The Marriage Market Landscape: Where to Find Love in the U.S.
In the realm of romance, the concept of the "marriage market" may seem like a foreign one. However, the Census Bureau has painted a fascinating picture of the potential mate availability within different regions of the United States.
Defining the Marriage Market
According to the Census Bureau, the marriage market refers to the pool of eligible romantic partners available to those seeking long-term relationships. Market conditions, such as the ratio of unmarried men to women, play a significant role in determining the likelihood of forming a romantic partnership.
Single Status in the U.S.
The Census Bureau employs a broad definition of single status, encompassing divorced, widowed, and never-married individuals. Using this definition, the most recent data indicates that 48% of U.S. adults are single. This means that nearly every other person over the age of 18 is considered unmarried.
However, the Pew Research Center offers an alternative perspective on relationship status. According to their findings, 69% of Americans identify as being in a partnered relationship, including 51% married, 11% living with a partner, and 8% in a committed romantic relationship. This leaves about three in ten Americans claiming single status.
Regional Variations in Mate Availability
When it comes to potential mate availability, different regions of the country exhibit striking variations. The Census Bureau has identified the following states with the highest ratios of unmarried men to women:
- Alaska
- North Dakota
- South Dakota
- Colorado
- Wyoming
These states offer a glimmer of hope for single women seeking a romantic match. In Alaska, for example, there are 117 unmarried men available for every 100 unmarried women.
Lowest Ratios of Unmarried Men to Women
In contrast to the states with the highest ratios, the Census Bureau also identified those with the lowest ratios of unmarried men to women:
- Washington, D.C.
- Massachusetts
- Connecticut
- New Jersey
- New York
In Washington, D.C., for instance, there are only 80 unmarried men for every 100 unmarried women. Single men in these areas may face a more competitive dating scene.
State with Highest Single Rate
New Mexico holds the unfortunate distinction of having the highest percentage of single adults in the U.S. with 56.5% of adults either divorced, never married, widowed, or separated. Within this single population, 36% have never been married.
Lowest Single Rate
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Utah boasts the lowest rate of singles with only 45.1% of adults currently unmarried. This state may be a promising spot for those hoping to find a romantic partner.
Prevalence of Same-Sex Couples
The Census Bureau’s data also sheds light on the prevalence of same-sex couples in the U.S. As of 2023, same-sex couples accounted for approximately 1.3 million households. Of these, 59% were married and 41% were unmarried.
Highest Rates of Same-Sex Households
The following states had the highest rates of households with same-sex couples:
- Washington, D.C. (2.7%)
- Vermont (1.7%)
- Delaware (1.5%)
- Rhode Island (1.4%)
- Maine (1.4%)
These statistics provide valuable insights into the marriage market landscape and the varying availability of romantic partners across different regions of the U.S. Whether you’re a single person looking for love or simply curious about the dating landscape, the Census Bureau’s data offers a comprehensive glimpse into the current state of affairs.
