Just 51 percent of adults married today, 72 percent married 50 years ago

The number of married adults in America is the lowest ever. 

A new report published Wednesday by Pew Research finds the percentage of married adults has dropped from 57 percent in 2000 to 51 percent this year.

According to the study, the average age for women to get married is now 26.5 and it is slightly older for men, 28.7 years.

Researchers say if the trends continue in their current path, it won't be long before the percentage of married adults is lower than single ones.

According to the research, most college graduates will eventually get married.  Right now two-thirds of college graduates are married, while less than half of high school graduates have tied the knot.

As far as the attitudes towards marriage are concerned, 40 percent of adults say marriage is becoming an archaic institution. 

Researchers say there are many reasons for the decline.  One is the other living arrangements that are now more socially acceptable than they were in the past.  This includes living with a significant other without being married, living by yourself, or as a single parent.  In some cases Americans want to finish their education and start their career for settling down.

So why does it matter?  When it comes to economics, married couples tend to have more income and more wealth.

To read the full study go to http://pewresearch.org/pubs/2147/marriage-newly-weds-record-low .