(LOOTPRESS) – As Valentine’s Day approaches, love is in the air across the United States—but some states are feeling the romance more than others. A recent analysis of Google Trends data from the past five years reveals which states are the most invested in the holiday, with West Virginia once again claiming the top spot as the most romantic state.
How the Rankings Were Determined
The study examined search interest in “Valentine’s Day” across all 50 states in the 30 days leading up to February 14 each year from 2020 to 2024. Each state received a score from 1 to 100 based on search volume, with higher numbers indicating a stronger focus on the holiday. The final rankings were determined by averaging the scores over five years, with tiebreakers decided by the highest score in 2024.
West Virginia Holds Onto the Romance Crown
West Virginia remains the most romantic state, maintaining its position at No. 1 despite a slight dip in its score for 2024. The Mountain State has consistently shown the highest level of interest in Valentine’s Day, solidifying its reputation as a place where love thrives.
Ohio Surges in 2024
Ohio made an impressive leap in 2024, earning a perfect score of 100 in Valentine’s Day-related searches. While the Buckeye State still ranks fifth overall, its upward trajectory suggests it could soon challenge West Virginia for the top spot.
The East Coast Dominates the Romance Rankings
The findings reveal a strong concentration of romance in the Eastern U.S., with seven of the top ten states residing in the Eastern Time Zone. These include West Virginia (No. 1), Delaware (No. 2), New Jersey (No. 3), Pennsylvania (No. 4), Ohio (No. 5), Rhode Island (No. 8), and Connecticut (No. 10). Whether it’s cultural influences or simply a love for Valentine’s Day traditions, the East appears to be embracing the holiday with open arms.
States with the Least Valentine’s Day Spirit
At the opposite end of the spectrum, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Minnesota, and Colorado ranked among the least romantic states. Interestingly, many of these states experience colder winter climates, which could impact search behaviors—though the exact reasons remain uncertain.
Final Thoughts
While the rankings highlight clear differences in Valentine’s Day enthusiasm across the country, the reasons behind them remain open to interpretation. Climate, regional traditions, and cultural factors may all play a role in shaping how each state embraces the holiday of love. One thing is certain, though—West Virginia is still leading the way when it comes to romance.
