95% of Women, 65% of Men Open to Dating Older Partners

A survey of 98,798 people across the United States by matchmaking service Tawkify found notable differences in willingness to date older or younger partners depending on location and gender. The data, collected between April 2024 and April 2026, shows that geography and local dating pools may influence age preferences.

For dating older partners, Wyoming ranked highest among men, with an average acceptable age gap of 11.22 years and 71.7% openness. North Dakota followed closely. Delaware recorded the largest average gap for men at 11.26 years. Among women, Alaska led with 93.1% openness and the largest average age gap of 20.57 years.

Hawaii stood out for willingness to date younger partners. Men in Hawaii showed 96.8% openness with an average gap of 18.59 years, while women showed 92% openness with a 9-year average gap. The state’s older median population (41.5 years versus the national 39.2) may contribute to this trend.

Nationally, women were more open to dating older partners than men. Women averaged a 14.12-year gap with 95% openness, compared to men’s 8.76-year average and 65.7% openness. For younger partners, men were more receptive, with a 14.7-year average gap and 96.5% openness, while women averaged 7.14 years and 88.1% openness.

The survey suggests that in less populated states, singles may broaden age preferences due to smaller dating pools. Larger gaps can present challenges around life stages, family planning, and health, but shared values and communication can help mitigate them.