Swipe, Chat, Vanish: Which States Ghost the Most

One minute you’re flirting, making sparks fly, and lining up a second date. The next? Silence. No reply. No explanation. Just… gone.

Ghosting has become one of modern dating’s most predictable plot twists, and where you live may have more to do with it than you think. In some places, ghosting isn’t a glitch in the system; it’s the default setting.

Using survey data from 4,000 Americans, we mapped the likelihood of being ghosted in every state. Because in dating, geography can be just as telling as chemistry. Consider this your PSA: some people ghost so fast, Casper would be jealous.

Key Findings:

Nevada takes the crown: 89% of singles report being ghosted
Close behind: New York comes in 2nd at 85%, with Delaware in 3rd at 82%
Ghosting is widespread: About 60% of Americans admit to ghosting someone, while 72% have been on the receiving end
Ghosters feel relief: The most common emotion after disappearing? Relief, not guilt

Swipe, Chat, Vanish: Which States Ghost the Most

Where You’re Most Likely to Get Ghosted, State by State

Ghosting is everywhere and it’s ruthless. Around 60% of Americans admit they’ve ghosted someone, while 72% have been on the receiving end. Across your dating life, the odds of getting ghosted in the U.S. are roughly 1-in-2 chance, so sooner or later, you’ll probably experience it firsthand. However, in certain states, getting ghosted is far more likely than others.

Topping the list is Nevada, the country’s #1 ghosting hotspot, where a staggering 89% of singles say they’ve been left on read. The fast-paced lifestyle and ever-changing social scene in cities like Las Vegas make connections fleeting and commitment hard to come by. Not far behind in 2nd place is New York at 85%, where the constant hustle, and endless pool of potential matches, makes keeping up a conversation a serious challenge.

Delaware (83%) and Texas (82%) take 2nd and 3rd spots for ghosting. Delaware proves that even small states can pack a big disappearing act, while Texas shows that everything is bigger, even the chances of getting left on read. Not far behind in 5th is Arizona (81%), where connections can dry up quicker than a cactus in July.

Rounding out the top 10 are Louisiana (78%), Colorado (75%), D.C. (72%), and Missouri (70%). In these states, conversations can grind to a halt before you even finish your thought. The takeaway? Keep your best lines in reserve, don’t chase silence, and remember: no reply is just someone else’s loss.

The States That Text Back

Want better odds of getting a reply? Vermont, Maine, and Hawaii come out on top, with only about a third of singles (33%) saying they’ve been ghosted - a roughly a 1-in-3 likelihood. Utah and Mississippi aren’t far behind at 28%, making these states the friendliest corners of the dating map. Here, your messages are actually likely to land, so go ahead, hit send, and let the conversation roll.

Six Days, No Texts, No Regrets

According to our respondents, if you haven’t heard back in six days, you’ve officially been ghosted. But what about the ghosters themselves? When we asked people who’ve ghosted someone how it felt, the most common response wasn’t guilt or embarrassment, it was relief. Clearly, disappearing without a trace has become the ultimate low effort exit strategy.

So why do people vanish like dating ninjas? The top reason is a lack of chemistry, basically the classic, “it’s not you, it’s me.” Coming in a close 2nd is the dreaded “too clingy” label, because nothing says “run for the hills” like a flurry of constant texts. At the end of the day, ghosting isn’t about being cruel; it’s about avoiding uncomfortable conversations, at least according to the ghosters themselves. But let’s be real, if you’re dating someone, the least they deserve is an honest conversation.

Conclusion

Ghosting happens everywhere, but some states have clearly mastered the art. The rule is simple: six days of silence = officially ghosted. Still, every ghost just clears space for the right person, so keep putting yourself out there. After all, you never know which message might spark a real connection.

Methodology

This analysis is based on a survey of 4,000 U.S. adults. Respondents were asked about their personal experiences with ghosting, including whether they had been ghosted, if they had ghosted someone, and the emotions associated with ghosting.

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