The Worst States For Single Men Looking For A Date (And The Best)

Research Summary: The Worst States For Single Men

The most challenging state for single men in the U.S. is Hawaii, where there are 100.1 men for every 100 women and 35% of young adults live with their parents.

The most favorable state for single men in the U.S. is Ohio, where there are 96 men for every 100 women and only 30.56% live with their parents.

61% of single men are actively seeking dates, compared to just 38% of single women.

62% of individuals who have never been married are looking to date, compared to 43% who have been divorced and 25% who have been widowed.

Searching for love in less-than-ideal places? You’re not alone. Our analysis of all 50 states reveals where single men have the best opportunities to find love (or at least a solid date). If you’ve been struggling to land a date, it might not be all on you—location plays a significant role.

The Worst States For Single Men To Get A Date

If your state isn’t in the top 10, scroll down to see how single men are faring in your state’s dating scene. Keep reading to learn why these states are the most challenging for single men trying to find a date.

How We Determined The Worst States For Single Guys To Find A Date

We evaluated each state in four key areas:

Percentage Of Residents Married
Ratio Of Men To Women
Percentage Living With Their Parents
Affordability

Our data on marriage rates for each state was sourced from the American Community Survey. A lower marriage rate typically indicates a higher number of singles, creating better dating prospects for single men. While marriage rates may suggest that many men found lasting relationships, they don’t help those currently seeking dates.

The ratio of men to women also comes from the ACS—measuring the number of women per 100 men. Generally, a higher number of women compared to men increases dating opportunities. Furthermore, we analyzed data on the percentage of young adults living with their parents from the ACS. While dating from the parental home isn’t impossible, it certainly complicates things.

Lastly, we assessed affordability in each state. While going on dates is important, being able to afford them is crucial for success. For affordability, we compared cost of living against average wages as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The more disposable income after essential expenses, the more likely a man is to invest in grooming and dates beyond the standard Netflix and chill.

1. Hawaii

Hawaii
Marriage Rate: 50.7%
Men-to-Women Ratio: 100.1
Living with parents: 35%

Hawaii may be paradise on earth, but single men here face tough dating prospects. With a nearly equal number of men and women, competition is fierce. Coupled with the high cost of living, single men in Hawaii might think twice before making dinner reservations for Valentine’s Day—unless it’s a solo affair.

2. New Jersey

New Jersey
Marriage Rate: 53%
Men-to-Women Ratio: 95.4
Living with parents: 46%

New Jersey ranks as the second worst state for single men seeking dates. The high cost of living means dating expenses can take a toll on their wallets. Moreover, a significant number of adults living with their parents makes for less-than-ideal dating situations. This scenario often leads to brunches with mom and dad rather than romantic outings.

3. Utah

Utah
Marriage Rate: 57.2%
Men-to-Women Ratio: 101.5
Living with parents: 27.83%

Utah presents challenges for single men primarily due to a high marriage rate. Many men who delay marriage find themselves with limited dating options, compounded by a gender ratio that favors women, making dating even more challenging.

4. Montana

Montana
Marriage Rate: 53.1%
Men-to-Women Ratio: 101.4
Living with parents: 22.06%

Montana, often referred to as “The Last Best Place,” poses challenges for single men due to high marriage rates and a men-to-women ratio that is not in their favor, making it tough to find a date.

5. Kansas

Kansas
Marriage Rate: 53.7%
Men-to-Women Ratio: 99.2
Living with parents: 24.10%

Kansas ranks fifth for single men struggling to find dates, primarily due to high marriage rates. If a Kansas man spots a potential date, he should check for wedding rings first—marriage is a common occurrence.

6. Virginia

Virginia
Marriage Rate: 51.6%
Men-to-Women Ratio: 96.9
Living with parents: 32.06%

Virginia may not be the ideal destination for lovers. Despite a slightly favorable men-to-women ratio, the high cost of living leaves little room for dating expenses, requiring single men to be resourceful when planning outings.

7. New Hampshire

New Hampshire
Marriage Rate: 52.4%
Men-to-Women Ratio: 97.4
Living with parents: 34.65%

New Hampshire presents an overall lack of favorable dating conditions for single men, with lackluster performances across key metrics. The high percentage of adults living with their parents certainly doesn’t help anyone’s dating prospects.

8. Wisconsin

Wisconsin
Marriage Rate: 51.7%
Men-to-Women Ratio: 98.9
Living with parents: 27.03%

Wisconsin appears to be a charming place for a date, but single men know it’s not easy to land one. The competition can be fierce in this cheese-loving state.

9. Maryland

Maryland
Marriage Rate: 50.8%
Men-to-Women Ratio: 94.2
Living with parents: 38.36%

In Maryland, single men might find themselves in perpetual singlehood. High living costs force many to work long hours, leaving little time or money for romantic dinners.

10. Florida

Florida
Marriage Rate: 48.4%
Men-to-Women Ratio: 95.5
Living with parents: 38.43%

Florida may be known as the Sunshine State, but single men often struggle to find dates. Many are living with their parents, which can complicate romantic pursuits. High living costs also contribute to this dating dilemma.

Summary Of The Worst States For Single Guys To Get A Date

Here you have it—the states where single men face the most challenges in finding dates. While it may be more difficult in these states, hope is not lost. Difficult doesn’t mean impossible! If things seem bleak, consider relocating to a state where single men have better dating prospects.

The best states for a single guy looking for a date?

Check out the full data below:

Rank	State	Marriage Rate (%)	# Of Men To 100 Women	Adults Living With Parents
1	Hawaii	50	100	35.02%
2	New Jersey	53	95	46.42%
3	Utah	57	101	27.83%
4	Montana	53	101	22.06%
5	Kansas	53	99	24.1%
6	Virginia	51	96	32.06%
7	New Hampshire	52	97	34.65%
8	Wisconsin	51	98	27.03%
9	Maryland	50	94	38.36%
10	Florida	48	95	38.43%
11	Arizona	48	98	31.57%
12	Delaware	50	93	37.18%
13	Illinois	50	96	35.83%
14	Wyoming	53	102	20.69%
15	Idaho	55	101	24.88%
16	South Dakota	53	101	19.03%
17	West Virginia	50	98	32.28%
18	Texas	50	98	33.15%
19	Minnesota	52	99	26.44%
20	New York	48	94	39.87%
21	Arkansas	51	96	27.0%
22	California	48	98	38.26%
23	Oregon	51	98	25.37%
24	Nebraska	54	99	21.72%
25	Pennsylvania	50	96	35.99%
26	Indiana	50	97	29.91%
27	Nevada	46	100	30.89%
28	Washington	52	100	26.13%
29	Massachusetts	48	94	36.25%
30	Colorado	51	101	24.36%
31	Iowa	52	98	21.7%
32	North Carolina	51	94	30.45%
33	Oklahoma	51	97	25.81%
34	New Mexico	46	98	34.34%
35	Tennessee	51	95	30.48%
36	Louisiana	46	95	33.65%
36	Alabama	50	94	34.29%
38	Alaska	50	108	29.26%
39	Georgia	49	94	34.0%
40	Connecticut	49	95	41.15%
41	Michigan	49	97	34.01%
42	North Dakota	50	106	14.46%
43	Kentucky	51	96	28.89%
44	Mississippi	47	94	36.06%
45	Missouri	51	96	28.27%
46	Maine	51	96	29.69%
47	Vermont	49	96	27.65%
47	South Carolina	49	94	32.63%
49	Rhode Island	44	95	36.97%
50	Ohio	49	96	30.56%

Author

Kathy Morris

Kathy is the head of content at Zippia with a knack for engaging audiences. Prior to joining Zippia, Kathy worked at Gateway Blend growing audiences across diverse brands. She graduated from Troy University with a degree in Social Science Education.

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