A new national study found Rhode Island singles rank among the adults least likely to get married, with neighboring Massachusetts also placing near the top of the list.
The analysis, which reviewed U.S. Census Bureau data on adults ages 30 to 49 who have never married, placed Rhode Island fifth nationwide with roughly 31% of mid-life adults never having married. Massachusetts ranked sixth at around 30%.
Researchers said several factors may be contributing to the trend across New England, including higher living costs, career-focused lifestyles and large urban populations where people are waiting longer to settle down. Boston was specifically highlighted as one of the cities with the country’s highest percentage of never-married adults.
New York topped the national rankings with more than one-third of adults in the study age range never having married. Other states near the top included New Mexico, Hawaii and Nevada.
A separate 2026 WalletHub report also ranked Rhode Island among the best states for singles, citing the state’s high percentage of single adults and strong gender balance among unmarried residents.
The findings reflect broader national trends showing Americans are getting married later in life or not marrying at all. Researchers noted the percentage of never-married adults nationwide has more than doubled since 1960.
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