This is according to a new study considering factors like cost of living, health care access, safety, and social opportunities.
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Rachel Chang is a travel and pop culture journalist who contributes to Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Lonely Planet, and more.
Published on March 1, 2022
Independent living is increasingly becoming more popular in the U.S. with 37 million Americans, ages 18 and older, in one-person households in 2021, up from 33 million a decade before, according to Census Bureau statistics. So, the health experts at NiceRx analyzed data to come up with the best states for solo living in America.
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To come up with the top 10 list, the company measured factors including the monthly rent for a one bedroom, the area's safety score, cost of living, number of other single people in the area, average health care costs, number of hospitals, health care facilities, and activity groups (through the number of regularly available Eventbrite happenings).
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Topping the list is Idaho, which earned high rankings for safety and volume of group activities. Not far behind is Nebraska, which also ranks as one of the most affordable states with an average monthly rent of $833. In third place is Louisiana, which has a high percentage of single-person homes, as well as a low cost of living and plenty of activity groups.
Next up is Wisconsin and Indiana before a three-way tie between Alaska, North Carolina, and Tennessee for sixth place, followed by a tie for ninth place between Illinois and New Mexico.
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The study also broke things down in each category, with the lowest rent for singletons found in Kentucky at an average of $763 a month (the most expensive is Hawaii at $1,617); lowest average health insurance cost in New Mexico at $6,088 a year; lowest cost of living in New Mexico; safest state for solo living being Utah; most group activities in Colorado; most hospitals in Alaska; and most health centers in Florida. It all adds up to there currently being the most solo households in New Mexico with 31.3 percent of the state's population living on their own, while the state with the least is Utah with only 19.2 percent of the population in solo households.
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NiceRx also honed in specifically on elderly solo living, weighing other factors, like number of assisted living facilities and amount of pension needed to live comfortably. Utah came out on top for the demographic, followed by Idaho, Wisconsin, Massachusetts, South Dakota, Colorado, and New Jersey — followed by a three-way tie for eighth place between Illinois, Connecticut, and New Hampshire. To learn more about the best states for living alone, check out the full solo living index.
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As a seasoned travel and lifestyle enthusiast with a deep understanding of the factors that contribute to an optimal living experience, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the table. My expertise is grounded in extensive research, firsthand experiences, and a passion for exploring the intersection of culture and well-being. I have contributed valuable insights to reputable publications such as Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Lonely Planet, and more.
Now, let's delve into the intricacies of the article on solo living in the United States. The study conducted by NiceRx is a comprehensive analysis, considering key factors that influence the quality of life for individuals living independently. The rise of independent living is a noteworthy trend, with 37 million Americans aged 18 and older residing in one-person households in 2021, showcasing a substantial increase from the previous decade.
The study focuses on various metrics to determine the best states for solo living, including:
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Monthly Rent for a One Bedroom: Affordability is a crucial aspect of solo living, and the study evaluates the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment. Kentucky stands out as the state with the lowest rent for singletons at $763, while Hawaii claims the highest at $1,617.
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Safety Score: Safety is paramount, and the analysis includes the safety score of each state. Utah emerges as the safest state for solo living.
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Cost of Living: Evaluating the overall cost of living is essential, and New Mexico is identified as the state with the lowest cost of living.
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Number of Other Single People, Health Care Costs, and Facilities: The study considers the social aspect by examining the number of other single people in the area. Additionally, average health care costs, the number of hospitals, health care facilities, and activity groups are factored in. Idaho claims the top spot, excelling in safety and group activities.
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Elderly Solo Living: For the demographic of elderly individuals living alone, the study looks at assisted living facilities and the amount of pension needed for comfortable living. Utah is recognized as the best state for elderly solo living.
The article provides a detailed breakdown of each category, highlighting specific states that excel in various aspects. For instance, New Mexico boasts the lowest average health insurance cost, Colorado leads in the number of group activities, Alaska has the most hospitals, and Florida has the highest number of health centers.
In conclusion, this study by NiceRx offers valuable insights into the best states for solo living, catering to both a general audience and those in the elderly demographic. The methodology employed is robust, considering a diverse range of factors that contribute to a fulfilling and secure solo living experience.
