Facts That Inform and Inspire
February 5, 2021
Love can be eternal but the data about how Americans meet, date, and marry is ever changing. Sixty years ago, more than 7 in 10 American adults were married. Today, that figure is nearly 5 in 10. And the number of Americans who have used online dating? Thirty percent. As we approach Valentine’s Day, these facts paint a picture of love in America today.
Sixty-six percent of married adults cite companionship as a major reason they decided to get married. Learn more here and here.
For men, the median age at first marriage was 31 in 2020, compared with 23 in 1969. Learn more.
Other major reasons cited for moving in together: companionship (61%), convenience (37%), and finances (38%). Learn more here and here.
Twelve percent of Americans have married or been in a committed relationship with someone they first met through a dating site or app. Learn more here and here.
Forty-one percent of never-married adults who are open to marriage say that not being financially stable is a major reason they are not married. Learn more here and here.
In comparison, there were 61.4 million opposite-sex married couple households. Learn more.
Twenty-seven percent of these single adults are not sure if they want to get married and 14% say they do not want to get married. Learn more.
Learn more about Americans today: Relationships