- A new ranking reveals the states most likely to couple up before Christmas, based on relationship statuses and interest in dating
- The study analyzed the proportion of states’ populations who are single, or divorced, along with Google searches for dating sites
- Single residents in Nevada are the least likely to have success this ‘cuffing season’, as the state sees the highest rate of failed relationships
A new study has identified the states where single residents are most and least likely to find love over the festive season – and it’s bad news for Nevada.
‘Cuffing season’ refers to the time of year between October and February when people are more interested in forming a romantic relationship, especially over the festive season (Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Valentine’s Day). However, some states will struggle to secure a partnership over this period than others.
Dating site experts, datingscout.com, analyzed each state’s likelihood of coupling up based on how many residents are single or divorced, according to the US Census, along with the average monthly Google searches made for dating sites and apps.
Each state was then ranked from least to most lucky in love, with a higher rate of failed relationships and a high interest in dating apps indicating a greater struggle to find romance. And it turns out Nevada is the worst place to find a partner in the US.
Nationally, 10.9% of the population is divorced, and just over one-third (34.6%) of the population is single. However, in Nevada, 13% of residents are divorced – meaning separation is one-fifth more likely in the Silver State than it is elsewhere.
Nevada residents are also more interested in dating apps than the typical American, reporting an average of 29.3 Google searches per month, compared to the national average of 26.9 searches – representing a 9% higher need for online dating.
The second loneliest state is New Mexico. Although residents are less in need of online dating with just 23.7 Google searches made per month, the state reports 37.6% of the population as single – which is 9% above the national average (34.6%).
Divorce rates are also higher in the Land of Enchantment than they are across the US as a whole, with Census data showing 13.1% of residents are divorced.
The third state most likely to spend the festive season alone this year is Rhode Island. The state was primarily let down by a high proportion of single residents, at 38.2%, which is 10% more than the national average.
Residents also appear to rely on online dating platforms significantly more, reporting the second-highest searches for dating apps, with an average of 43.3 Google searches made per month (61% more than the national average of 26.9).
Fourth is Alaska, as more than one-third of the population is single (36%), and more than one in 10 (11.6%) of residents are divorced. The state also reports a high interest in dating apps, with an average of 34.2 Google searches made per month.
In fifth is Oregon, as 12.3% of the population are divorced (13% more than the national average) and more than one-third are single (34%). The state also reports an average of 31.3 monthly Google searches for dating apps and sites.
The ten states least likely to find love this festive season
Overall, the state with the highest interest in dating apps relative to the population is Vermont, with an average of 43.3 Google searches made per 100k residents each month – 61% higher than the national average (26.9 searches per 100k).
The state with the highest proportion of divorced residents is New Mexico, at 13.1%, while the state with the highest proportion of single residents is New York (40.8%).
But it’s not bad news for every state, as some parts of the US are significantly better placed to form a lasting bond this cuffing season – especially Utah.
The Beehive State reports a combined lower rate of failed relationships and lower reliance on dating apps, with less than one in 10 residents recorded as divorced (9.1%) and less than one-third of the population being single (32.6%). The state reports an average of 28.9 Google searches for dating apps each month.
The second best state to find love this festive season is South Carolina. Just 10% of the population is divorced – 8% lower than the national average of 10.9% – and the state sees just 20.5 average monthly Google searches for dating apps and sites.
In third is Texas. The state reports the second-lowest interest in dating apps, with just 18.2 Google searches made on average per month, and also has a low proportion of divorced residents at just 8.7%.
The fourth state most likely to spend the festive season with a loved one is New Jersey, with just 24.5 average Google searches related to dating apps made per month. This is 9% fewer than the national average (26.9 searches). The state also sees the lowest rate of divorced residents at just 8.4%.
Rounding out the top five states is Iowa, reporting 23.8 monthly Google searches for dating apps. The state also saw one of the lowest divorce rates, with 10.3% of residents holding this relationship status, while 32.5% of residents are single.
The ten states most likely to find love this festive season
The state most reliant on dating apps was Vermont with 48.1 monthly Google searches per 100k residents. America’s favorite dating app overall was Hinge with an average of 15,748 monthly searches, followed closely by Tinder at 14,753.
Commenting on the results, Chris Pleines, Founder of datingscout.com says:
“It’s interesting to see which states are coming up short in finding love, especially as Central States seem to have more luck. This could be due to many factors such as location, political standing, and diversity. However, it’s clear overall that online dating is a big factor in finding love no matter where you are.
“Online dating sites and apps have become the go-to option for finding everything from a hot date to true love. In today’s society, meeting someone online is as normal as encountering a stranger during your daily commute.
“The chances of finding your match online are significantly higher now than before. Distance is no longer an insurmountable obstacle, as online dating has facilitated countless connections worldwide so it’s not surprising that more people are searching for sites to help them find the one this festive season.”
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