We have gathered several long distance relationship statistics to help you understand the concept and how to maintain a relationship like this.
Long-distance relationships (LDRs) are becoming increasingly common.
In fact, a recent study found that 14 million couples in the United States are currently in a long-distance relationship.
The following statistics about long distance relationships will provide you with a better understanding of what long-distance relationships are like, and they will help you to make an informed decision about whether a long-distance relationship is right for you.
Key Statistics
- 10% of couples started in long-distance relationships.
- 14 million couples in the United States are in a long-distance relationship.
- 75% of college students claimed to have been in a long-distance relationship.
- 27% of couples said that they had never lived near their partner from the start.
- 50% of couples in long-distance relationships met online.
- 60% of couples in long-distance relationships have successful long-term results.
- 37% of long-distance couples break up within 3 months after closing the distance gap.
- 3.5 years is the average lifespan of a long-distance relationship.
- 50% of people in long-distance relationships feel lonely.
- 55% of people in LDRs are concerned that their partners are or will start seeing someone else.
Top Long Distance Relationship Statistics in 2025
1. A Study from Revealed that 10% of Couples Started out In Long-Distance Relationships.
A 2005 study showed that 10% of couples said that they had previously been in a long-distance relationship.
The happiest couples who start in relationships where distance keeps them apart for long periods have put in the time and effort to build a solid and loving foundation.
(Marriage.com)
2. 14 Million Couples in The United States Are in A Long-Distance Relationship.
With 14 million couples in the United States in long-distance relationships, this concept is growing quite common across the country.
As people move for school or work purposes, this figure is likely to keep growing.
(Survival LDR)
3. 75% of College Students Claimed to Have Been in A Long-Distance Relationship.
The American Counseling Association conducted a study about long-distance relationships and found that 75% of college student respondents said they had been in a long-distance relationship.
In terms of successful LDRs, the percentage is 60%.
(Whitman Wire)
4. 27% of Couples Said that They Had Never Lived Near Their Partner from The Start.
One study in 2018 surveyed 1,000 Americans who had been in long-distance relationships. The study revealed that 58% said they enjoyed a successful relationship.
Moreover, 27% said they have never lived near each other from the beginning.
(New York Post)
5. 50% of Couples in Long-Distance Relationships Met Online.
According to the same 2018 study reported in the New York Post, 50% of couples in long-distance relationships met online.
Since online dating sites began, there has been an uptake in couples meeting online, maintaining healthy and successful long-distance relationships.
That said, this idea is much like tossing a coin with around half (more or less) being successful.
(New York Post)
6. 60% of Couples in Long-Distance Relationships Have Successful Long-Term Results.
The cliche of absence making the heart grow fonder seems to be true in 60% of long-distance relationships, according to a study conducted in 2018.
When you consider how positive 60% is in these statistics, it’s not a given, but it is something you can consider with less hesitation.
(Better Help)
7. 37% of Long-Distance Couples Break up Within 3 Months of Becoming Geographically Close.
While we know that around 60% of long-distance relationships last, 37% of couples engaging in long-distance relationships break up within three months of closing the distance gap between them.
So, when they become closer geographically, around 370 out of 1,000 couples are likely to break up compared to 600 out of 1,000 that make it work.
(Dating At A Distance, Sage Journals)
8. 3.5 Years Is the Average Lifespan of A Long-Distance Relationship.
A study from Stanford University discovered that the average length of a long-distance relationship accounts for 3.5 years.
The biggest issue found with LDRs is that they have communications problems more so than those who are not in long-distance relationships.
Communication problems can be overcome with some effort.
(Relation Rise)
9. 50% of People in Long-Distance Relationships Feel Lonely.
In a 2018 study, one of the top challenges found in maintaining LDRs is loneliness with 50% of people claiming to feel lonely in a long-distance relationship.
The number one challenge is related to the lack of physical intimacy (66%) and the least concern is the different opinions about communication (24%).
(Sexual Alpha)
10. 55% of People in LDRs Are Concerned that Their Partners Are or Will Start Seeing Someone Else.
Another obstacle that occurs in long-distance relationships is worry about a partner meeting or seeing someone new.
In fact, studies show that 55% of those in a long-distance relationship are concerned that their partner is seeing or will start seeing someone new.
(Sexual Alpha)
11. Roughly 10% of Married Couples in The United States Maintain Their Long-Distance Relationship.
Research shows that 10% of married couples in the United States are maintaining a long-distance relationship.
Of all the relationship statistics in this article, this one is one of the most interesting to us. It goes to show you that for some couples, long distance is best.
(ezine Articles)
12. 3.75 Million Married Couples in The United States Are in Long-Distance Relationships.
According to our research, around 3.75 million couples living in long-distance relationships are married in the United States.
These are couples who are dedicated to making their marriages and relationships work. This is what can happen when you put in the effort.
(Beauty and Lace)
13. Couples in A Long-Distance Relationship Call Each Other Every 2.7 Days.
Since communication is one of the ways couples can make long-distance relationships work, phone calls are an important method of communication.
There’s something about hearing your loved one’s voice, isn’t there?
In fact, the average time in-between talking on the phone among long-distance couples is 2.7 days.
(The LDR Activity Book)
14. The Average Distance in A Long-Distance Relationship Is 125 Miles.
It’s important to understand that long-distance relationships are defined as partners in an intimate relationship who are living geographically apart with a distance of at least 123 miles between them.
So, the average distance between couples in LDRs accounts for 125 miles, which qualifies them as long-distance partners.
(In Our Life)
15. on Average, Couples in Long-Distance Relationships Will Visit Each Other 1.5 Times a Month.
Remember when we are dealing with averages, the figures are often estimates, but are as close to accurate as we can get.
That said, Dr. Gulder from the Center for the Study of Long-Distance Relationships revealed that the average LDR couple visits one another about 1.5 times per month.
Some couples go for months without in-person contact. In terms of LDRs that grow online, it can take years before they meet in person.
(Insider)
16. Couples in Long-Distance Relationships Are More Likely to Communicate Effectively and Be Open and Honest with Each Other.
In successful or potentially successful long-distance relationships, couples are more apt to be open and honest in their communications.
It doesn’t matter what mode of communication these couples engage in. They feel comfortable being honest and open on video chats, phone calls, and texts.
(Relation Rise 2)
17. Couples in Long-Distance Relationships Are Also More Likely to Appreciate Each Other More and Put More Effort Into the Relationship.
All long-distance relationships aren’t alike. However, in many cases, couples in LDRs are more apt to show each other appreciation and prioritize the relationship more than those in non-long-distance relationships.
It can be too easy to forget to appreciate your loved one when you are with them all the time. Sometimes, that time spent apart opens some couples up to more appreciation in their relationship.
(PsychAlive)
FAQs
What Are the Challenges of Being in A Long-Distance Relationship?
There are many challenges of being in a long-distance relationship. Some of the most usual challenges include:
Lack of physical intimacy: One of the biggest challenges of being in a long-distance relationship is the lack of physical intimacy.
Couples in long-distance relationships miss hugging, kissing, and other physical forms of affection.
Feeling lonely: Another common challenge of being in a long-distance relationship is feeling lonely.
When you’re not able to see your partner in person, it can be easy to feel isolated and alone.
Trust issues: Long-distance relationships can also lead to trust issues. When you’re not able to see your partner in person, it can be difficult to know for sure what they’re up to.
This can lead to feelings of insecurity and jealousy.
What Are the Benefits of Being in A Long-Distance Relationship?
Despite the challenges, there are also some benefits to being in a long-distance relationship.
Some of the most common benefits include:
Stronger communication: Couples in long-distance relationships often must communicate more effectively than couples who live close together.
This is because they can’t rely on physical cues to communicate their feelings.
More appreciation: Couples in long-distance relationships often appreciate each other more than couples who live close together.
This is because they must make more of an effort to stay connected and to be available for each other.
More time for self-growth: Long-distance relationships can also provide you with more time for self-growth.
When you are not spending all your time with your partner, you have more time to focus on your own hobbies, interests, and goals.
How Can I Make a Long-Distance Relationship Work?
If you’re considering a long-distance relationship, or if you’re already in one, there are a few things you can do to make it work.
Here are some tips:
Communicate regularly and effectively: Communication is key in any relationship, but it’s especially important in a long-distance relationship.
Make sure to talk to your partner on a regular basis and be sure to be open and honest with each other.
Visit each other as often as possible: Even if you can’t see each other in person very often, try to visit each other as often as possible.
This will help to keep the relationship strong and to remind you of why you fell in love in the first place.
Trust one another: Trust is an essential element in any relationship, but it’s especially important when distance separates you.
If you can’t trust your partner, the relationship is doomed to fail.
Be patient: Long-distance relationships take time and effort. Don’t expect everything to be perfect right away. Be patient with each other, and with the process.
What Qualifies as An LDR?
To qualify a long-distance relationship, the couple must live at least 132 miles away from one another.
Do Couples in Long-Distance Relationships Miss Having Sex?
Long distance relationship statistics show that 31% of couples in LDRs do miss having sex with their significant others.
Conclusion
Long-distance relationships can be complicated, but they can also be highly fulfilling and rewarding.
If you are willing to put in the work, long-distance relationships can be a fantastic way to find love and happiness. Plus, they can be very fulfilling.
Things that promote a healthy and fulfilling LDR include regular and effective communication, honesty and openness, appreciation, realistic expectations, and as many in-person interactions as possible.
If you are in a long-distance relationship and it is starting to get tough, be sure to talk about how you’re feeling to your partner, make plans for closing the distance between you, stay connected via phone calls, text messages, and video chats, and don’t give up on one another.
Remember, long-distance relationships can be challenging, but they can also be extremely rewarding.
Communication is key, and it is important to make time for each other, even when you are apart.
If you are willing to put in the effort, a long-distance relationship can be the ideal way to find love and happiness.
We hope these long distance relationships statistics have been helpful to you.
