Long-Distance Relationship Statistics: What Studies Show

There is no single success rate you can use to predict your long-distance relationship. The studies below compare particular groups over particular periods. They do not establish that 60% of all long-distance couples succeed, or that 40% break up.

The clearest finding in the research reviewed here is less dramatic: one 2013 study of 870 participants found similar breakup likelihood at follow-up for long-distance and nearby relationships. A smaller diary study found greater reported intimacy among its long-distance participants. Neither result predicts what will happen to a particular couple.

We reviewed these sources on September 16, 2026. We removed figures from an earlier version of this page when we could not verify their original source and scope.

Long-distance relationship research at a glance

Sources: Kelmer et al., Family Process; Jiang and Hancock, full paper.

How common are long-distance relationships?

We have not verified a current, population-wide count suitable for this guide. Surveys of college students and counts of spouses living apart measure different groups. Check who the researchers counted, where participants lived and when they collected the data before sharing a prevalence figure.

What’s the real success rate?

Kelmer and colleagues studied relationship quality, commitment and stability among 870 participants. Long-distance participants reported higher quality on several measures and initially perceived less risk of breaking up. At follow-up, the groups had similar breakup likelihood. Original study abstract.

“Success” needs a definition. Staying together six months, moving to the same city and getting married are different outcomes. A percentage without an outcome and follow-up period leaves out the information you need to interpret it.

Are long-distance couples actually less happy?

Jiang and Hancock studied 63 couples through communication diaries. Long-distance participants reported greater intimacy; the researchers examined self-disclosure and idealized perceptions of a partner as part of that process. Observational research cannot show that moving apart would make a couple happier. Full research paper.

How do long-distance couples communicate?

Cornell’s account of the diary study reports 876 diaries covering 3,024 interactions. Long-distance participants reported fewer interactions per day overall than nearby participants, while using more mediated communication. These counts describe the sample, not a recommended texting quota. Cornell research summary.

For your own week, agree on a time you can both protect and a way to say you’re busy. Try a conversation question, or play Would You Rather for something lighter. Those are activity suggestions, not outcomes tested by these studies.

What actually predicts success?

These sources do not establish a single strongest predictor for all couples. Discuss the decisions you can make together: visit costs, communication expectations and whether you want to live in the same place.

Our relationship timeline offers planning checkpoints rather than deadlines. For a move, use the closing-the-distance guide.

Cite this page

Cite the original paper when you use a finding. Include its year, sample and measured outcome. Far Fox did not conduct these studies.

The bottom line

Check a study’s scope before applying its numbers to your life. The research above gives reasons to question blanket pessimism about distance, while leaving your own choices and circumstances open.