Here’s How California Ranks Among States Where People Stay Married Longest

How long your marriage lasts might be affected by which state you're living in according to a new study. An analysis conducted by Point2Homes revealed which states have the lowest divorce rates in the nation.

The study found that couples in West Virginia and Maine stay married longer than anywhere else in the United States with an average of 22.3 years of "wedded bliss." On the other hand, Nevada and Arkansas have the most couples calling it quits, according to the study.

As for California, it seems as though it's a pretty neutral state for tying the knot. The state ranked 35 on the study's list with an Overall Marriage Scores Ranks of 38. These were the top 10 states with the highest marriage scores:

1. South Dakota
2. Iowa
3. Wisconsin
4. Minnesota
5. Nebraska
6. New Hampshire
7. North Dakota
8. New Jersey
9. Montana
10. Utah

While the data is interesting it doesn't reveal why some couples stay married longer than others. Is there really a secret to a happy marriage? According to experts, it all comes down to dedication.

“People in long-lasting relationships tend to want to be in long-lasting relationships. It takes a certain mindset to invest in something you hope to have endure, and to be able to look beyond ‘the small stuff’ for the sake of longevity," said Scott S. Hall, a professor of family studies at Ball State University, in a statement. "It means to stop looking around for potential ‘upgrades’ and look for the best in your partner and be satisfied with that."