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August 25, 2026

Marriage and Cohabitation in the U.S.

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Marriage and Cohabitation in the U.S.
About two-thirds favor allowing unmarried couples to have the same legal rights as married couples
About six-in-ten say cohabiting couples can raise children just as well as married couples
Most adults younger than 30 say couples who live together first are more likely to have a successful marriage
Many cohabiters cite finances as a reason why they are not engaged or married to their partner
Non-engaged cohabiters with no college experience less likely to see cohabitation as a step toward marriage
Love and companionship are among top reasons for marriage and cohabitation
Higher levels of trust and satisfaction among married than cohabiting adults
Older adults are more likely to see societal benefits in marriage
Amid changes in marriage and cohabitation, wide acceptance of cohabitation, even as many Americans see societal benefits in marriage