The balance between married and unmarried men in young adulthood has shifted considerably in the United States since 2000.

Figures compiled by the Institute for Family Studies show that 30.4 million American men aged 20–39 were unmarried in 2025. That compares with 20.7 million in 2000—an increase of approximately 47%. Meanwhile, the married population within the same age range declined from 18.1 million to 15.4 million.

What is driving the change? Researchers and demographers point to several overlapping influences: later marriage, financial pressures, evolving expectations of partners, and women’s increased financial independence. Changing approaches to dating and starting families also contribute to the broader picture.

These trends resist explanations that place responsibility on either men or women alone. Instead, they reflect changes in the economic and social circumstances surrounding marriage.

The figures also describe marital status, not whether someone has a partner. Being unmarried does not necessarily mean being single or outside a committed relationship.

Source: Institute for Family Studies.