Why do women find men who are married more attractive?

It's human nature, people want what they can't have. Also seeing a guy that has settled down triggers the qualities that women want in a man. Meaning he's ready for a family, financially secure, knows what he wants.

Maybe they just feel safer flirting with a married man because they know it isn't going to lead anywhere.

It could have something to do with the fact that they are committed to someone. There are so many guys out there afraid of commitment that when you find one it's attractive. A real women would never act on that though, only the insecure ones that want what they can't have. I hate those types of women by the way! It could also have something to do with the fact that there is no pressure talking to them, they can just be themselves because he's not in the market

It's true what all of the answerers said, we always want what we can't have, and yes if he is married women tend to think that if he's taken by another girl there must be something good about him. Now, if he gets all the attention before people know he is married then I'd blame it on the same thing that happenes when people have a boyfriend/girlfriend. When one is attached (assuming one is happy) you don't go around looking for another potential mate so you can seem busy and interesting, besides, your level of confidence rises because you are already with somebody and it subconsciously shows on your behavior and that attracts people. That's why when you already have a boyfriend/girlfriend all these other people you would have wished shown up before, show up when they aren't needed anymore. It sucks, but oddly enough, it's the way it goes.

Might not have anything to do with being married, but something else like being really funny, hot, etc.
If it has anything to do with being married, its probably that a lot of girls go out just to have fun, its not about picking someone up. If he's married, there's not pressure/expectation. They can just relax and chat.

Honestly I don't find married men attractive because to me - deep inside I know they are taken so what's the point of flirting with them if they're taken? It's not going to do me any good except get me in trouble

This is the truth. Women want what they can't have. That's my thoughts on it. Well that's basically true for everyone.

It's the age-old obsession with things that we can't have. Since the dawn of time people have wanted their friends' jobs, cars, houses, families etc. The important thing is how does your friend react? Does he welcome it, or scorn it?

If they were attractive enough (appearance and w/e other qualities) to get selected by another women as a mate. There must be something there. Also people will always want what they can't have :)

I find myself to married women sometimes. Usually I can see why they are married, great personalities and everyone likes/loves them. That kind of person is hard to resist.