### **Nearly 118 Million Americans Are Single — And Women Make Up the Majority**
Nearly **118 million Americans**, or **46% of adults aged 18 and over**, are currently single. As of 2021, **52% of women** in the U.S. were either **never married or divorced**.
According to data released on **March 18** by the **U.S. Census Bureau** and **Wells Fargo Economics**, the number of single women in the United States has been rising due to a growing trend: more Americans are either **delaying marriage** or **choosing not to marry at all**.
An analysis of data from the U.S. Department of Commerce by **Wells Fargo** found that the **share of never-married women** has increased by **20% over the past decade**.
A recent survey by **The Harris Poll** found that **68% of Americans** believe the stigma surrounding being single is fading. This shift in perception may be helping to normalize the decision not to marry. However, despite changing social norms, **single women continue to face significant challenges**, particularly when it comes to **building wealth**.
According to Harris, **three out of four Americans** say life would be easier if they were in a relationship—especially when it comes to **sharing daily living expenses** like rent, groceries, and utility bills. But being single doesn’t necessarily mean equality—especially **gender equality**. In the U.S., single women still face both a **wage gap** and a **wealth gap** compared to men.
Census Bureau data from 2021 shows that the **median household income** for married couples was **$106,921**, while **single women** earned a median income of **$51,168**, compared to **$70,525** for **single men**.
Research from the **Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis** shows that the **wealth gap** is even more pronounced than the income gap. According to the **Federal Reserve’s 2019 Survey of Consumer Finances**, the **median net worth** of married couples was over **$200,000**. By comparison, **single men** had a median net worth of **$57,000**, while **single women** had just **$47,000**.
The Federal Reserve’s data includes both never-married and divorced women. The St. Louis Fed noted that **never-married women** have **29% less wealth** on average than **never-married men**. The situation is even more challenging for **single mothers**.
Despite these disparities, researchers at **Wells Fargo** believe the landscape may shift as **single women become an increasingly vital part of the workforce**. Their report emphasizes that the **improving labor market outlook** for single women could place them in a **stronger position to build wealth** and increase their **purchasing power** in the years ahead.
However, for now, **the financial situation of single women remains more fragile** compared to other demographic groups.