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New York has been named the best state for singles looking for love, according to an August 2026 study from digital entertainment platform BC Game.
The study examined dating opportunities across the United States. Researchers considered the size of each state’s dating pool, social venues, relationship outcomes and average date costs.
With more than 40% of Americans unmarried, the research aimed to identify where singles may have the best opportunities to meet a potential partner.
New York Is the Best State for Singles
New York took the top spot in the rankings.
The state has a large pool of unmarried adults. About 53.1% of men and 58% of women are unmarried, according to the study.
New York also offers plenty of places for singles to meet. The research counted 372 social venues per 100,000 residents.
The biggest drawback is the cost of dating. The average date costs about $297, making New York one of the most expensive states on the list.
Still, the study found that the state’s large dating pool and number of social venues give singles plenty of opportunities to connect.
Massachusetts Ranks Second
Massachusetts claimed the No. 2 spot among the best states for singles.
About 51.9% of men and 56.1% of women in the state are unmarried. Massachusetts also has about 320 social venues per 100,000 residents.
The state also scored well on relationship stability. According to the study, Massachusetts has one of the lower divorce rates in the country.
An average date costs about $218, which is less than the typical cost in New York.
Rhode Island Offers Plenty of Dating Options
Rhode Island came in third.
The state has one of the largest dating pools on the list. About 54.5% of men and 58% of women are unmarried.
Rhode Island also recorded 376 social venues per 100,000 residents. That figure is higher than New York’s total.
Dating is also more affordable. The study puts the average date cost at about $165.
Louisiana Is a Budget-Friendly Choice
Louisiana ranked fourth among the best states for singles.
About 53.9% of men and 57.8% of women are unmarried. The state also has 285 social venues per 100,000 residents.
Its biggest advantage may be affordability. The average date costs only about $86.
That makes Louisiana one of the cheapest states on the list for going out. However, the study found that relationship happiness was lower in the state than in several other top-ranked locations.
Illinois Ranks Among the Top States
Illinois rounded out the top five.
The state ranked No. 1 in the study’s separate attractiveness ranking. About 51.6% of men and 55.1% of women are unmarried.
Illinois also offers 310 social venues per 100,000 residents. A typical date costs around $158.
The combination of a sizable dating pool, social opportunities and moderate costs helped Illinois secure a spot among the top five.
California and Other States Make the Top 10
California ranked seventh overall. The state has 52.4% unmarried men and 55.3% unmarried women.
Vermont followed at No. 8, while New Mexico ranked ninth. Pennsylvania completed the top 10.
New Mexico stood out for its affordability. The average date costs about $87, nearly matching Louisiana.
Vermont also had the highest number of social venues among the states listed, with 388 per 100,000 residents.
Dating Apps Are Not the Only Way to Meet
The study also looked at how dating has changed in the digital age.
BC Game’s CEO noted that dating apps allow people to meet potential partners they may never encounter otherwise. However, the executive also argued that online dating does not necessarily make relationships easier.
The study suggests that face-to-face interactions remain important. Singles still need opportunities to meet people in restaurants, bars, cafes and other social settings.
For anyone wondering about the best state for singles, New York currently leads the pack. Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Louisiana and Illinois also offer strong opportunities, although each state has different advantages.
Source: BC Game August 2026 study on the best states for singles.
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