Waveland, Mississippi, is a small town that has a significant issue: it has one of the highest divorce rates in the whole country. A 2019 study by 24/7 Tempo indicated that 23.6% of the population aged 15 and older are divorced and have not remarried. This is far higher than the state’s general divorce rate of 11.6%.
| City | Divorce Rate |
|---|---|
| Waveland, Mississippi | 23.6 |
| Greenville, Mississippi | 21.4 |
| Meridian, Mississippi | 20.8 |
| Hattiesburg, Mississippi | 20.2 |
| Jackson, Mississippi | 19.8 |
Reasons for the High Rate of Divorce
Waveland’s high divorce rate may be due to a number of different variables. The following are some of the most likely factors:
- Poverty: The typical household income in Waveland is $43,860, which is lower than the state median of $45,081. Financial stress can be a significant contributor to divorce.
- Young marriages: Couples who marry at a young age are more likely to get divorced than couples who marry later in life. The U.S. Census Bureau states that the median age for men in Mississippi to get married for the first time is 25.4 years, while the median age for women is 23.7 years.
- Lack of access to resources: Waveland is a rural community that has limited access to resources, such as mental health therapy and cheap childcare. These tools might be quite helpful for couples who are having difficulties in their marriages.
Consequences of the High Divorce Rate
The community of Waveland is negatively impacted in a number of ways by the high prevalence of divorce. For instance, it can lead to poverty, crime, and societal issues. Children whose parents are divorced are more likely to have difficulty in school, health issues, and emotional and behavioral problems.
What steps may be taken to lower the divorce rate?
There are some actions that can be taken to lower the divorce rate in Waveland. The following strategies show the most promise:
- Providing access to services: Ensuring that couples have access to resources such as mental health therapy, inexpensive childcare, and financial counseling can help them overcome issues in their marriages.
- Encouraging healthy relationships: Educational programs and community activities that encourage healthy relationships can assist couples in developing the skills they need to maintain happy marriages.
- Providing assistance to families: Offering support to families, such after-school programs and child care assistance, can help alleviate stress and make it simpler for couples to manage their relationships.
Final Thoughts
The high divorce rate in Waveland is a complicated issue that does not have a simple answer. On the other hand, the community may improve the lives of its members by taking action to address the issues that contribute to divorce.
Mississippi City Has the Highest Divorce Rate? Website