Single Young Men in U.S. Increase Nearly 50% Since 2000

The number of single young men in the United States has increased by nearly 50% since the year 2000. In 2025, there were 30.4 million unmarried men between the ages of 20 and 39, compared to approximately 15.4 million married men in the same age group. This marks a significant shift from 2000, when there were 20.7 million single men and 18.1 million married men, indicating the gap between unmarried and married men has widened considerably.

Sociologists suggest this trend is concerning for societal well-being. "Such men are more likely to be lonely, prone to deaths of despair and unhappy," Brad Wilcox, a sociologist at the University of Virginia, told the Washington Times. "It’s never good for a society to have large numbers of unattached, dispirited, and unhappy young men."

Wilcox pointed to several potential contributing factors, including a decline in marriage rates, particularly among working-class men, and a decrease in child-rearing. He also noted an increase in young men engaging with video games and social media. "The digital revolution has exacted a major toll on their social skills, their opportunities to mix and mingle and their educational attainment," he stated. Wilcox also suggested that educational systems may not adequately cater to the interests and educational orientations of boys.

These demographic shifts align with broader trends in social connection. A Pew Research Center analysis of Census Bureau data revealed that in 2021, about 25% of 40-year-olds, regardless of gender, reported they had never been married, up from 6% in 1980. This figure breaks down to 28% of men and 22% of women.

Further data indicates a later age for first marriages. The median age for men entering marriage in the U.S. is now around 31, a rise from 23.5 in 1975, according to U.S. Census Bureau statistics. These developments coincide with reports suggesting a significant portion of the population experiences limited social interaction. A recent study indicated that more than two-thirds of Americans do not engage in social activities on an average day, with younger generations like Gen Z being particularly affected, potentially due to the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns during crucial developmental periods. Additionally, Gen Z shows a higher level of distrust towards others, with only 13% believing most people can be trusted. A notable percentage of Gen Z individuals have also reported having zero face-to-face interactions on a given day.