Here’s Why Kentucky is the 5th Worst State to Get a Date
It seems that Kentucky isn't the best place for singles looking for a date this Valentine's Day according to WalletHub's 2025 study on the Best & Worst States for Singles.
Dating can be difficult, no matter your age, and putting yourself out there to find your perfect match often feels like an impossible task. I felt that way when I moved from Michigan to Owensboro. It was tough even just making friends, and it seemed like if you didn’t grow up here, you’d never truly fit in. The town felt like one big high school, with everyone having their own established cliques. Those first few years were lonely until I met my husband. Not only did I find a great partner, but I also gained a wonderful group of friends. Looking back, it makes sense since everyone had grown up together and shared long-standing friendships. As someone who moved around a lot for work, I couldn’t relate to that kind of rooted connection. Now, I’m just grateful I’m not navigating the dating world today!
DATING IN KENTUCKY
Taking dating too seriously or expecting perfection right off the bat can set you up for disappointment. It’s all about taking the time to get to know someone before jumping into a relationship. The discovery phase of a relationship should be fun and full of potential, even if it comes with a few unexpected twists along the way. That being said, it’s not always easy when you’re in a place with limited dating opportunities.
"Dating is ideally an opportunity to get to know another person and to assess whether one's personality, preferences, and priorities are a good match.," Maryam Kia-Keating - Ph.D. – Professor and Chair, Department of Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology – University of California, Santa Barbara
Do you struggle with finding someone to date?
STUDY METHODOLOGY
With Valentine’s Day upon us and inflation driving up the cost of dating, WalletHub has released its 2025 report on the Best & Worst States for Singles, along with expert insights to help people navigate the dating scene without breaking the bank. The personal-finance website compared all 50 states across 29 key dating-related indicators, including the share of single adults, the unemployment rate for singles, and even the number of restaurants per capita. These factors offer a comprehensive look at how friendly each state is for singles, helping to balance the quest for love with the need to keep finances in check.
REPORT BREAKDOWN
Dating in Kentucky (1=Best; 25=Avg.):
Overall Rank: 46th
34th – % of Single Adults
41st – Gender Balance of Singles
42nd – Online-Dating Opportunities
41st – Mobile-Dating Opportunities
42nd – Median Annual Household Income (Adjusted for Cost of Living)
30th – Restaurants per Capita
38th – Movie Theaters per Capita
