Last Updated on April 27th, 2023 at 06:11 pm
In today’s fast-paced world, many singles are on the lookout for the perfect city to call home.
Whether you’re looking for a vibrant social scene, exciting career opportunities, or simply a great place to meet like-minded people, there are plenty of cities across the United States that cater to the needs of single individuals.
In this article, we’ll explore the 10 best US cities for singles to live in, taking into account factors such as the sex ratio of males to females, percentage of the population at prime dating age and the likely number of singles in the region.
It’s worth noting that this list is compiled specifically for heterosexual couples, given the data puts significant weight on the ratio of men to women. The majority of our data comes from the U.S. Census as well as other government surveys.
Whether you’re a recent college graduate, a seasoned professional, or simply looking to explore new horizons, there’s a city out there that’s perfect for you. So without further ado, let’s dive in and discover the best places for singles to live in the US!
How we determined our list
We cross referenced a number of statistics from national surveys to find the following:
Population
It was important for us to include cities with good social opportunities for young people. As a measure of this, we discounted any cities with a population below 50,000.
Sex Ratio
The ratio of males to females gives an accurate representation of the split of sexes in the region. For heterosexual singles, living in a place that has either too many men or too many women can make it difficult to date.
Therefore, we discounted any cities with a sex ratio (males per 100 females) below 99 and above 101.
Percentage of Population Between 20-44
We wanted to look at the percentage of the population who were in their prime dating age.
Whilst high populations might point to bustling cities, if many of those city’s inhabitants are older, this doesn’t help with dating.
We used census data around age groups to calculate the percentage of the population between the ages of 20-44.
Percentage of Population Living Without A Partner or Spouse
Whilst census data can tell us how many people in each city are married above the age of 15, this is likely to be skewed by starting the range so young.
Therefore, we have prioritized data that includes the percentage of the population that lives alone (both male and female) noting no partner. Given people living alone are more likely to be adults, this is a better guide to determining the likely number of eligible singles in the area.
10 Best US Cities For Singles To Live In
#1: Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Total Population: 117,822
- Sex Ratio (Males Per 100 Females): 100.7
- Percentage of Population Between 20-44: 54%
- Percentage of Population Living Without A Partner or Spouse: 18%
Cambridge, Massachusetts is a city located in Middlesex County with a population of 117,822. The city has the highest percentage of the population between the ages of 20-44 on our list, standing at 54%.
Cambridge has attracted world-class companies to the area, employing many residents, including Google, Amazon, Biogen, IBM, and Oracle. These tech companies, alongside MIT, draw in a large number of young people. Aside from being a hub for innovation, Cambridge has a great nightlife and plenty of social opportunities for single people of all ages, making it a perfect choice for our top spot.
#2: Arlington, Virginia
- Total Population: 236,434
- Sex Ratio (Males Per 100 Females): 100.3
- Percentage of Population Between 20-44: 47%
- Percentage of Population Living Without A Partner or Spouse: 21%
Arlington, Virginia is a city located in Arlington County with a population of 236,434. Nearly half of the city’s population is between the ages of 20-44 at 47%. The percentage of the population living without a partner or spouse is relatively high at 21%.
Arlington is located just across the Potomac River from Washington D.C. Arlington consistently ranks as one of the most sought after areas for singles and young professionals, specifically due to its amenities and amazing location for travel.
#3: Denver, Colorado
- Total Population: 715,878
- Sex Ratio (Males Per 100 Females): 100.4
- Percentage of Population Between 20-44: 45%
- Percentage of Population Living Without A Partner or Spouse: 18%
Denver, Colorado is a city located in Denver County with a population of 715,878. A significant percentage of the population is young, aged between 20-44.
Denver is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, including the Rocky Mountains, and is a hub for outdoor recreation. The city is also home to many young professionals who work in the tech industry, as well as a thriving arts and cultural scene presenting tons of date options for those looking to impress.
#4: Fort Collins, Colorado
- Total Population: 166,069
- Sex Ratio (Males Per 100 Females): 100.3
- Percentage of Population Between 20-44: 46%
- Percentage of Population Living Without A Partner or Spouse: 13%
Fort Collins, Colorado is a city located in Larimer County with a population of 166,069. The city has a significant percentage of the population between the ages of 20-44 at 46%. The percentage of the population living without a partner or spouse is 13%.
Fort Collins is a single person’s dream city with lots of historical sites, restaurants, breweries, and career opportunities. Despite the city’s large student population, it has tons of dating options for couples new and old.
#5: Galveston, Texas
- Total Population: 50,307
- Sex Ratio (Males Per 100 Females): 100.4
- Percentage of Population Between 20-44: 36%
- Percentage of Population Living Without A Partner or Spouse: 19%
Galveston, Texas is a coastal city located in Galveston County with a population of 50,307.
Known as a charming beach town that is full of historical architecture, sunny beaches, and highly-rated restaurants, it is no surprise that Galveston is a top choice for those moving to Texas – and with one of the youngest populations in the area, it’s a great choice for Southerners looking to meet someone.
#6: Marietta, Georgia
- Total Population: 60,687
- Sex Ratio (Males Per 100 Females): 100.2
- Percentage of Population Between 20-44: 39%
- Percentage of Population Living Without A Partner or Spouse: 16%
Marietta, Georgia is a city in Cobb County with a population of 60,687. It has a high percentage of the population living alone at 16%. The percentage of the population between the ages of 20-44 is 39%, giving the city a young feel.
Marietta is the second smallest city on our list by population, but does still have a bustling restaurant scene and plenty of romantic activities. For singles looking for a small-town feel with lots of young people, Marietta provides everything you’d need to find the perfect partner.
#7: Lincoln, Nebraska
- Total Population: 286,388
- Sex Ratio (Males Per 100 Females): 100.8
- Percentage of Population Between 20-44: 39%
- Percentage of Population Living Without A Partner or Spouse: 15%
Lincoln, Nebraska is a city located in Lancaster County with a population of 286,388. It has a high percentage of the population between the ages of 20-44 at 39%, with the percentage of the population living alone is also high at 15%.
The low cost of living, the abundance of job opportunities, and convenient location are just a few perks that come with living in this city, accounting for its popularity with young people. The city also boasts a busy bar and restaurant scene, making meeting new people easy for young singles.
#8: Beaverton, Oregon
- Total Population: 98,567
- Sex Ratio (Males Per 100 Females): 100.9
- Percentage of Population Between 20-44: 39%
- Percentage of Population Living Without A Partner or Spouse: 15%
Beaverton, Oregon is a city located in Washington County with a population of 98,567. The city has a significant percentage of the population between the ages of 20-44 at 39%. The percentage of the population living without a partner or spouse is 15%.
Beaverton is part of the Portland metropolitan area and is known for its outdoor spaces, including Tualatin Hills Nature Park and Cooper Mountain Nature Park. The city also has a thriving arts and culture scene and is home to the Beaverton Farmers Market – a perfect date spot for singles at any age!
#9: Euless, Texas
- Total Population: 56,334
- Sex Ratio (Males Per 100 Females): 100.9
- Percentage of Population Between 20-44: 39%
- Percentage of Population Living Without A Partner or Spouse: 15%
Euless, Texas is a city located in Tarrant County with a population of 56,334. The city has a significant percentage of the population between the ages of 20-44 at 39%. The percentage of the population living without a partner or spouse is also 15%.
Euless is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area giving it close proximity to a number of world-class bars, clubs and restaurants. Though the area itself is the smallest on our list by population, its location makes it an appealing place for singles.
#10: Renton, Washington
- Total Population: 101,871
- Sex Ratio (Males Per 100 Females): 100.9
- Percentage of Population Between 20-44: 40%
- Percentage of Population Living Without A Partner or Spouse: 14%
Renton, Washington is a city located in King County with a population of 101,871. The city has a higher sex ratio of 100.9 males per 100 females and a high percentage of the population between the ages of 20-44 at 40%. The percentage of the population living alone is also relatively high at 14%.
In Renton there are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks, and it is known for being popular with young professionals. The city is perfect if you want more of a suburban lifestyle, without having to compromise on great date options.
Data – 10 Best US Cities For Singles To Live In
| Geographic Area Name | Total Population | Sex Ratio (Males Per 100 Females) | Percentage of Population Between 20-44 | Percentage of Population Living Without A Partner or Spouse |
| Cambridge, Massachusetts | 117,822 | 100.7 | 54% | 18% |
| Arlington, Virginia | 236,434 | 100.3 | 47% | 21% |
| Denver, Colorado | 715,878 | 100.4 | 45% | 18% |
| Fort Collins, Colorado | 166,069 | 100.3 | 46% | 13% |
| Galveston, Texas | 50,307 | 100.4 | 36% | 19% |
| Marietta, Georgia | 60,687 | 100.2 | 39% | 16% |
| Lincoln, Nebraska | 286,388 | 100.8 | 39% | 15% |
| Beaverton, Oregon | 98,567 | 100.9 | 39% | 15% |
| Euless, Texas | 56,334 | 100.9 | 39% | 15% |
| Renton, Washington | 101,871 | 100.9 | 40% | 13% |
