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20 US States with the Most Single People, Ranked

The 20 US States With the Highest Share of Single Adults, Ranked

29 min ago

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  1. The 20 US States With the Highest Share of Single Adults, Ranked
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Demographic data reveals surprising shifts in US marriage and household patterns. Driven by career mobility, higher living costs, and university hubs, millions of Americans are postponing marriage or staying single. Here is how the top 20 states rank for unmarried adult populations.

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©Wikimedia / Dietmar Rabich & Pixabay / Bananayota

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20 Highlights · Full Editorial Review
#1

20. Ohio (33.6%, Tied)

Ohio rounds out the top twenty, tying with Delaware and North Dakota. Ohio State University in Columbus anchors a massive young community, while low living expenses allow young adults to rent comfortably on single incomes.

20 US States with the Most Single People, Ranked — Ohio (33.6%, Tied)
Photo: Pixabay / Ohio Cityscape Contributor
#2

19. Texas (34.1%, Tied)

Texas matches Arizona at 34.1 percent unmarried adults. Booming technology headquarters in Austin and corporate finance hubs in Dallas continue to attract young graduates seeking career opportunities.

20 US States with the Most Single People, Ranked — Texas (34.1%, Tied)
Photo: Pixabay / Trudi Photos
#3

18. Arizona (34.1%, Tied)

Arizona State University in Tempe hosts one of the largest single student bodies in America. Meanwhile, affordable desert living and tech expansions in Scottsdale attract tens of thousands of unmarried professionals.

20 US States with the Most Single People, Ranked — Arizona (34.1%, Tied)
Photo: Pixabay / Oliver Revilo
#4

17. Mississippi (34.2%, Tied)

Mississippi ties with Hawaii and Michigan at 34.2 percent. Changing social trends and economic factors across rural and urban counties have led to lower formal marriage rates across recent census counts.

20 US States with the Most Single People, Ranked — Mississippi (34.2%, Tied)
Photo: Pixabay / James Cheney
#5

16. Michigan (34.2%, Tied)

Michigan's single population is bolstered by massive student bodies at the University of Michigan and Michigan State. Downtown Detroit has also added thousands of residential lofts attracting tech workers.

20 US States with the Most Single People, Ranked — Michigan (34.2%, Tied)
Photo: Pixabay / Photos By Mahin
#6

15. Hawaii (34.2%, Tied)

Hawaii shares the 15th spot with 34.2 percent unmarried adults. The state's steep cost of living forces many young adults to live with roommates, while rotational naval and air force bases maintain a sizable single demographic.

20 US States with the Most Single People, Ranked — Hawaii (34.2%, Tied)
Photo: Pixabay / BKD Photos
#7

14. Alaska (34.4%)

Alaska has long drawn adventurous individuals seeking seasonal contracts in oil fields, wilderness lodges, and maritime industries. Its remote geography and rugged lifestyle naturally favor single residents.

20 US States with the Most Single People, Ranked — Alaska (34.4%)
Photo: Pixabay / NW Images by Sabrina E
#8

13. Pennsylvania (34.6%)

Pennsylvania benefits from massive educational and healthcare sectors that employ thousands of unmarried young adults. Walkable urban neighborhoods in Center City Philadelphia support thriving dating scenes.

20 US States with the Most Single People, Ranked — Pennsylvania (34.6%)
Photo: Pixabay / Leonhard Niederwimmer
#9

12. Nevada (34.8%)

Nevada's unique 24-hour entertainment economy fosters unconventional working schedules and high population turnover. The fast pace and transient lifestyle keep overall marriage rates below national averages.

20 US States with the Most Single People, Ranked — Nevada (34.8%)
Photo: Pixabay / Suyash Dixit
#10

11. New Jersey (34.9%)

Waterfront enclaves like Jersey City and Hoboken boast some of the highest concentrations of single young professionals in the country. Easy transit access to Manhattan makes these neighborhoods top choices for independent renters.

20 US States with the Most Single People, Ranked — New Jersey (34.9%)
Photo: Pixabay / jplenio
#11

10. Georgia (35.4%)

Atlanta has emerged as a premier relocation market for single graduates seeking opportunities in media, logistics, and fintech. Modern midtown apartment construction caters directly to individual living.

20 US States with the Most Single People, Ranked — Georgia (35.4%)
Photo: Pixabay / Eric Stokley
#12

9. Connecticut (35.8%)

Fairfield County and New Haven feature high proportions of educated, unmarried residents. The heavy financial barrier to suburban homeownership keeps many young commuters renting independently well into their thirties.

20 US States with the Most Single People, Ranked — Connecticut (35.8%)
Photo: Pixabay / 12019
#13

8. Maryland (36.2%)

Maryland's corridor along the capital attracts thousands of ambitious federal contractors, scientists, and policy analysts. Strong earning power allows many residents to remain self-sufficient without marrying.

20 US States with the Most Single People, Ranked — Maryland (36.2%)
Photo: Pixabay / 1778011 & BruceEmmerling
#14

7. Louisiana (36.4%, Tied)

Louisiana matches Illinois with 36.4 percent single adults. Major universities and the bustling hospitality economy of New Orleans create an energetic social environment where residents settle down later in life.

20 US States with the Most Single People, Ranked — Louisiana (36.4%, Tied)
Photo: Pixabay / otschnbrotschn
#15

6. Illinois (36.4%, Tied)

Over a third of Illinois adults have never married, heavily influenced by Chicago's bustling rental market. Neighborhoods like Lincoln Park and Logan Square are renowned as major destinations for unmarried professionals.

20 US States with the Most Single People, Ranked — Illinois (36.4%, Tied)
Photo: Pixabay / juergen-polle & 12019
#16

5. New Mexico (36.7%)

New Mexico features a notable share of single households across Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Shifting generational demographics and growth in research labs contribute to low marriage rates.

20 US States with the Most Single People, Ranked — New Mexico (36.7%)
Photo: Pixabay / 10447082
#17

4. Rhode Island (37.5%)

The Ocean State packs multiple universities into its compact borders, including Brown University and RISD. A vibrant arts and culinary scene in Providence caters to independent young adults.

20 US States with the Most Single People, Ranked — Rhode Island (37.5%)
Photo: Pixabay / MOHANN & 12019
#18

3. Massachusetts (37.7%)

With prestigious institutions like Harvard and MIT drawing tens of thousands of scholars every fall, Massachusetts maintains a notably young population. Post-graduate work in Cambridge and Boston keeps marriage numbers low.

20 US States with the Most Single People, Ranked — Massachusetts (37.7%)
Photo: Unsplash / Sean Sweeney
#19

2. California (38.2%)

California ranks second nationwide for unmarried adults. Tech workers in the Bay Area and creative professionals across Southern California frequently prioritize career mobility and independence over early marriage.

20 US States with the Most Single People, Ranked — California (38.2%)
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels & MaxxGirr
#20

1. New York (38.9%)

New York leads the nation with nearly 39 percent of its adult population identifying as never married. Fast-paced corporate culture, high rents, and extensive graduate programs in Manhattan and Brooklyn encourage residents to delay traditional family milestones.

20 US States with the Most Single People, Ranked — New York (38.9%)
Photo: Unsplash / Luca Bravo

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