Where to pursue the opposite sex.

The Bureau of the Census recently released its annual state population projections. While people tend to pay a lot of attention to certain of the demographic trends (breaking down the population by race, poverty, age, etc.), one category you don't hear that much about is sex. Everybody knows that there are more women than men in this country, but did you know that the gender gap changes significantly by region and state?

According to the Statistical Assessment Service, Washington, D.C., single females might be delighted to learn that Hawaii is a happy hunting ground for mates, with 12,501 (2.1%) more men than women. Those looking for even better odds should try their luck with Nevada, which has 28,814 -- 3.8% -- more men or head north to Alaska, the only other state with a male surplus, with 30,663 (10.7%) more men. The most gender-balanced states (with relatively slight female majorities) are Utah (one percent more females), Idaho (0.4%), and California (with just 5,295 more women than men, a statistically insignificant 0.03%).

Bachelors reading the Census report might turn their attentions to the other side of the country. New York has 697,141 (eight percent) more women, while Pennsylvania (eight percent), Ohio (seven percent), and Florida (six percent) are loaded with extra females.

Would-be suitors had better come equipped...