There are 90 men for every 100 women, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, and women in their thirties in particular are noticing the shortage.
Many of these women have money, a career and looks, but a man is harder to come by — especially if they want one who has the same credentials.
Sally and Terri are both 35 and can't seem to find the right man. Terri is a business analyst and Sally the chief operating officer of a chain of hearing clinics. They are part of a growing number of partnerless professional women.
"It's my dream to wake up on Christmas morning to have my husband by the side of me lying on the bed and two children running onto the bed with all the presents," Terri says.
Sally says her focus on career hasn't helped her find a man.
"I've been on the fast track and I've been committed to that. I'm about to complete my MBA and I'm about to do my doctorate," she says.
Sounds impressive, but many women like Sally and Terri fear men are too intimidated to approach them.
Like many women, Sally and Terri have turned to online dating to seek a potential mate.
In a population of 20 million, nearly one in 20 have signed up to the dating service rsvp.com.
rsvp.com marketing manager Leah Jarvis says it gets tougher for women over 30.
"The career becomes even more of a focus and we have plenty of women over 30 who are in high-level professional careers who are single, wanting to have kids and find Mr Right and settle down," she says.
Bettina Arndt says the odds aren't good for women looking for a man with a career, looks and money to match their own.
"There are in fact four women competing for every man if the man you're looking for is good looking, got a good job, not unemployed, earning decent money — that's tough competition," she says.
So where are all the men? Apparently they are out there — just way out there.
Statistically, Darwin is number one for available men of all ages, along with mining towns Port Hedland and Mount Isa. Hobart is best for men in their 20s and 30s while Broome is full of rugged types in their 40s and 50s. Skiing in Jindabyne is number one for 20s and Karratha is king for swinging 60s. Kalgoorlie is a goldmine of men for every age and women later in life should look to Coober Pedy and Cairns.
