25% of 40-Year-Old U.S. Men Have Never Married, Reflecting Shifting Societal Norms

A notable increase in the number of single men reaching their 30s and 40s has become a significant demographic trend in the United States. Data from 2021 reveals that 25% of 40-year-olds in the U.S. have never been married, a substantial rise from 20% in 2010 and just 6% in 1980. This shift indicates a broader change in marital patterns, with men increasingly delaying or forgoing marriage.

The observation, highlighted by a recent tweet from "Path of Men" stating, > "there’s a pandemic of single men slowly hitting 30s and 40s and still unmarried. what’s going on?", aligns with findings from various research institutions. While the overall marriage rate has declined, there's also a concurrent trend of first marriages occurring later in life. The midlife first marriage rate for men aged 40-59 increased by 45% between 1990 and 2019, suggesting that for many, marriage is delayed rather than entirely abandoned.

Several factors contribute to this evolving landscape, with economic stability playing a crucial role. Unpartnered men often face different, and frequently worse, economic outcomes compared to their partnered counterparts. In 2019, unpartnered men had significantly lower median earnings and employment rates, and were more likely to live with their parents. A 2017 Pew Research Center survey found that 71% of U.S. adults consider a man's ability to financially support a family as very important for a good spouse or partner.

Beyond economic considerations, changing social dynamics and evolving expectations in relationships are also at play. Relationship experts note that women are increasingly prioritizing emotional availability, strong communication skills, and shared values in potential partners. Many men, however, have been socialized in ways that do not emphasize the development of these emotional and communication competencies, creating a mismatch in the modern dating environment. This divergence in expectations can make it challenging for men to form lasting romantic connections.