A new analysis of the 2020 US Census data has revealed which states have the highest and lowest concentrations of same-sex couples living together — and the results show a distinct geographical and political divide.
According to the Williams Institute, there were 1,168,566 same-sex couples cohabiting in the US as of the latest census.
Of these couples:
- 53.4% were female couples
- 47.7% were male couples
- 57.7% of all same-sex couples were married
- 22.1% of married same-sex couples were raising children
States with the Highest Proportion of Same-Sex Couples
Unsurprisingly, the areas with the most visible and concentrated same-sex households tend to lean progressive:
- District of Columbia (not a state) – 🏆
- 25.7 couples per 1,000 households
- Total: 8,052 couples
- Delaware –
- 12.61 per 1,000
- Total: 4,873
- Oregon –
- 12.56 per 1,000
- Total: 21,006
- Vermont –
- 12.41 per 1,000
- Total: 3,373
- Nevada –
- 12.32 per 1,000
- Total: 14,504
- Hawaii –
- 12.32 per 1,000
- Total: 6,038
- Massachusetts –
- 12.17 per 1,000
- Total: 33,452
- California –
- 12.09 per 1,000
- Total: 162,914 🌆 (highest overall number)
- Washington State –
- 11.88 per 1,000
- Total: 35,352
- New Mexico –
- 11.47 per 1,000
- Total: 9,517
States with the Lowest Proportion of Same-Sex Couples
These tend to be more conservative and rural areas, particularly in the Central and Mountain regions:
- North Dakota –
- 4.30 per 1,000 households
- Total: 1,386
- South Dakota –
- 4.32 per 1,000
- Total: 1,513
- Wyoming –
- 4.91 per 1,000
- Total: 1,154
- Mississippi –
- 5.13 per 1,000
- Total: 5,937
- Montana –
- 5.29 per 1,000
- Total: 2,370
- Idaho –
- 5.59 per 1,000
- Total: 3,783
- Nebraska –
- 5.81 per 1,000
- Total: 4,495
- Alabama –
- 5.83 per 1,000
- Total: 11,737
- Iowa –
- 5.92 per 1,000
- Total: 7,623
- Kansas –
- 6.44 per 1,000
- Total: 7,412
What the Data Tells Us
The numbers reflect not just where LGBTQ+ people live, but where they feel safe and supported. Many of the top-ranking states have progressive laws protecting LGBTQ+ rights, while the lower-ranked states have introduced or passed anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in recent years.
The presence of trans-inclusive policies, gender-affirming protections, and vibrant Pride communities appears to be a strong indicator of where same-sex couples are most likely to cohabit openly.
By the Numbers: Key Takeaways
- The District of Columbia is by far the most densely populated area for same-sex couples.
- California has the highest overall number of same-sex couples — more than 162,000.
- States with restrictive LGBTQ+ laws — like North Dakota and Mississippi — rank among the lowest in same-sex couple density.
- Women make up a slight majority of same-sex couples in the US.
