If you walked into a crowded coffee shop today and looked around, you’d probably assume most people there were coupled up, heading home to a spouse, or at least texting a "situationship." But the data tells a much different story. Honestly, the "typical" American household isn't what it used to be. For the first time in basically forever, married-couple households have dropped below the 50% mark.
According to the latest Census Bureau data released in late 2025, only 47% of U.S. households are now comprised of married couples. That is a massive shift from 1975, when that number sat at 66%.
So, how many Americans are single exactly?
As of 2026, roughly 42% to 46% of U.S. adults are technically unpartnered. This isn't just a "young person" trend either. While 18-to-24-year-olds are overwhelmingly single (about 86% of them), we’re seeing a significant rise in "gray singlehood" among those over 65. It's a weird, complex mix of people choosing to stay solo, people delaying marriage until their 30s, and a growing number of older adults navigating life after divorce or the passing of a spouse.
Why the "Single" Label Is Kinda Complicated
When we talk about being single, we often lump everyone into one big bucket. But the Census and researchers like Pew Research Center look at this through a few different lenses.
There’s the "never married" group, which is growing fast. In fact, a record 25% of 40-year-olds in the U.S. have never been married. Then you have the "unpartnered" group—people who aren't living with a romantic partner. This is an important distinction because someone might be "single" on a tax return but very much in a committed relationship.
The Breakdown by the Numbers:
- The Gen Z Factor: About 63% of men under 30 are single, compared to only about 34% of women in the same age bracket. This gap is huge and honestly a bit baffling to many sociologists.
- One-Person Households: There are now nearly 40 million people living entirely alone in the U.S. That’s 29% of all households.
- The Marriage Delay: The median age for a first marriage has climbed to 30.8 for men and 28.4 for women. In the 70s, people were tying the knot in their early 20s.
The Geography of Singlehood
Where you live matters. A lot. If you're looking for a partner—or looking to avoid the "Why aren't you dating?" questions from your neighbors—certain cities are basically hubs for solo living.
SmartAsset’s 2025 study highlighted some wild disparities. In Rochester, New York, about 58.5% of the population is single. Boston and Detroit aren't far behind. On the flip side, if you go to Plano, Texas, more than half the people you meet at the grocery store are likely married.
The gender ratios are even wonkier. In Oceanside, California, there are roughly 1.5 single men for every single woman. But in New Orleans, it's the opposite—single women significantly outnumber single men. It's not just "vibes"; it's math.
Why Are So Many Americans Staying Solo?
It’s not just one thing. It's a perfect storm of economics, culture, and high expectations.
First, let's talk about the money. Dating is expensive. A Forbes Health survey found that active daters are spending over $300 a month just to go out. When you factor in the "Romantic Recession"—a term some experts are using to describe the decline in courtship due to pessimism and anxiety—many people are just opting out. They'd rather spend that money on a high-quality takeout meal and a Netflix subscription.
Then there's the "Expectation Gap." About 41% of single people believe that movies and social media have given them unrealistic expectations for love. People aren't just looking for "good enough" anymore. They want a soulmate who is also a financial partner, a best friend, and a therapist. If they can't find that, they're increasingly okay with staying single.
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The Impact of "Gray Divorce"
We can't ignore the older demographic. Divorce rates for people over 50 have tripled since the 1990s. This "gray divorce" trend has flooded the single market with people who spent 20 or 30 years married and are now navigating a world of apps they don't quite understand. Interestingly, women in this age group are often happier staying single than men. About 51% of women over 65 are unpartnered, compared to only 29% of men.
Is This a "Loneliness Epidemic"?
You’ve probably heard the headlines. "Americans are lonelier than ever." And while it’s true that about 16% of adults feel lonely "all or most of the time," being single doesn't automatically mean being lonely.
Actually, many singles report having stronger social ties with friends and neighbors than married people do. Married couples tend to "turn inward," focusing almost exclusively on their partner and children. Singles, by necessity and choice, often build "chosen families."
However, there is a real gender divide in how this plays out. Men are statistically less likely to reach out to friends for emotional support. This has led to the "male loneliness epidemic," where single men often lack the social infrastructure that single women have spent years building.
What This Means for the Future
The shift toward a more "single" America isn't just a phase. It's a structural change in how we live. We see it in the housing market, with more demand for one-bedroom apartments. We see it in the "solo travel" boom. We even see it in the workplace, where employees are starting to demand benefits that aren't just geared toward nuclear families.
If you're wondering how many Americans are single because you feel like the odd one out at Thanksgiving, just remember: you're actually part of one of the fastest-growing demographics in the country.
Actionable Insights for the Solo Life
If you are part of the 42%+, here are a few ways to navigate this "Single Era" effectively:
- Audit your "Third Places": Since households are shrinking, finding community outside the home is vital. Find a local spot—a gym, a library, a park—where you can exist around other humans without the pressure of a "date."
- Financial Independence is Key: Single people don't have a "backup income." Prioritize an emergency fund that covers at least six months of expenses.
- Build Your "Inner Circle": Don't wait for a partner to have a support system. Intentionally invest in 3-5 close friendships that can provide the emotional labor traditionally expected from a spouse.
- Reframe the Narrative: Being single isn't a "waiting room" for marriage. It's a valid, often fulfilling way to live that offers a level of autonomy that partnered people often envy.
The numbers don't lie. America is becoming a nation of individuals. Whether that's a "crisis" or a "new frontier" depends entirely on how we choose to build our lives and our communities in this solo-heavy landscape.