Single Americans want partners earning this much per year, study finds

Single Americans who say income matters in a relationship expect a potential lifelong partner to earn an average of $139,000 a year, according to a new survey highlighting the growing role finances play in modern dating.

The finding comes from Northwestern Mutual's 2026 Planning & Progress Study, which surveyed 4,375 U.S. adults. Among single individuals who said a partner's income is important, respondents answered that they ideally wanted someone earning a six-figure salary. Expectations differed sharply by gender and generation.

Single women said their ideal partner would earn an average of $172,000 annually, while single men said $101,000 was enough. Millennials, ages 30 to 45, reported the highest expectations at $160,000, followed by Gen Z at $135,000, Gen X at $123,000 and baby boomers at $125,000.

The survey, released on July 13, also found income isn't a priority for everyone. Nearly six in 10 singles, or 59%, said a potential partner's earnings are not important when looking for a long-term relationship.

The findings come as other research suggests young Americans are dating less than in previous years. According to the Institute for Family Studies, 31% of Americans ages 22 to 35 said they were actively dating at least once a…

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/money/