US states with highest and lowest proportion of same-sex couples revealed
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Fresh analysis of the 2020 US Census has revealed the states with the highest and lowest proportions of same-sex couples, shedding light on regional patterns and social dynamics across the country.
The data, compiled by the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law, shows that same-sex couples reside in every US state, with notable differences in their distribution.
The District of Columbia leads the nation with 26 same-sex couples per 1,000 households. Among states, Delaware and Oregon follow closely with 13 couples per 1,000 households. Vermont, Nevada, Hawaii and Massachusetts also rank highly, each with around 12 couples per 1,000 households.
New York ranks solidly among states with a relatively high proportion of same-sex couples, reporting 10.83 couples per 1,000 households, totalling 83,518 couples. Of these, 58% are married, and 7% are raising children. New York County (Manhattan) has the highest concentration within the state, with 24.09 couples per 1,000 households.
California, while not topping the list proportionally, has the largest absolute number of same-sex couples, with over 98,000 households identified.
North Dakota and South Dakota report the lowest proportions, with just four same-sex couples per 1,000 households. Montana, Mississippi and Wyoming follow closely, each with around five couples per 1,000 households.
These states tend to be more rural and conservative, which may influence both the visibility and reporting of same-sex households.
Nationally, 57% of same-sex couples are married, and 22% of married couples are raising children. Delaware leads in marriage rates among same-sex couples at 66%, while states like North Dakota and West Virginia report less than half of couples as married.
The 2020 Census was the first to explicitly include same-sex spouses and partners in its household relationship question, offering the most accurate national picture to date. However, it only accounts for cohabiting couples, meaning those not living together were excluded.
