Long-distance relationships, or LDR, are relationships where the involved individuals live in separate geographic areas.
For instance, one person lives in Chicago, Illinois (USA) and the other in London, England.
There has been much debate regarding LDRs over the years about whether they can work, do work, or if they are a futile endeavor.
We have some key long-distance relationship statistics for you to read in the next few paragraphs for you to consider.
Key Statistics
- Long-distance relationship data shows that couples live 125 miles apart, on average.
- In the United States there are 14 million couples who define their relationship as long distance.
- 75% of American college students say they have been in a long-distance relationship.
- Over 90% of couples in Europe and the United Kingdom have engaged in an LDR.
- Studies reveal that couples in long-distance relationships call each other at least every 3 days.
- In the United States, about 10% of marriages started as an LDR.
- A 2022 study revealed that the average long-distance relationship lasted 4.5 months.
- 81% of couples in LDRs enjoy a better quality of intimacy when reunited with their significant others.
- Over 40% of couples in long-distance relationships say poor communication results in failure.
- LDRs have a success rate of an estimated 58%.
Long-Distance Relationship Statistics
1. Long-distance relationship data shows that couples live 125 miles apart, on average.
According to survey data, couples in long-distance relationships live an average of 125 miles apart. Moreover, most statisticians and relationship experts say that living 125 miles apart or further is the distance standard for a long-distance relationship.
(2Date4Love)
2. In the United States there are 14 million couples who define their relationship as long distance.
In terms of numbers of LDRs in the United States, 14 million couples self-profess that are in a long-distance relationship. If they live at least 125 to 137 miles apart, it’s true. Some LDR couples claim they met when they lived in the same area.
(Gitnux, Survive LDR)
3. 75% of American college students say they have been in a long-distance relationship.
The American Counseling Association found that 75% of American college students have been in a long-distance relationship. College-aged students are at the edge of human maturity, which means they aren’t always impulsive, but instead more discerning about relationships.
(2Date4Love, The Invisible Man)
4. Over 90% of couples in Europe and the United Kingdom have engaged in an LDR.
LDR statistics from Europe and the United States show that over 90% of couples have lived in a long-distance relationship. This survey included 1,200 people across Europe and the United States. Also, lack of progress ended 50% or more of these relationships.
(2Date4Love, MindBodyGreen)
5. Studies reveal that couples in long-distance relationships call each other at least every 3 days.
One of the ways long-distance couples stay in touch is to call at least every 3 days. However, it’s highly likely that most of them also text daily and/or find more creative communication solutions.
(Medium)
6. In the United States, about 10% of marriages started as an LDR.
In terms of marriage success rates, studies show that 10% of marriages started as LDRs. Before you decide to jump into a long-distance relationship, it’s wise to determine if the person you’re with is someone you would marry.
(RelationshipsAdvice.co)
7. A 2022 study revealed that the average long-distance relationship lasted 4.5 months.
After the dust settles, 2022 data shows that the average LDR lasts around 4.5 months. 27% of long-distance relationships last over 6 months compared to geographically close relationships at 30%. Even more significantly, 8% of long-distance relationships last more than 12 months compared to 25% of geographically close relationships.
(2Date4Love, Long Distance Relationships, Survive LDR)
8. 81% of couples in LDRs enjoy a better quality of intimacy when reunited with their significant others.
Is there anything to the saying, “Absence makes the heart grow fonder”? According to 81% of LDR couples say that they enjoy enhanced intimacy when they are together after being apart. Moreover, 5% claimed that it made them feel closer in all ways.
(Scott Max)
9. Over 40% of couples in long-distance relationships say poor communication results in failure.
In a SexualAlpha survey of over 7,000 Americans across all states, 40.2% said that the lack of communication or poor communication adversely impacts success in LDRs. Communication issues came out of top over being jealous (28.7%) and cheating (17.5%).
(SexualAlpha)
10. LDRs have a success rate of an estimated 58%.
According to a KIIROO survey of 1,000 people in the United States, long-distance relationships have a 58% success rate. If over half of LDRs become more serious and endure, that’s a pretty good figure. Couples in LDRs claim they feel they have a higher chance of success.
(2Date4Love, New York Post 2018)
11. Among high school students, only 2% of LDRs endured the long-distance stage.
High school students (roughly aged 15 to 18) are still on their journey to self-discovery. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that most of the (98%) don’t survive the long-distance stage of high school romance.
(2Date4Love)
12. People in long-distance relationships are known to spend a lot of their earnings on traveling to their significant other.
Many people in long-distance relationships try to travel to their significant other to see them in person instead of only texts, virtual chats, or phone calls alone. The biggest issue becomes the cost of travel and transportation to and from the partner. Apparently, it’s worth it if it results in success.
(Survive LDR)
13. On average, couples in long-distance relationships visit each other 1.5 times per month.
To expand on the LDR visitation and travel ideal, studies show that couples will visit each other an average of 1.5 times per month. Now we can better understand where the high costs come into the picture. Costs depend on whether they stay together, whether the traveling partner gets a hotel room, or if they drive or take other transportation. The distance between them plays a role in cost as well.
(Gitnux)
14. 40% of long-distance relationships are for work-related reasons.
40% of career-minded individuals are in long-distance relationships. Therefore, work commitments contribute to LDRs, which works for many couples. Many say it brings them closer and promotes mental determination that encourages couples to stick together.
(The Invisible Man)
15. In 2010, a study in Germany found the average LDR length is 2.86 years.
For a perspective outside the United States, a German study from the Humboldt University in Berlin of long-distance relationships in 2010 revealed that an LDR has an average lifespan of 2.86 years. For reference, relationships that are local or closer geographically enjoy an average of 7.25 years.
(RelationshipsAdvice.co)
16. It’s common for LDR couples to engage in 30-minute phone calls.
Statistics show that LDR couples engage in an average of 30-minute long phone calls when they talk on the phone. Hearing is a sense that often translates into a longing to hear the voice of a loved one. Hearing the voice of someone you love is one of the most powerfully connective elements in a relationship.
(2Date4Love)
17. 5.1% if long-distance relationships were found to be open relationships.
Even though 5.1% seems like a low percentage, it can amount to a lot more couples than you think with open relationships. This statistic shows us that just over one-fifth of long-distance relationships are open relationships which means they can date and be intimate with other partners without relationship repercussions.
(SexualAlpha)
18. A small decline in breakups from LDRs occurred between 2022 and 2023.
There has been a slight decline in long-distance relationships compared with 2021 and previous years. In fact, research shows that a 35% decline in LDR breakups were noticed between 2022 and 2023.
(Survive LDR)
19. Long-distance couples send 343 messages per week on average.
Texting whether it’s from SMS or Messaging apps is very popular among long-distance couples. A survey revealed that LDR couples send an average of 343 messages each week. This shows effort on the part of LDR couples to keep the lines of communication open in whatever way possible.
(Gitnux)
20. Unfortunately, 42% of long-distance relationships end in failure.
We know that the good news is that 58% of LDR couples can withstand distance and time. Sadly, the other side of this means that 42% end in failure. Whether it’s due to poor communication, cheating, jealousy, or lack of contact seems less important than the fact that they fail.
(The Invisible Man)
Conclusion
Have you been in a long-distance relationship? Are you in a long-distance relationship now? If so, you may have a better understanding of these statistics about LDR.
That said, this data is important and useful for relationship marketing and for anyone who is on the fence about whether to move forward with a long-distance relationship.
It’s up to couples to determine the risks and benefits of LDR and how it might impact them. After all, there are many elements to consider before jumping into any relationship, much less one that will put physical distance between you.
We hope you have enjoyed reading these long-distance relationship statistics and have garnered much from the data.
FAQs
1. Are there other guidelines to determine LDR circumstances?
Yes. Of course, there are other guidelines besides being at least 125 miles apart. For instance, if you live 50, 70, or 100 miles apart, but you have no means of personal transportation and you can’t afford alternative travel options, the difficulty of getting to your significant other constitutes a long-distance relationship.
2. How do LDR couples keep their relationships strong?
Among those that have lasted, the consensus is to keep open and honest communication going. Also, avoid mistrust, possessiveness, and don’t smother your partner. It’s much like local relationships where couples are together a lot. Communication is key to staying strong. Also, don’t be a cheater and don’t treat your significant other like a possession. Respect them.
3. Can a long-distance relationship be as successful as a geographically close relationship?
Based on the statistics we have seen, the simple answer is yes. However, many factors and complications can arise with long-distance relationships that might not be as impactful with proximal relationships. We know that 58% of LDRs are successful and 10% end in marriage.
The odds aren’t exactly against you. It’s up to you to determine the risks and odds for yourself since each person and couple are different and live in different circumstances.
