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Going Solo: A Look at the Number of Single Women Worldwide

According to the United Nations, as of 2020, there are approximately 7.9 billion people in the world, and approximately 50.7% of them are female. However, it is important to note that this statistic includes both single and married women. The number of single females specifically is not publicly available, as it varies by country and is affected by factors such as age, cultural norms, and social and economic conditions.

So there isn’t a hard number on exactly how many single females there are in the world, however, read on to get a general idea.

It is important to note that the number of single women can also be affected by cultural and societal factors. In some cultures, marriage is considered a norm and it is expected that most women will be married by a certain age. In other cultures, women may choose to remain single for various reasons such as pursuing their careers or education.

Additionally, the number of single women may also be affected by economic factors. In countries with a high poverty rate, women may not have the financial resources to support themselves and their families, and may therefore be more likely to marry at a younger age.

You know how people always ask if you’re single or taken? Well, turns out about 31% of adults in the US say they’re single, which means they’re not married, living with a partner, or in a committed romantic relationship.

But here’s the thing, it’s not the same for everyone. The youngest and oldest Americans are more likely to be single, like 41% of those 18 to 29 and 36% of those 65 and older. Meanwhile, only 23% of those 30 to 49 and 28% of those 50 to 64 say they’re single. So, if you’re feeling like the only single one in your group, just remember that it’s different for everyone.

Single Adults in U.S.A.

Ages 18 to 29

Ages 65 and older

Ages 30 to 49

Most Single Women Want Commitment

So, fellas, you’re on the dating market and wondering what’s out there? Well, let me tell you, about half of singles (53%) are open to either a committed relationship or just some casual dates. But for those who have a preference, more are looking for a relationship (28%) than just casual dates (20%).

Ladies, get ready, because y’all are more likely than men to be on the hunt for a committed relationship (36% vs 22%).

Age also plays a role in what people are looking for. Older daters (40+) are more likely to be down for just casual dates (24%) and less likely to be open to both (47%) compared to younger daters (58%).

And for those who have been through the dating wringer before, divorced, separated, or widowed folks are more likely to be looking for just casual dates (25%) than those who have never been married (17%). But don’t worry, this can be explained by age and gender.

Lastly, if you’re not currently in a relationship, but casually dating someone, you’re not alone, 13% of singles are in the same boat. They’re keeping their options open, 52% are open to either a committed relationship or casual dates, 5% aren’t looking for either right now, 24% are looking for a relationship, and 19% are just looking for casual dates.

Women who want commitment

Men who want commitment

How Did Most Couples Meet?

Alright, so you’re married, living with a partner or in a committed relationship and wondering how you got there? Well, for most adults, friends and family were the wingmen (or wing-people) in helping them find their match.

About a third (32%) of adults say that’s how they first met their current partner. And for others, 18% met through work, 17% through school, 12% online, 8% at a bar or restaurant, 5% at a place of worship, and 8% somewhere else.

But, if you’re in a relatively new relationship, you’re more likely to have met online. In fact, 28% of those who have been in their current relationship for less than three years met online, which is just as common as meeting through friends or family (27%).

And age also plays a role, younger partnered adults (18-29) are more likely to have met online (21%) compared to older adults (5% of those 65 and older). Younger people are also more likely to have met in school while older adults are more likely to have met at work.

And where you live matters too, meeting online is just as popular in urban and suburban areas (14%) but less common in rural areas (8%). And this holds true even when taking into account that urban and suburban residents tend to be younger than those in rural areas.

Most People Are Single Despite What It Looks Like On Social Media

Despite what you see on your Instagram and Facebook feeds, the majority of adults in the biggest 100 cities in the US are single. This includes those who are not married, divorced, separated or widowed, 55.6% of adults aged 20 and above are single. So, don’t believe everything you see on social media, most people are flying solo.

One Comment

  • Cyndi Galley says:

    Great information. Flying solo is such a gift for the time and season we have it–especially while working out some of our more “toxic” traits and triggers. Thank you for this!

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