Cohabitation: What the Numbers Reveal
Enjoying a peaceful morning coffee together by the window.
Cohabitation is an increasingly common choice for couples today.
And the statistics prove it.
Whether it’s for financial reasons, testing compatibility or delaying marriage.
More people than ever are choosing to live together.
In this post we’ll get into the numbers behind cohabitation.
Exploring trends and data that shed light on this growing phenomenon.
Click for a specific section:
Cohabitation refers to the arrangement where two people in a romantic relationship live together without being married.
Unlike marriage there is no legal binding or formal registration involved in cohabitation.
Though some countries offer legal recognition through civil partnerships or cohabitation agreements.
In recent decades cohabitation has gained significant popularity.
Particularly as more couples choose to live together to test their compatibility, share expenses or simply avoid traditional marriage commitments.
While cohabitation was once viewed as unconventional or taboo.
It is now considered a normal stage in modern relationships.
Historical Context of Cohabitation
Historically cohabitation was often frowned upon and sometimes even legally restricted.
In many cultures, living together outside of marriage was considered socially unacceptable.
And couples who cohabited faced judgment or legal penalties.
However in the past 50 years attitudes towards cohabitation have shifted dramatically.
With younger generations driving this change.
By the 1970s, the countercultural movements of the time began to challenge traditional norms around marriage and relationships.
As a result, cohabitation started to become more widespread in Western societies.
Particularly in the US and Europe.
The rising costs of living, changes in gender roles and a decline in religious influence have further contributed to this shift.
The statistics around cohabitation show its rapid rise over the past few decades.
Let’s break down some key numbers.
Cohabitation in the UK
In the UK cohabitation is growing at a faster rate than marriage.
According to the ONS:
The number of cohabiting couples has grown by 73% since 2002 rising from under 4 million to over 6.8 million in 2022.
Cohabiting couples are the fastest-growing family type in England and Wales increasing by 26% in the last decade alone.
The proportion of unmarried couples living together continues to rise especially among younger people.
Among those aged 25-34 cohabitation is now more common than marriage.
Cohabitation in the US
In the United States cohabitation has also seen a sharp increase.
Data from the Pew Research Center and the National Survey of Family Growth reveals that:
Nearly 59% of adults aged 18 to 44 have lived with a partner without being married at some point in their lives.
The number of unmarried couples living together has reached 12 million in 2022, compared to just 2.9 million in 1996.
Over 50% of American adults now say they feel cohabitation is an acceptable arrangement whether or not the couple plans to marry.
Global Trends in Cohabitation
Cohabitation isn’t just a trend in the UK and the US—it's a global phenomenon.
Many countries are seeing similar rises in the number of unmarried couples choosing to live together.
In Sweden, 25% of households consist of cohabiting couples, the highest percentage in Europe. The country is known for its progressive views on relationships and family structures, making cohabitation widely accepted.
France has seen a steady rise in cohabiting couples, with over 40% of all couples cohabiting. The PACS agreement (a form of civil partnership) introduced in 1999 offers legal recognition for cohabiting couples, contributing to its popularity.
In Japan, the rise in cohabitation is notable, with a 30% increase in cohabiting couples since 2010. Younger generations in Japan are increasingly rejecting traditional marriage customs in favour of more flexible living arrangements.
Several factors contribute to the increasing number of couples opting for cohabitation.
Here are some of the key reasons, supported by statistics:
1. Declining Marriage Rates
Marriage rates have been declining steadily in many parts of the world.
And cohabitation has filled the gap.
According to the Marriage Foundation:
The marriage rate in the UK has dropped significantly over the past 30 years. In 1990, there were 67 marriages per 1,000 unmarried adults, but by 2020, this had fallen to just 43 per 1,000.
In the US, the marriage rate has seen a 60% decline since 1970, while the number of cohabiting couples has increased dramatically over the same period.
Many couples now view cohabitation as a more flexible alternative to marriage.
Especially as marriage is increasingly delayed.
2. Financial Considerations
Financial reasons are a major factor in the rise of cohabitation.
Living together allows couples to share costs and save money.
Particularly in cities with high living expenses.
The Institute for Family Studies conducted a survey that found:
73% of couples who cohabit cited financial reasons as a key factor in their decision.
30% of cohabiting couples reported that they couldn’t afford to live alone on their current income, making cohabitation a practical financial choice.
With rising rents, utility bills and everyday living expenses cohabitation often provides a more affordable way of life for couples.
Especially younger ones just starting out.
3. Delaying Marriage
Couples are delaying marriage more than ever before for various reasons ranging from career goals to personal beliefs.
According to the National Center for Family & Marriage Research:
The median age at first marriage in the US has risen to 30.4 years for men and 28.6 years for women, compared to 23.2 years for men and 20.8 years for women in 1970.
Similarly, in the UK, people are getting married later, with the average age for marriage now 38 years for men and 35 years for women.
Delaying marriage allows couples to focus on career growth, personal development or simply to test compatibility without legal obligations.
For many, cohabitation serves as a step towards marriage.
Though others may choose it as a long-term alternative.
One of the biggest debates around cohabitation is whether it affects relationship stability and long-term success.
Let’s take a closer look at what the data says:
1. Cohabitation and Divorce Rates
For years there has been a belief that couples who live together before marriage are more likely to divorce.
However recent studies challenge this assumption.
According to a 2018 study from the University of Denver:
The connection between cohabitation and divorce has weakened significantly in recent years.
Couples who cohabit after age 25 and eventually marry show no higher divorce rates than those who didn’t cohabit.
Divorce rates have been trending downward in many Western countries, including the US and UK, further supporting this shift.
However some studies still suggest a correlation between cohabitation and divorce rates.
The Institute for Family Studies reports that:
Couples who cohabited before marriage have a 15% higher risk of divorce than those who didn’t. However, this gap has been narrowing each year.
2. Relationship Satisfaction
Relationship satisfaction among cohabiting couples can vary based on several factors such as intentions for the future or communication.
According to the National Marriage Project:
58% of cohabiting couples report being "very satisfied" in their relationship, compared to 66% of married couples.
Interestingly, cohabiting couples who have a clear plan to marry report satisfaction levels similar to those of married couples, suggesting that shared future goals might play a role in overall happiness.
One of the most significant challenges for cohabiting couples is the lack of legal protection.
Unlike married couples.
Those in cohabitation often face uncertainty regarding property, inheritance and financial rights.
Here’s what the statistics show:
In the UK, 53% of cohabiting couples wrongly believe they have the same legal rights as married couples. In reality, they don’t automatically share property or inheritance rights without formal legal agreements like wills or cohabitation agreements.
In the US, 60% of cohabiting couples don’t have any formal agreements in place to protect their financial assets or property in case the relationship ends.
Legal gaps can leave cohabiting couples vulnerable.
Making it essential for those living together to consider formal agreements to safeguard their financial future.
Cohabitation is becoming a global trend with more couples from different cultures embracing the idea of living together before marriage.
Some notable statistics include:
In Sweden, 25% of households are made up of cohabiting couples, one of the highest rates in Europe.
In France, over 40% of all couples are cohabiting, with many opting for PACS agreements, a form of civil partnership offering legal rights similar to marriage.
Japan has seen a 30% increase in cohabiting couples since 2010, as younger generations challenge traditional marriage customs.
Across the globe shifting cultural norms, rising living costs and evolving ideas about relationships have driven the rise in cohabitation.
Cohabitation is here to stay.
And the statistics clearly show its rapid rise as a lifestyle choice for couples around the world.
Whether driven by financial needs, shifting cultural norms or simply a desire to test compatibility.
Cohabitation is re-shaping modern relationships.
However couples who choose to cohabit should be aware of the potential challenges.
Such as the lack of legal protections and the mixed data on relationship satisfaction.
With more people opting for this arrangement, it’s crucial to understand the benefits and pitfalls of cohabitation.
All backed by the numbers.