STATEWIDE–Nearly half of the U.S. population is unmarried (never married, divorced, or widowed), according to the latest estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. In an effort to help Americans find love, Wallethub conducted a study called “2020’s Best & Worst Cities for Singles.”
They say Indianapolis and Fort Wayne are two “middle-of-the-road” cities for singles out of 182 they evaluated. Wallethub ranked Indianapolis #92 and Fort Wayne #98. Those included 150 most populated U.S. cities, plus at least two of the most populated cities in each state — across three key dimensions: economics, fun & recreation, and dating opportunities.
“There are more people, especially in Fort Wayne, that have settled down already as opposed to being single, so that was kind of the nail in the coffin here,” said Jill Gonzalez, an analyst for Wallethub. “Indianapolis is doing a little bit better with a little more singles and a few more online dating opportunities, which in 2020, is really the name of the game.”
When you add up all the data from every state, Wallethub says the average date costs more than $100. Gonzalez said the cost of living in Fort Wayne and Indianapolis makes life easier for those who are single.
“The typical meal at a restaurant for two is a lot cheaper than it is in other cities. The average beer and wine cost is a lot cheaper, so that affordability and the dating economics are good in these two cities,” said Gonzalez.
With the pandemic going on, Gonzalez says it helps to have as many outdoor options. Fort Wayne and Indianapolis are both limited in those areas, in part, because of the climate.
“It’s not like you can just ship in singles. Outdoor space for dates along with parks and recreation centers need to be as outdoor as possible, which is hard in Indiana because it gets pretty cold there as well,” said Gonzalez.
Since people are feeling less comfortable meeting in person right now, Gonzalez said it’s important to increase your “dating opportunities.”
“That has a lot to do with the share of the single population, the singles gender balance, online dating, mobile dating, using dating apps, all of these things are helpful,” said Gonzalez.
The total population of Marion County (for those in Indianapolis) is estimated at 934,243 people with 449,848 male and 484,395 female. As for Allen County (for those in Fort Wayne), there are more women than men. The total population of Allen County, Indiana is estimated at 365,918 people with 178,564 male and 187,354 female.
As for the 45% of people in the country who are unmarried, Gonzalez said a lot of factors go into that.
“A lot of it has to do with financial reasons, social media reasons, and a lot of things coming together. There are a lot more single people who are staying single longer,” said Gonzalez. “The pandemic is also playing a role in that.”
Wallethub said Madison, Wisconsin was the best city in America for singles. Glendale, California was ranked the worst.
LISTEN: Full Interview with Jill Gonzalez
