Austin dazzles as the 10th best U.S. city for singles

Single Austin residents are living in one of the most charming cities for dating, according to a new national report.

Real estate marketplace Zumper compiled its list of “The Best U.S. Cities for Singles in 2025” by analyzing 100 of the most populous U.S. cities across eight metrics: The percentage of single individuals out of the entire city’s population; median rent prices for a one-bedroom apartment; the number of restaurants, nightlife, and entertainment options per capita; a cost of living index; the median non-family annual income; and unemployment rates.

According to these comprehensive measures, Austin is winning over hearts as the 10th most single-friendly city in the nation.

Austinites that want to explore the best U.S. cities for dating will have to head out of state to places like No. 1-ranking St. Louis, Missouri; Knoxville, Tennessee (No. 2); or Salt Lake City, Utah (No. 3).

Rather than giving scores or numerical ratings, the survey gave letter grades for each of the eight key dimensions (“A” being the best, and “F” being the worst). Austin’s highest grade was an “A” in the categories for restaurants per capita, median annual income for single residents, and unemployment rates. The city earned a “B” in the categories for its nightlife and entertainment options, and for its cost of living.

“What helps Austin stand out is its high single median income of $68,630, one of the strongest among all the top cities, which supports both affordability and lifestyle,” the study said.

The restaurants rating is also fairly reasonable considering Austin is home to one of the most romantic restaurants in America.

Austin’s worst grade was a “D” for its cost for a one-bedroom apartment, which Zumper said added up to $1,510 per month. That left Austin’s single population grade with a middling “C” rating, since about 44 percent of Austin’s population is unattached.

Austin’s dating scene is by far the best in Texas, with Houston coming in second place statewide and No. 27 nationally. Plano, a Dallas suburb, was the worst-ranked Texas city and landed as the No. 78 “best” U.S. city for singles. Other North Texas cities like Irving (No. 70) and Fort Worth (No. 75) also ranked low on the list. So it could be worse.

“The U.S. is seeing a rising share of adults living single, and while romance is still on the wish list for many, today’s singles are also prioritizing vibrant social scenes, strong career opportunities, and an affordable cost of living,” the report’s author wrote.

The top 10 best U.S. cities for singles are:

No. 1 – St. Louis, MissouriNo. 2 – Knoxville, TennesseeNo. 3 – Salt Lake City, UtahNo. 4 – Atlanta, GeorgiaNo. 5 – Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaNo. 6 – Tallahassee, FloridaNo. 7 – Minneapolis, MinnesotaNo. 8 – Asheville, North CarolinaNo. 9 – Richmond, VirginiaNo. 10 – Austin, Texas