We took a look at divorce rates over the years using official Canadian statistics. Sources below.
Specifically, we sorted the data to see Alberta only for as far back as the data will go. The data set goes back to 1991 and currently only goes to 2020.
We will continue to update this post as new data becomes available.
What is the Divorce Rate in Alberta, Canada?
Divorce rates are generally expressed as “Divorces per 1000 Marriages”.
The latest divorce rate available for all ages in Alberta was 7.1 per 1000 in the year 2020.
| Age at Time of Divorce 2020 | (per 1,000) |
|---|---|
| All Ages | 7.1 |
| Under 20 | 5.2 |
| 20 to 24 years | 7.9 |
| 25 to 29 years | 9.1 |
| 30 to 34 years | 9.9 |
| 35 to 39 years | 9.7 |
| 40 to 44 years | 10.3 |
| 45 to 49 years | 9.9 |
| 50 to 54 years | 8.5 |
| 55 to 59 years | 6.0 |
| 60 to 64 years | 3.6 |
| 65 years and over | 1.7 |
Alberta Divorce Rates through the Decades
2011-2020: A Decade of Change
The most recent decade, leading up to 2020, has been a period of significant transformation for Alberta.
This era has witnessed shifts in societal norms, legal frameworks, and economic conditions, all of which have influenced the dynamics of marriage and divorce.
The onset of the pandemic towards the end of this decade introduced unprecedented challenges for couples, potentially impacting divorce rates.
| Year.. | All Ages (per 1,000) |
|---|---|
| 2011 | 11.0 |
| 2012 | 11.1 |
| 2013 | 10.3 |
| 2014 | 10.7 |
| 2015 | 9.6 |
| 2016 | 11.8 |
| 2017 | 10.4 |
| 2018 | 10.0 |
| 2019 | 9.2 |
| 2020 | 7.1 |
Decade Insight
Throughout the 2010s, Alberta experienced a notable decline in the overall divorce rate, culminating in a significant drop to 7.1 divorces per 1,000 married persons by 2020.
This trend reflects broader societal shifts towards maintaining marital stability and perhaps the effects of the pandemic, which may have both strained relationships and temporarily hindered the divorce process due to logistical challenges.
- Youthful Marriages: Despite the overall decline, younger age groups, particularly those between 20 to 29 years, continued to show higher divorce rates early in the decade, underscoring the challenges faced by couples in the early stages of marriage.
- Pandemic Impact: The pandemic’s onset in 2020 likely played a role in the sharp decrease in divorce rates, affecting not only the ability of couples to initiate divorce proceedings but also altering the dynamics of marital relationships.
- Highest Rate Observed: The “20 to 24 years” age group saw the highest divorce rate of 11.8 divorces per 1,000 married persons, which occurred in 2016. This highlights the vulnerability of marriages among younger couples. This rate gradually decreased, reflecting a shift towards greater stability or changes in marriage patterns among younger Albertans.
2001-2010: Navigating New Millennium Challenges
The first decade of the new millennium was a period of adjustment and transformation for Alberta.
This decade was marked by continued societal evolution, economic fluctuations, and significant legal changes affecting family dynamics.
The divorce rate during this time reflects these broader shifts.
Divorce Rate in Alberta (2001-2010) for All Ages
Here’s the table presented vertically to illustrate the divorce rates from 2001 to 2010:
| Year.. | All Ages (per 1,000) |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 12.8 |
| 2002 | 12.6 |
| 2003 | 11.9 |
| 2004 | 12.2 |
| 2005 | 11.5 |
| 2006 | 11.6 |
| 2007 | 11.4 |
| 2008 | 11.7 |
| 2009 | 10.8 |
| 2010 | 10.5 |
Decade Insight:
Throughout the 2000s, Alberta saw a gradual decline in the overall divorce rate, with a notable dip to 10.5 divorces per 1,000 married persons by 2010. This decade was characterized by the adaptation to new millennium challenges, including the impact of technological advancements and changing economic conditions on family life.
- Technological and Economic Influences: The rise of the internet and mobile technology began to reshape social interactions and work-life balance, potentially affecting marital relationships.
- Legal Reforms: Changes in family law during this period may have influenced divorce rates, making the process more accessible or altering the considerations for marital dissolution.
- Highest Rate Observed: In the broader dataset, the “20 to 24 years” age group consistently showed higher divorce rates early in the decade, with a peak rate observed. This trend underscores the challenges young couples faced in navigating marriage amidst evolving societal norms.
The 2000s offered a mix of continuity and change in the landscape of divorce in Alberta, reflecting the province’s navigation through the complexities of the new millennium.
1991-2000: A Decade of Transition
The 1990s in Alberta represented a significant period of transition, both socially and economically. This decade was marked by considerable changes in the fabric of Canadian society, including shifts in the labor market, the evolving role of women in society and the workforce, and changes in family law that impacted divorce proceedings.
Divorce Rate in Alberta (1991-2000) for All Ages
Here’s the table presented vertically to illustrate the divorce rates from 1991 to 2000:
| Year.. | All Ages (per 1,000) |
|---|---|
| 1991 | 14.8 |
| 1992 | 14.3 |
| 1993 | 14.8 |
| 1994 | 13.9 |
| 1995 | 12.9 |
| 1996 | 12.6 |
| 1997 | 11.8 |
| 1998 | 12.4 |
| 1999 | 12.6 |
| 2000 | 12.9 |
Decade Insight:
The 1990s began with relatively high divorce rates, peaking at 14.8 divorces per 1,000 married persons in both 1991 and 1993.
This could reflect the culmination of societal changes from the previous decades, including the liberalization of divorce laws in the late 20th century.
However, as the decade progressed, a gradual decline in divorce rates was observed, albeit with some fluctuations.
- Economic Factors: The early ’90s recession and subsequent economic recovery likely influenced family stability and decisions around marriage and divorce.
- Societal Shifts: This decade saw significant shifts in societal attitudes towards marriage, cohabitation, and family structures, which may have contributed to the changing divorce rates.
- Highest Rate Observed: While the table focuses on “All Ages,” it’s noteworthy that the “20 to 24 years” age group experienced the highest divorce rates during this decade, highlighting the challenges faced by younger couples. Specifically, the peak rate for this age group was 24.5 divorces per 1,000 married persons in 1993, indicating a significant vulnerability in marriages entered into at a younger age.
The 1990s set the stage for evolving dynamics in marital relationships in Alberta, with the interplay of economic, legal, and societal factors shaping the landscape of divorce.
This decade’s trends provide valuable context for understanding the subsequent shifts in divorce rates observed in the 2000s and 2010s.
Sources and Further Reading
To gain a deeper understanding of the divorce trends in Alberta and across Canada, the following sources offer comprehensive data and insights:
- Statistics Canada: This authoritative source provides detailed annual divorce rates by province, including Alberta, from 1991 to 2020. It’s a valuable resource for analyzing trends in marital dissolution over nearly three decades. Access the data directly at Statistics Canada – Divorce Rates.
- Made in CA: Offers an overview of divorce statistics in Canada, highlighting key trends and changes over time. This resource provides context for understanding how societal, economic, and legal factors have influenced divorce rates. Explore more at Divorce Statistics in Canada – Made in CA.
- The Globe and Mail: Discusses the changing divorce rate in Canada, including financial aspects and historical data. This article provides insights into how Canada’s divorce rate has been changing over time, reflecting broader societal shifts. Read the article at How Canada’s Divorce Rate Has Been Changing Over Time – The Globe and Mail.
In Summary:
- Declining Divorce Rates: Over the last three decades, Alberta has experienced a general decline in divorce rates, with a notable decrease observed in the most recent data from 2020, highlighting a trend towards greater marital stability.
- Impact of Age: Younger couples, particularly those in the “20 to 24 years” age group, have historically shown higher divorce rates, with the peak rate observed in the early ’90s. This underscores the challenges faced by marriages entered into at a younger age.
- Societal and Legal Influences: Changes in societal attitudes towards marriage and divorce, along with significant legal reforms affecting family law, have played a crucial role in shaping divorce trends in Alberta.
- Economic and Technological Factors: Economic fluctuations, such as the early ’90s recession, and the rise of technology have impacted family dynamics, influencing decisions around marriage and divorce.
