Why does Aspen’s divorce rate exceed any other city in Colorado?

Colorado boasts some of the most beautiful areas in the country, and Aspen is certainly one of them. Therefore, it may come as a surprise that it has the highest divorce rate of any city in Colorado. In fact, its rate is nearly double the state’s average rate.

According to a recently-published report by 24/7 Wall St., based on data from the U.S. Census, over 23 percent of Aspen residents are divorced, compared with 12 percent of Coloradans overall. The report identified the city within each state with the highest percentage of divorced couples, Aspen has the sixth-highest percentage of divorces of any city in the U.S.

So why does one of the most beautiful areas of the country — a vacation destination for international visitors and a playground for the rich, famous and beautiful — have so many divorces?

One married couple who are also licensed psychotherapists and couples’ coaches in Aspen offer some thoughts. They note that Aspen isn’t a place where just anyone can afford to live. According to the 24/7 Wall St. report, the median household income is almost $68,000 a year.

The “Aspen lifestyle” carries an expectation of continuous gratification and good times. However, the sometimes tough realities of marriage and the hard work required to sustain them often don’t mesh with that lifestyle. As one of the therapists notes, there’s an “ugly underbelly” of discontent below the glamorous surface. The popular motto “Relax, It’s Aspen” may be easier said than done — particularly for those who live there rather than those who fly in for ski holidays each winter.

The couple notes that no matter where couples live, a common cause of marital problems is that people automatically blame their unhappiness on their spouse instead of doing some soul-searching to determine why they’re really unhappy.

Of course, if your spouse is a significant source of unhappiness for you (and perhaps vice versa), it may be worthwhile to seek counseling. If you ultimately determine that you’re better off apart, a Colorado family law attorney can offer advice and guidance.