States in the South and West have the highest rates for both marriage and divorce, according to data from the U.S. Census, The Associated Press reports.

The American average was 19.1 weddings performed per 1,000 men and 17.6 per 1,000 women, while the average divorce rate was 9.2 per 1,000 men and 9.7 per 1,000 women. In the South and West, divorce rates were at approximately 10 per 1,000, while marriage rates were over 19 per 1,000.

By state, Maine, Alaska, Oklahoma, Kentucky and Nevada had the highest rates of divorce, while New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York had the lowest divorce rates. North Dakota was one of the top states in marriages while also maintaining lower than average divorce rates.

According to CNN, youth and lack of education may be behind higher divorce rates in some regions of the country. In addition, values about premarital sex prominent in some rural communities could lead to early marriages, when spouses have less income, education and experience to support their unions.

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