Exploring the Geography of Unmarried Adults in the United States

As romantic prospects flutter around, many individuals find themselves unattached. CBS News Data Team delves into statistics from the U.S. Census that reveal approximately 46% of American adults over 20 are single, with this number varying significantly across different cities.

When examining counties with a substantial population of singles, cities like Baltimore, Washington D.C., and Philadelphia, alongside Boston and the Manhattan area of New York County, showcase the highest numbers of single adults. These areas perhaps offer fertile ground for those looking to meet new partners.

Regional Variations

Conversely, counties such as Collin and Denton in Texas, Fairfax in Virginia, DuPage in Illinois, and Bergen in New Jersey display a larger number of married residents, suggesting that matrimony is more common there.

Age and Relationship Status

The trend shows younger adults, particularly those in their twenties and thirties, make up the majority of singles, with another notable group being those in their mid-sixties.

Interestingly, recent data highlights a 2023 decline in the overall percentage of adults being either married or single for the first time in two decades. This shift seems to coincide with a slight reduction in both new marriages and divorces.

Gender Discrepancies

A closer look at gender-specific patterns reveals that 71% of males over 20 have never wed, a higher ratio than the 54% among females. Women appear more frequently as divorced or widowed, possibly reflecting the disparity in life expectancy—74.8 years for men and 80.2 years for women, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.