The median age at first marriage in the United States has been rising steadily since the 1960s for both males and females. In 1960, the median age at first marriage was 20.3 for females and 22.8 for males. By 2004, these ages had risen to 25.8 years for females and 27.4 years for males. This fact sheet takes a look at the causes and consequences of delayed marriage. (Author abstract)