Unhappy marriage
Western Australia has emerged as the state with the most unhappy marriages in the country, according to a new study by Simply Nootropics. The research, which analyzed Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data and Google search trends, highlights the impact of the fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) industry on marital stability in the region.
The study reveals that Western Australia leads the nation in marital discord, with its suburbs occupying half of the spots in the bottom ten for unhappy marriages. Collie, located in the South West, is identified as the most troubled area, with 15.4 percent of couples having separated and 62 locals searching for divorce lawyers monthly.
Impact of the FIFO Industry on Marriages
Family law divorce lawyer Vanessa Hernandez points to the pressures of FIFO work as a significant factor contributing to the high rates of marital breakdowns in Western Australia. The state hosts an estimated 60,000 FIFO workers, making it a key player in the resource-based workforce.
“WA has a large resource-based workforce with the number of workers in fly-in, fly-out arrangements, which could put significant strain on relationships and families,” Hernandez explained. “They’re dealing with long periods of separation and the stress of working in a demanding industry, which would understandably make it difficult to maintain a healthy relationship.”
Other areas with notable rates of unhappy marriages include Mosman Park, East Fremantle, Claremont, and Bassendean, where divorce rates range from 11.4 to 14.5 percent over the past year. Meanwhile, Northam narrowly missed the bottom ten, ranking as the twelfth-worst location for married couples in Australia.
Bright Spots in Western Australia
Despite these challenges, there are areas in Western Australia where marriages are thriving. Joondalup, a suburb of Perth, boasts a high percentage of married couples, with only 7.8 percent having divorced, making it the fourth happiest place for marriages in Australia and the happiest in WA.
Mundaring, another Perth suburb, also ranks among the top ten happiest places for marriages, with only 16 monthly Google searches for divorces, placing it eighth on the list.
“A supportive and happy partnership can help reduce stress, improve cognitive function and even protect against age-related decline,” said neuroscientist Brian Ramos. “Prioritising connection and emotional wellbeing within marriage isn’t just good for the heart, it’s good for long-term health.”
National Comparisons and Insights
Nationally, the happiest marriages are found in New South Wales, with The Hills Shire, Ku-ring-gai, and Lane Cove leading the list. These areas report high levels of marital satisfaction, suggesting regional variations in factors influencing marital happiness.
- The Hills Shire, NSW (100)
- Ku-ring-gai, NSW (96.16)
- Lane Cove, NSW (95.57)
- Bayside, VIC (94.59)
- Joondalup, WA (93.19)
- Hornsby, NSW (92.63)
- Northern Beaches, NSW (91.20)
- Mundaring, WA (90.89)
- Camden, NSW (90.56)
- Sutherland Shire, NSW
The findings underscore the complex interplay between employment patterns and marital satisfaction, particularly in regions heavily reliant on industries like FIFO. As Western Australia continues to navigate the challenges posed by its booming resource sector, the impact on personal relationships remains a critical area for further study and support initiatives.
As the state reflects on these findings, the need for policies and support systems that address the unique challenges faced by FIFO families becomes increasingly apparent. The study serves as a reminder of the broader societal implications of employment trends and the importance of fostering environments that support healthy relationships.
