These states offer singles the best chance at finding love in 2026

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FILE-A young couple embraces while waiting on the subway platform in 2025. (Photo by Michael Nguyen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Finding a significant other can come with challenges depending on the values and standards you establish for qualities sought in a companion. 

And while everyone has their own dating requirements, sometimes where you live can make the difference in finding that special someone. 

RELATED: These cities rank as the most romantic, budget-friendly for Valentine's Day, data suggests

To determine if a location can optimize your dating experience, WalletHub created a list of the best and worst states for singles in the nation by comparing all 50 states across 29 categories, like the share of single adults to the unemployment rate for singles at restaurants in the area. 

Best states for singles in 2026

Here is a ranking of the top states for singles. 

Local perspective:

WalletHub also compared the 50 states using the three key categories of dating economics, dating opportunities and romance and fun. Each metric was graded on a 100-point scale, with 100 representing the best conditions for singles actively dating. 

1. Florida
2. New York
3. Texas
4. California
5. Illinois
6. Wisconsin
7. Pennsylvania
8. Massachusetts
9. Ohio
10. Minnesota
11. Michigan
12. Arizona
13. New Jersey
14. Virginia
15. Georgia
16. Missouri
17. Washington
18. Connecticut
19. Nevada
20. North Carolina

To see WalletHub’s full list of best and worst states for singles, click here.

Analysis of the top three states for singles

Dig deeper:

WalletHub ranked Florida, New York, and Texas as the top states for singles and the personal finance website examines its findings. 

Florida

Florida is the top state for singles partially based on its variety of attractions like amusement parks, restaurants, and music festivals per capita, and the state also has the third-most fitness centers and eighth-most parks per capita.

WalletHub noted that the state has a population that’s single. Residents in the area search Google for the names of the top dating websites (Tinder, Match.com, eHarmony), plus terms like "dating" and "online dating," more than people in other states. The state also has the fifth-best annual job growth rate in the nation.

New York

New York ranks second on the list for dating with the largest number of attractions and restaurants per capita, while boasting a high number of bars, movie theaters, amusement parks, and nightlife choices per capita.

The state also has the fourth-highest number of residents who are single (either never married, widowed, or divorced). And New York has the sixth-best gender balance for singles ages 35–49 and third-best for singles ages 20–34.

Texas

Texas is third on the list because of its array of dating venues, including lots of attractions, amusement parks, movie theaters, nature parks, and restaurants per capita. WalletHub explained in their report that people in the state frequently search online for dating-related terms. 

The report also found that Texas residents are less likely than people in other states to show signs of "attachment avoidance," or discomfort with intimacy. Additionally, the state has the third-highest employment growth in the U.S., highlighting a big job market and expanding opportunities for workers in a variety of industries.