The Answer:

Taken as the number of divorces per 1,000 U.S. residents, the rate is going down. It was 4.7 in 1990, 4.4 in 1995, 4.2 in 2000, and 3.7 in 2004. It should be noted, however, that the marriage rate per 1,000 U.S. residents has also declined, from 9.8 in 1990 to 7.4 in 2004. The proportion of marriages to divorces has not substantially changed during this period.

Here is a link to our list of Divorce Rates by State for more information.

—The Editors