A new study from Match Group suggests that the decline of marriage among younger Americans may be overstated. In fact, Gen Z is actually the generation most interested in tying the knot. According to Match Group's 2026 Singles in America study, 72 percent of Gen Z respondents said they want to get married, a higher share than any other generation.
The study, conducted in partnership with researchers at Indiana University's Kinsey Institute, surveyed approximately 5,000 single adults nationwide between March and April. But Match Group's latest data points in a different direction. The company found that nearly three-quarters of Gen Z respondents want marriage.
Across all age groups surveyed, 76 percent said romantic love can last forever, 74 percent said some relationships are "meant to be" and 61 percent said there is a perfect match or soulmate for everyone. The data comes even as marriage rates fall and birth rates decline across the United States. According to Lauren DeFord, director of brand marketing at Match Group, younger singles often feel pressure to downplay long-term relationship goals.
"For a generation told to keep things casual and see where they go, saying you want marriage can almost feel countercultural," DeFord said in a statement. Klimov said part of the shift is because Gen Z has dated less than previous generations, so dating and relationships can feel more valuable precisely because they’ve had fewer of them. However, dating app fatigue is also playing a significant role.
The Singles in America study also found that many singles are increasingly prioritizing compatibility and emotional stability over excitement alone. Nearly half of respondents, 49 percent, said they had fallen for someone they were not initially attracted to. Great conversation, shared interests and shared values were some of the most commonly cited reasons that attraction developed over time.
It makes sense that permanence and a committed partner would be appealing when so much else feels temporary,” generational expert and HR consultant Bryan Driscoll told Newsweek. I think the better description is that they're selective.” Singles were also more than twice as likely to prioritize "peace and emotional safety" in a relationship than "passion and excitement." Finances also played a role. About 71 percent of respondents said openness about money builds trust, while 70 percent said they would be open to a prenuptial agreement.
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