Find Love in These 25 States
Life is sweeter with the right person by your side. While finding your partner can feel like a monumental task at times, some states happen to be luckier than others when it comes to love. Combining data on marriage and divorce rates, the percentage of singles, the number of searches for dating apps and the cost of a date in each state, a 2021 report from Slot Source ranked the best states for love (with the addition of Washington, D.C.).
Read on to see which states made the cut and what exactly makes them so special. We've also included information on romantic date ideas, activities and weekend getaways to add to your bucket list.
25. Idaho
Divorce Rate: 3.8
Marriage Rate: 7.8
Percentage of Single Households: 25.3%
Online Searches for Tinder: 79
Online Searches for Bumble: 60
Total Index Score: 2.33
* Divorce and marriage rates are per 1,000 total people, and stats come from Slot Source's 2021 report.
Romantic Date Ideas
This northwestern state has lots of protected wilderness that folks can enjoy. Fishing and rafting are two of the most popular outdoor activities in Idaho. If viewing the charming scenery is more your speed, take a drive and see the noteworthy overlooks in Sun Valley, Stanley and Boise. Or see the sunset on a boat cruise on Lake Coeur d'Alene.
The state is known for its lack of light pollution, making it pretty easy to plan a night of stargazing with your significant other.
24. North Carolina
Divorce Rate: 3.1
Marriage Rate: 6.4
Percentage of Single Households: 28.5%
Online Searches for Tinder: 53
Online Searches for Bumble: 70
Total Index Score: 2.36
Romantic Date Ideas
This southern state is the ninth-most populous in the U.S. and borders the Atlantic Ocean. When not enjoying the coast with your loved one, you can head to the Great Smoky Mountains or the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Visit the Treehouse Vineyards in Monroe to try the wine for a romantic night in the trees. See a show at the Aperture Cinema in Winston-Salem, which has more than 4,000 screenings a year.
23. South Carolina
Divorce Rate: 2.5
Marriage Rate: 6.6
Percentage of Single Households: 29%
Online Searches for Tinder: 51
Online Searches for Bumble: 60
Total Index Score: 2.4
Romantic Date Ideas
This southern state is famous for its subtropical beaches and marshlike sea islands. Golf lovers flock to the state year-round, but South Carolina is also home to countless weddings, elopements and proposals each year.
Its historic towns and natural beauty make for a romantic backdrop. Stroll through downtown Charleston and see the Colonial-era, restored mansions before trying award-winning food from local chefs. Visit the laid-back town of Beaufort, where you'll see the Woods Memorial Bridge, made famous for its part in “Forrest Gump.”
22. New Hampshire
Divorce Rate: 3.1
Marriage Rate: 6.9
Percentage of Single Households: 27.6%
Online Searches for Tinder: 64
Online Searches for Bumble: 85
Total Index Score: 2.4
Romantic Date Ideas
This New England state is famous for its picturesque towns and large swathes of wilderness. Head to White Mountain National Forest if you and your partner love winter sports. And take the cog railway to the summit of Mt. Washington.
Visit the outdoor art museum, the Andres Institute of Art in Brookline. See the Ice Castles in Lincoln, which are lit up in pink during February. For weekend getaways, the state is filled with resorts, spas, lodges and charming cabins.
21. Arizona
Divorce Rate: 3
Marriage Rate: 5.5
Percentage of Single Households: 27%
Online Searches for Tinder: 57
Online Searches for Bumble: 77
Total Index Score: 2.41
Romantic Date Ideas
This southwestern state is famous for the Grand Canyon and the Sonoran Desert. Arizona's outdoors offer endless options for Canyon Lake, Lake Pleasant Regional Park, South Mountain Park and the Desert Botanical Garden.
For something unique, see the Grand Canyon by airplane, or take a Lower Salt River rafting tour. You can take your special someone on a four-hour guided stargazing tour in Phoenix that they'll never forget.
20. Michigan
Divorce Rate: 2.8
Marriage Rate: 5.7
Percentage of Single Households: 29.6%
Online Searches for Tinder: 59
Online Searches for Bumble: 68
Total Index Score: 2.43
Romantic Date Ideas
The Great Lakes state has the country's longest freshwater coastline — 3,288 miles to be exact. Step back in time with a visit to Mackinac Island, where cars are prohibited and horse-drawn carriages are available.
Head to Ludington for the famous dunes, which you can ski in the winter and hike in the summer. Hop in the car, and enjoy the leaves changing in autumn on the Brockway Mountain Drive. Visit the Bavarian-influenced town of Frankenmuth, and visit Michigan's oldest brewery while you are there.
19. Missouri
Divorce Rate: 3
Marriage Rate: 6.5
Percentage of Single Households: 29.7%
Online Searches for Tinder: 58
Online Searches for Bumble: 65
Total Index Score: 2.5
Romantic Date Ideas
This midwestern state is home to more than 6 million people and has several famous cities, including St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield and Columbia. Take in the sites of downtown St. Louis in a horse-drawn carriage ride. Visit the Hermannhof Winery, which boasts cellars built in 1852.
Visit the Lake of the Ozarks for fun dates on the water. Take the Tom Sawyer Riverboat to historic Kimmswick. And don't forget to share a plate of the state's famous BBQ with your partner.
18. Ohio
Divorce Rate: 2.9
Marriage Rate: 5.6
Percentage of Single Households: 31.1%
Online Searches for Tinder: 55
Online Searches for Bumble: 68
Total Index Score: 2.52
Romantic Date Ideas
This midwestern state is the seventh-most populous in the country and is home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Cedar Point Amusement Park.
Go back in time with a drive through Amish Country. Tour the Loveland Castle, or stay overnight at Landoll's Mohican Castle. Visit the shores of Lake Erie for views of the water. Sip wine at one of the more than 150 wineries throughout Ohio.
17. Nebraska
Divorce Rate: 2.9
Marriage Rate: 6
Percentage of Single Households: 29.6%
Online Searches for Tinder: 65
Online Searches for Bumble: 58
Total Index Score: 2.60
Romantic Date Ideas
This midwestern state offers dramatic landscapes that include prairies, rock formations and lofty dunes. Nebraska also has a lower-than-average date cost of less than $50. With so much scenery available, long drives through the country and visits to waterfalls, gardens and lakes rank high on the date list.
Additional date options include seeing a movie at the drive-in, visiting the Museum of American Speed, apple picking or climbing the 50-feet-tall treehouse at Tree Adventure.
16. Oregon
Divorce Rate: 3.4
Marriage Rate: 6.3
Percentage of Single Households: 27.3%
Online Searches for Tinder: 69
Online Searches for Bumble: 85
Total Index Score: 2.61
Romantic Date Ideas
The natural beauty found in this Pacific Northwest state is often cited when compiling romantic destinations. The Columbia River Gorge offers beautiful scenery as well as a memorable food scene. Cannon Beach is Instagram famous for its idyllic setting.
Then, there are the numerous mountains and quaint towns that offer couples the chance to get away from it all, including the Central Cascades, Wallowa Mountains, Mount Hood and Crater Lake.
15. Kansas
Divorce Rate: 2.3
Marriage Rate: 5.4
Percentage of Single Households: 29.2%
Online Searches for Tinder: 54
Online Searches for Bumble: 62
Total Index Score: 2.63
Romantic Date Ideas
This midwestern state might be known for its tornadoes, but it's also a great place to find love. You'll find botanical gardens, arboretums, lakes and parks, all of which are great date spots.
There are also a number of wineries and bed and breakfasts throughout the state. Couples can consider visiting Lawrence, Wichita and, of course, Kansas City for romantic weekend getaways.
14. Louisiana
Divorce Rate: 1.7
Marriage Rate: 5.1
Percentage of Single Households: 30.6%
Online Searches for Tinder: 51
Online Searches for Bumble: 59
Total Index Score: 2.65
Romantic Date Ideas
This southern state is a melting pot of French, African, American and French-Canadian cultures. It’s famous for its festivals, jazz music and historic streets, all of which make great backdrops for some really fun dates.
Louisiana also offers dazzling natural landscapes that are perfect for couples, including Rip Van Winkle Gardens, Cajun Country Cottages, The Gardens American Rose Center, South Toledo Bend State Park and Lake Martin.
13. Rhode Island
Divorce Rate: 2.9
Marriage Rate: 6.3
Percentage of Single Households: 31.5%
Online Searches for Tinder: 66
Online Searches for Bumble: 82
Total Index Score: 2.65
Romantic Date Ideas
Even though the state is tiny, Rhode Island offers plenty of amiable date options. After all, it’s famous for charming Colonial towns that provide the perfect backdrop for courtships.
Couples can foster their spark with a sunset stroll along the Newport Cliffwalk or on the water aboard one of the state's many cruises. Take in the architecture and opulence at The Breakers and on the Newport Mansion Tour.
12. Illinois
Divorce Rate: 1.5
Marriage Rate: 5.5
Percentage of Single Households: 29.6%
Online Searches for Tinder: 54
Online Searches for Bumble: 70
Total Index Score: 2.65
Romantic Date Ideas
Illinois claims one of the largest cities in the U.S. as its own. With skyscrapers, Lake Michigan, art museums, theaters, countless award-winning restaurants and boat rides along the river, Chicago offers the potential for romance around every corner.
Outside of the state's most famous city, this midwestern state provides plenty of chances to experience romance in its other towns and cities, including Galena, Springfield and Rockford, to name a few. The state’s low divorce rate also makes it especially good for long-lasting love.
11. Colorado
Divorce Rate: 3.3
Marriage Rate: 7.6
Percentage of Single Households: 28.1%
Online Searches for Tinder: 63
Online Searches for Bumble: 86
Total Index Score: 2.68
Romantic Date Ideas
Famous for its mountain peaks, Colorado has an endless amount of natural beauty to swoon over. Whether you're exploring the Rocky Mountains’ Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak or Maroon Bells, the landscape will take your breath away.
Other dates that rank high on the romance scale include concerts at Red Rocks amphitheater, hot-air balloon rides or soaking in the state's many hot springs.
10. South Dakota
Divorce Rate: 2.6
Marriage Rate: 6.5
Percentage of Single Households: 29.2%
Online Searches for Tinder: 68
Online Searches for Bumble: 51
Total Index Score: 2.73
Romantic Date Ideas
You can’t beat the low, date prices in this midwestern state, which offers wide-open spaces that give couples plenty of room to explore. Swoon-worthy dates in South Dakota include ice skating at Main Street Square in downtown Rapid City, attending a cabaret-style performance at the Black Hills Playhouse and meeting 600 wild mustangs at the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary.
Head to the Akela Spa of Deadwood for pampering. Book a weekend of outdoor adventures with your special someone at the Spearfish Canyon Lodge, which has 300 miles of snowmobile trails and ski slopes nearby.
9. Massachusetts
Divorce Rate: 2.1
Marriage Rate: 6.3
Percentage of Single Households: 29%
Online Searches for Tinder: 59
Online Searches for Bumble: 99
Total Index Score: 2.77
Romantic Date Ideas
There are countless opportunities for adventure for burgeoning couples in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Sports fans can check out Fenway Park, history buffs can explore the Freedom Trail, and everyone can appreciate the views of the water from the Shining Sea Bikeway.
Obviously, there are countless romantic moments available in Boston. But smaller areas in the state, like Provincetown and Gloucester, also offer charming moments.
8. Wisconsin
Divorce Rate: 2.5
Marriage Rate: 5.4
Percentage of Single Households: 29.5%
Online Searches for Tinder: 64
Online Searches for Bumble: 70
Total Index Score: 2.82
Romantic Date Ideas
Forests, farms and coastlines on two Great Lakes, Michigan and Superior, make Wisconsin home to the great outdoors' beauty. But this midwestern state is also home to various cities, making it easy to find and celebrate love. Museums, craft beer breweries and restaurants are just a few options for dates.
For a more unique outing, consider visiting the Taliesin Preservation: Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center, the opulent Pabst Mansion or the Lake Geneva Cooking School.
7. Maine
Divorce Rate: 3.2
Marriage Rate: 7.4
Percentage of Single Households: 30.8%
Online Searches for Tinder: 84
Online Searches for Bumble: 78
Total Index Score: 2.86
Romantic Date Ideas
The northeasternmost state is famous for its rocky coastline and maritime history. The state has countless outdoor spaces to kindle a romance, including the Acadia National Park and Mt. Katahdin, the Appalachian Trail's endpoint.
Explore the sandy beaches, lighthouses and lobster shacks on the coast of Maine with your significant other. Or take your love out on the water with one of the many available boat rentals.
6. Nevada
Divorce Rate: 4.4
Marriage Rate: 26.7
Percentage of Single Households: 29.4%
Online Searches for Tinder: 59
Online Searches for Bumble: 70
Total Index Score: 2.87
Romantic Date Ideas
Yes, you read that right. This state has an extremely high marriage rate at 26.7 (about three or four times that of other states). Of course, Nevada is famous for Las Vegas and its many easy-to-get-hitched-in wedding chapels. But whether you are on or off the Strip, there are countless romantic activities for couples (old and new).
World-famous performing arts shows and award-winning restaurants are just two date-night options. Additional ideas include watching the fountains at the Bellagio, taking a hot-air balloon ride over the desert and sharing a gondola ride at the Venetian Hotel.
5. Iowa
Divorce Rate: 2.2
Marriage Rate: 5.7
Percentage of Single Households: 29.6%
Online Searches for Tinder: 62
Online Searches for Bumble: 64
Total Index Score: 2.88
Romantic Date Ideas
For cosmopolitan date nights, head to the state's capital, Des Moines, where you'll find sculpture parks, museums and the gold-domed, 19th-century state capitol building.
In the warmer months, you can spend time getting to know your partner along the shores of West Lake Okoboji. The state also has countless inns, suites and lodges for romantic weekend getaways. What makes this state especially good for love is it’s low divorce rate.
4. Vermont
Divorce Rate: 3.1
Marriage Rate: 7.9
Percentage of Single Households: 31.3%
Online Searches for Tinder: 80
Online Searches for Bumble: 80
Total Index Score: 2.92
Romantic Date Ideas
With more than 100 covered bridges, Vermont might be one of the most picturesque states. That state is also filled with countless idyllic small towns where couples can unplug and focus on each other.
Head outdoors for adventurous dates on the state's many hiking and skiing trails, but don't forget to enjoy at least one meal featuring Vermont's famous maple syrup.
3. North Dakota
Divorce Rate: 2.6
Marriage Rate: 5.7
Percentage of Single Households: 32%
Online Searches for Tinder: 78
Online Searches for Bumble: 51
Total Index Score: 2.97
Romantic Date Ideas
This midwestern state, famous for the Great Plains and the city of Fargo, ranks No. 3 on our list because of a low divorce rate, high percentage of singles and good prices for dates.
Watching the sunset over the Great Plains is one romantic option, but North Dakota has plenty of beautiful areas. Embrace a romantic lake getaway at Lake Metigoshe State Park in the Turtle Mountains, explore the Badlands and the historic frontier town of Medora, or stay in one of the 17 unique suites at The Hotel Donaldson in downtown Fargo — none of which will break the bank.
2. Montana
Divorce Rate: 3
Marriage Rate: 7.7
Percentage of Single Households: 30%
Online Searches for Tinder: 100
Online Searches for Bumble: 63
Total Index Score: 3.35
Romantic Date Ideas
Let the natural beauty of Montana sweep you off your feet. From the epic Rocky Mountains to the famous Great Plains, this western state doesn't disappoint when it comes to romantic vistas.
Much of the state's beauty can be found in Glacier National Park among the snow-capped peaks and alpine lakes. The romantic scenery often prompts couples to propose and elope within the park.
1. Washington, D.C.
Divorce Rate: 2.5
Marriage Rate: 7.8
Percentage of Single Households: 45.6%
Online Searches for Tinder: 50
Online Searches for Bumble: 100
Total Index Score: 3.54
Romantic Date Ideas
Those living in the nation's capital are single and ready to mingle with a whopping percent of single households. The compact city on the Potomac River is famous for its iconic federal buildings and neoclassical monuments.
Strolling through D.C. with a hot beverage and good conversation is one romantic activity the city is known for. Still, with endless museums, award-winning restaurants and multiple performing arts venues, the date night options are endless.