The 15 Best Cities for Single Millennials [+Median Income]
In our ranking of the best cities for single millennials, Boston ranked 1st with nearly 70 percent of its millennial population all being single. Boston is also one of the best cities for millennials to work with a median annual income of $50,000. In the United States, over 50 percent of individuals aged 18 to 34 don't have a steady partner, which is the highest rate of singlehood in that age group in the 30+ years our researchers analyzed.
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UPDATED: Nov 22, 2020
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There’s no doubt that millennials—those born between 1981 and 1996—live very differently from their parents and other generations. Millennials are rewriting the rules of work, homeownership, dating, and marriage. And it turns out that some cities are better for single millenials than others.
According to Census data, the median age for an individual’s first marriage has been steadily increasing over time. In 2018, the median age for a first marriage was nearly 30 for men and almost 28 for women, up from 23 for men and 21 for women in 1970.
In addition to putting off marriage, millennials are also more likely to be single with “no steady partner.” Data from the independent research organization NORC at the University of Chicago shows that more than 50 percent of 18 to 34 year olds don’t have a steady partner and only 28 percent are currently married. This means that there are more young singles than ever.
Whether happily unmarried or actively searching for someone to settle down with, single millennials benefit from living in places that offer a wide range of high-paying jobs, plenty to do, and a large pool of other young singles to socialize with. And for those living in communities with higher median incomes, these millennials are also finding ways to offset living expenses, ranging from housing to their state's average car insurance rates.
To find the best metro areas for single millennials, researchers at Insurantly analyzed data from the U.S. Census Bureau and created a composite score based on the following factors:
- Millennial share of the total population: the share of the total population born between 1981 and 1996
- Share of millennials that are single: the share of millennials that are not married
- Gender balance for single millennials: the male-female ratio among single millennials
- Percentage of single millennials employed full-time: the percentage of single millennials with full-time jobs
- Median income for full-time millennials: the median annual income for millennials working full-time jobs
- Arts, entertainment, and recreation businesses density: the number of arts, entertainment, and recreation businesses per 10,000 people
Only major metropolitan areas with at least 500,000 people were included in the analysis. Metros were then ranked based on their final composite score.
Interestingly, among millennials nationwide, there are about 14 percent more single men than women; bachelors outnumber unmarried girls in almost every major metro. While many of the best cities for single millennials still show an imbalance between single men and women, the ratio tends to be more balanced than average.
The 15 Best Cities for Single Millennials
#15 - Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN
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- Overall score: 82.52
- Millennial share of total population: 21.9%
- Share of millennials that are single: 64.3%
- Gender balance for single millennials: 0.5% more women
- Percentage of single millennials employed full-time: 56.3%
- Median income for full-time millennials: $40,000
- Arts, entertainment, & recreation businesses density: 3.79
The Indianapolis metro area has nearly equal numbers of single millennial men and women, with only 0.5 percent more single millennial women than men. The eight-mile long Indianapolis Cultural Trail offers single millennials a terrific place to socialize. This pedestrian and bike trail provides easy access to restaurants and shops and connects downtown to several cultural districts.
#14 - Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL
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- Overall score: 82.52
- Millennial share of total population: 23.7%
- Share of millennials that are single: 68.6%
- Gender balance for single millennials: 5.7% more men
- Percentage of single millennials employed full-time: 52.0%
- Median income for full-time millennials: $32,000
- Arts, entertainment, & recreation businesses density: 4.48
Not just retirees and families with small kids call Orlando home. Millennials make up nearly one-quarter of the population, and the metro area has much more than theme parks to keep millennials entertained. Millennials can visit one of the area’s many craft breweries or head to Wekiva Springs to cool off in the 72-degree water.
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#13 - Charleston-North Charleston, SC
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- Overall score: 83.33
- Millennial share of total population: 24.0%
- Share of millennials that are single: 67.4%
- Gender balance for single millennials: 12.5% more men
- Percentage of single millennials employed full-time: 59.8%
- Median income for full-time millennials: $35,600
- Arts, entertainment, & recreation businesses density: 4.11
In recent years, Charleston has become a millennial magnet. A flourishing tech start-up economy coupled with a thriving restaurant and arts scene have helped to attract droves of young residents, of which nearly two-thirds are unmarried.
#12 - Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD
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- Overall score: 83.66
- Millennial share of total population: 22.6%
- Share of millennials that are single: 66.8%
- Gender balance for single millennials: 11.0% more men
- Percentage of single millennials employed full-time: 52.8%
- Median income for full-time millennials: $45,000
- Arts, entertainment, & recreation businesses density: 3.83
Birthplace of the bottle cap, Baltimore has stayed true to its roots, developing a thriving local brewery scene. The area’s large millennial population enjoys the elusive combination of affordable housing and top-tier job opportunities that the D.C. area helps bring to the region. Young singles can enjoy sailing and endless views of the Baltimore inner harbor.