Looking for love in all the wrong places? A new rankings list may prove you are literally in the worst spot to date.
A December analysis released by WalletHub breaks down which of the 182 most highly-populated U.S. cities are best, and worst, for singles. And Atlanta, Seattle, and Denver are among the top 10.
“The already difficult process of finding the perfect partner can be made even tougher when cities lack the conditions necessary to make dating successful,” WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said in the report.
“The best cities for singles have large, gender-balanced single populations, along with a wide variety of indoor and outdoor, daytime and nighttime activities,” he said. “They also have reasonable prices for dating activities or high average incomes to help ease the sting of inflation.”
Don’t worry if you want to date and aren’t having much luck. Census data puts singles at roughly 46% of the entire U.S. adult population. But as WalletHub notes in its analysis, those singles are concentrated very differently throughout the country.
The new rankings are based on a set of "35 key indicators of dating-friendliness," according to WalletHub. With inflation driving up prices, WalletHub looked at the average price of popular date activities in each area, including movie tickets and restaurant meal costs. The analysts also took into consideration the number of nightlife options available to residents in each city, rent prices, salon costs, and online dating opportunities.
Another key factor was the total percentage of singles living in an area—since you kind of need other singles around to find success dating, unless we're officially in the AI dating era.
Here's more on the top three cities for singles:
Atlanta
Atlanta claims the top spot for singles thanks to its dynamic social scene, which includes a wealth of nightlife, restaurants, and attractions. The city stands out with its high density of shopping centers, spas, and social clubs, providing a variety of settings for first (and hopefully second and third) dates. Additionally, Atlanta’s accessibility—ranked 22nd in the U.S. for biking, walking, and public transportation—makes getting to these destinations convenient.
Another key factor is Atlanta’s substantial population of unattached residents, with over 69% of its citizens identifying as single. This ranks the city eighth nationally for available partners. Furthermore, the median household income here approaches $79,000, making it likely you’ll meet someone with solid financial security.
Las Vegas
Las Vegas earns the second spot for singles by offering some of the most diverse entertainment and social opportunities in the country, according to WalletHub. With its array of music festivals, spas, shopping destinations, fitness facilities, and social clubs, the city caters to many different interests. Surprisingly, dating here can also be cost-effective, with low average expenses for grooming and fitness, including some of the country’s cheapest haircuts and gym memberships, the WalletHub analysis found.
The city also ranks 23rd for gender parity among unattached individuals, offering a balanced environment for those seeking companionship. For singles who find love in this vibrant city, the quick and quirky wedding options, like Elvis-themed chapels, add a touch of fun to the romance.
Seattle
WalletHub's analysis puts Seattle on the map as a haven for singles, ranking third overall due to its variety of cultural and outdoor offerings. The city excels in providing unique date opportunities, from parks and music festivals to upscale dining and shopping centers. For those seeking meaningful connections, the city's community-oriented atmosphere makes it a great place to build relationships, according to WalletHub.
Known for its thriving tech industry, Seattle boasts a high median household income of over $80,000, adjusted for cost of living, increasing the likelihood you'll meet someone financially secure. The city also ranks among the best for online and app-based dating, offering ample chances to connect virtually.
