If you are struggling to find yourself "cuffed" by a serious relationship, a new study has discovered that your ZIP code could boost your chances.
Spokeo, a data-aggregating search website, has revealed the best U.S. states for singles in 2024.
Spokeo's best states for singles are:
10. Kansas.
9. Minnesota.
8. Nebraska.
7. Iowa.
6. Connecticut.
5. South Dakota.
4. Michigan.
3. Louisiana.
2. Mississippi.
1. Massachusetts.
States such as New York and California, which are often put to use as the backdrop of Hollywood rom-coms, did not make the cut. In contrast, Spokeo has identified Massachusetts as the top state for singles in 2024, highlighting its favorable conditions for dating and relationship-building.
Why Are These the Best Places for Singles?
The study analyzed various factors such as mental-health services, economic conditions, and social alignment to determine the best places to date this year. The research also took into account modern dating trends and singles' concerns, making it a comprehensive guide for those looking to enhance their dating experiences.
Spokeo's approach included an analysis of the percentage of never-married adults above 15, the cost of living, and the romance crime victims per capita of each state—among other factors and their influence on dating.
The likelihood of being ghosted in each state was also assessed, making for a unique metric that accounted for 10 percent of the ranking, penalizing states where ghosting is more common.
Massachusetts topped the list due to its high number of never-married adults, mental-health services, and active civic engagement. Mississippi and Louisiana followed closely, praised for their social engagement and relatively low costs of living. Michigan and South Dakota rounded out the top five, noted for their favorable economic conditions and community support.
"I can only offer a contrarian take on Spokeo's study. It is a good conversation piece, but doesn't really make sense in the context of dating," Nash Wright, a dating and relationship coach, told Newsweek.
The GoTalkToGirls.com coach said that the study's focus on safety and mental health, while important, might not align with the primary concerns of singles in 2024.
"It makes much more sense to talk about looking for fun, or love, or sex," Wright added.
Despite Wright's reservations, researchers said that today's singles are more open to discussing mental health, care about aligning on social and political causes, and are sensitive to economic stability. However, while the methodology may be comprehensive, Wright remains skeptical of its practical implications for singles.
"It's very hard to date in low population areas," he said, adding that the study's emphasis on factors like mental-health providers might overlook more critical aspects of dating dynamics.
"It's still hard, but easier in the suburbs. The cities present the most options; that is one reason why single people have always gravitated to cities," Wright added.
Spokeo's study also considered states' unemployment rates, with higher rates leading to lower rankings. States like South Dakota, with low confidence and romance scams per 100,000 residents, were seen as attractive for singles looking to establish stable relationships. The cost of living was another significant factor, with lower costs making states more appealing for those looking to date frequently without financial strain.
Still, Wright's critique highlights the importance of considering both practical and emotional aspects of dating. The coach said that the choice of where to date might ultimately depend on more personal factors, such as the desire for fun, love, and connection, beyond the statistical rankings.
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