Never married
% of adults ages 50 and older who have never been married, by education
Note: Refer to the methodology for definitions and further details.
Source: Pew Research Center analysis of 1970, 1980, 1990 and 2000 decennial census, and 2010, 2019 and 2024 American Community Survey (IPUMS).
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
Never married
% of adults ages 50 and older who have never been married, by education
| Year | Less than high school | HS grad | Some college | Bachelor’s+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 6.6% | 6.4% | 7.1% | 11.5% |
| 1980 | 5.4% | 5.1% | 5.2% | 8.6% |
| 1990 | 5.3% | 4.5% | 4.1% | 7.1% |
| 2000 | 6.0% | 4.5% | 4.5% | 6.8% |
| 2010 | 9.8% | 7.3% | 7.1% | 8.4% |
| 2019 | 12.7% | 9.9% | 8.7% | 8.7% |
| 2024 | 13.9% | 10.5% | 9.0% | 8.7% |
Note: Refer to the methodology for definitions and further details.
Source: Pew Research Center analysis of 1970, 1980, 1990 and 2000 decennial census, and 2010, 2019 and 2024 American Community Survey (IPUMS).
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
