Gender Imbalance in U.S. Counties: East Coast Women Predominance and Western Male Majority

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Recent U.S. Census Bureau data has provided evidence that supports the notion of gender imbalance across different regions in the United States.

This data, derived from the 2022 American Community Survey 5-year estimates and reinforced by the 2020 census age and sex statistics, shows a distinct pattern: in the largest urban counties on the East Coast and in the Deep South, women outnumber men, whereas in the West, the situation is reversed.

While these findings are intriguing, they come with certain limitations in terms of broader conclusions. Nevertheless, individuals like 57-year-old Nancy Averbach, a widow for eight years residing in DeKalb County, Atlanta, attest to the challenges posed by these demographic disparities. In her county, the sex ratio is notably low at 87.1, indicating a higher number of women compared to men.

Averbach’s experience in seeking a partner aligns with these statistics. She notes the scarcity of single men sharing her values and the lack of suitable social groups for her age demographic. In her observations, events for singles tend to draw more women than men.

It’s important to note that these sex ratio figures do not account for sexual orientation, gender identity, or active partner-seeking status, and they largely exclude intersex individuals due to historically limited data collection.

Geographical variations in these ratios are influenced by the presence of certain gender-skewed institutions and industries. In the most populous Western counties, this is evident in places like San Diego with its male-dominated military bases, and tech-heavy cities like Austin, San Francisco, Seattle, and San Jose, where men constitute a significant majority in the technology sector.

Conversely, regions with a high concentration of colleges and universities often have a higher female population. Additionally, factors such as the impact of historic racism, including high incarceration rates and mortality disparities, have contributed to reduced male populations in certain communities, as explained by Karen Guzzo, director of the Carolina Population Center.

In counties with over 500,000 residents, the most significant female majority is seen in Baltimore, New York, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Birmingham, Alabama, and Memphis, Tennessee. Here, the ratios are predominantly in the mid-80s. In contrast, the West records higher male-to-female ratios, particularly in Colorado Springs, Austin, and various California counties with large agricultural and energy sectors.

The U.S. birth sex ratio typically favors males, but this trend reverses around age 30 due to higher male mortality rates. Interestingly, recent census data indicates an increase in the number of men living into older age compared to the previous decade.

Michal Naisteter, a professional matchmaker in Philadelphia, has observed these demographic trends in relation to the dating scene. She notes a tendency for single women to reside within city limits, while single men often commute from suburbs. Naisteter advises those seeking partners to broaden their geographical scope.

In areas with more men, earlier marriages are common, whereas women in female-majority regions often cohabit without marrying and, if they do marry, frequently choose partners with lower education or income levels.

For individuals like Averbach, however, settling is not an option. She remains content with her life in suburban Atlanta, independent of a partner.

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Follow journalist Mike Schneider’s updates on X, previously known as Twitter: @MikeSchneiderAP.

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More about Gender Imbalance in U.S. Counties

• U.S. Census Bureau
• American Community Survey
• 2020 Census Data
• Gender Demographics in the United States
• Population Studies and Gender Imbalance
• Regional Demographic Trends in the U.S.
• Impact of Industry on Gender Distribution
• Societal Effects of Gender Imbalance