsendlemiwinks / Wikimedia Commons

45. Essex Junction village, Vermont
> Married population: 50.0%
> Married population, statewide: 49.4%
> Population ages 20-44: 35.2%
> Population 65 and over: 12.0%
> Median household income: $61,620

https://www.flickr.com/photos/yeahbouyee/

46. Brambleton, Virginia
> Married population: 72.4%
> Married population, statewide: 50.0%
> Population ages 20-44: 42.4%
> Population 65 and over: 2.8%
> Median household income: $164,321

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remodaut / Thinkstock

47. Snoqualmie, Washington
> Married population: 76.2%
> Married population, statewide: 50.6%
> Population ages 20-44: 36.4%
> Population 65 and over: 4.7%
> Median household income: $131,453

Youngamerican / Wikimedia Commons

48. Teays Valley, West Virginia
> Married population: 60.3%
> Married population, statewide: 50.0%
> Population ages 20-44: 30.5%
> Population 65 and over: 18.2%
> Median household income: $73,846

Royalbroil / Wikimedia Commons

49. Harrison village, Wisconsin
> Married population: 69.4%
> Married population, statewide: 50.7%
> Population ages 20-44: 28.3%
> Population 65 and over: 26.1%
> Median household income: $32,000

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Daniel J. Rao / Shutterstock.com

50. Cody, Wyoming
> Married population: 58.6%
> Married population, statewide: 53.2%
> Population ages 20-44: 31.2%
> Population 65 and over: 19.5%
> Median household income: $56,659

Detailed Findings & Methodology

The median age of a population speaks volumes about the kind of environment of these marriage capitals. For example, the age of the populations living in 30 of these marriage hubs exceed the national median age of 37.7 years, which indicates that the total population skews older. Many of these places are retirement communities.

The national share of the 65 years and over population is 14.5%, and in 21 of these marriage capitals the share of the older population tops the national figure. Over half the population in four marriage capitals is 65 years and over. Three of these cities are also among the five places with the highest percentage of married people nationwide. More specifically, 78%-80% of the population 15 years and over is married in Tellico, Tennessee; Citrus Hills, Florida; and Saddlebrooke, Arizona. All three of these marriage hubs are well-known retirement communities.

As for the 20 marriage capitals where the median age doesn’t exceed the national median of 37.7 years, the median age can be as low as 20 years. In Eagle Mountain, a Utah city known for outdoor activities and a relatively large Mormon population, the median age is 20.2 years with 76% of males and 81.6% of females ages 20-34 married.

The median age also tends to be lower in places with military bases. For example, in Camp Pendleton South, California — a Marine Corps base — 76% of residents 15 and over are married, making it the place with the highest percentage of married people in the state. The median age in the city is about 21. Hickam Housing, Hawaii — an Air Force base — is another example, with 80.7% of the 15-and-over population married. The median age in Hickam Housing is about 23.

Another common factor in the places with the highest percentage of married individuals in each state is median household income. Of the 50 marriage capitals, 43 have a median household income greater than the national median of $55,322 per year.

A strong majority of the marriage capitals comprise wealthy people. In 21 marriage capitals the median household income surpasses $100,000 annually. Skidaway Island is considered to be one of the most affluent communities in Georgia with a median household income of $104,643. And that median household income is half of another marriage capital on this list, Darien, Connecticut, with a median household income of $208,125.

To identify the marriage capital in every state, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the percentage of people ages 15 and over who are married in all 29,321 cities and towns in the United States. We retrieved these figures from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2016 American Community Survey. The population data are five-year averages through 2016. Median age and household income data also came from the ACS. In order to ensure that all states had a town or city with a percentage of married people above the state average, 24/7 Wall St. assessed cities and towns with total populations greater than 5,000 people.

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