Valentine's Day 2016: Who's Found Love in Middlesex County?

By JOE LIPOVICH (Patch Staff)

North Reading, MA—Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate love and relationships with family, friends and that special someone; but how many Middlesex County residents have a ”special someone?”

According to 2014 American Community Survey data, an estimated 50.2 percent of residents over the age of 15 are currently married, is down by .3 percent from 2013. In addition, the number of divorced residents in the county stands at 8.1 percent.

Middlesex County has a higher marriage rate and a lower divorce rate than its neighbors in Essex County.

An estimated 71.5 percent of residents between the ages of 20 and 34 have never been married.

Those looking for love may turn to online dating. According to the Pew Research Center, 22 percent of 25 to 34-year-olds and 17 percent of 35-44 year-olds have used an online dating site or app.

59 percent of Americans now say that online dating is a good way to meet people. In addition, just 21 percent believe that people who use online dating sites are desperate as opposed to 29 percent believing so in 2005.