Where In Michigan Are You Most Likely to Marry By Age 26?

Is the wedding clock ticking? Your odds of marrying by 26 are greater in some parts of Michigan than others, but Western Mountain states are where the good marriage action is found. (Photo by PeterJBellis/Flickr/Creative Commons)

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So, you’re 25 and your goal was to be married by the time you’re 26.

Your odds of marrying and beating that ticking clock are about even in Oakland and Genesee counties relative to the rest of the country, according to an analysis by Upshot of data from Harvard economists studying upward mobility, housing and tax policy.

The New York Times said the economists believe Upshot’s analysis of the data – collected on more than 5 million people who moved as children in the 1980s and 1990s – revealed that geography plays causal role in people’s lives.

The Times’ interactive map showing where people are more and less likely to marry relative to the rest of the country revealed a quirky fact about Michigan:

If you’re truly marriage minded, you should move to Missaukee County, located on The Mitten about where the left ring finger would be found – no, really. There, you’re about 11 percentage points more likely than the average area of the country to marry by 26.

Draw a straight line south to Barry County (near your wrist on The MItten map), and you’re 10 percentage points more likely to marry relative to the rest of the country.

But stay away from Wayne County, where your odds of saying “I do” are the lowest in the state. Washtenew County has slightly better odds, but not much.

Here’s how marriage chances in southeast Michigan shake out on the map:

• Oakland County: 0 percentage points less likely than the average place to marry by age 26
• Genesse County: 0 percentage points less likely than the average place to marry by age 26
• Macomb County: 1 percentage points less likely than the average place to marry by age 26
• Livingston County: 3 percentage points less likely than the average place to marry by age 26
• Washtenaw County: 4 percentage points less likely than the average place to marry by age 26
• Wayne County: 6 percentage points less likely than the average place to marry by age 26

Michigan’s numbers are consistent with the rest of the country. Economists said they can’t explain exactly why the patterns exist, but the analysis supports long-held beliefs that the institution of marriage is more prevalent in conservative than liberal areas.

You’ll find the map here. Click around on it and find out where the most rice, garters and bouquets are being tossed.