Census Snapshot: Utah

Publication Date: January 2008

Publisher:

Author(s): Adam P Romero; Clifford J Rosky; M.V. Lee Badgett; Gary J Gates

Research Area: Population and demographics; Social conditions

Type: Brief

Abstract:

Using data from the U.S. Census Bureau, this report provides demographic and economic information about same-sex couples and same-sex couples raising children in Utah. We compare same-sex "unmarried partners," which the Census Bureau defines as an unmarried couple who "shares living quarters and has a close personal relationship," to different-sex married couples in Utah.In many ways, the more than 4,300 same-sex couples living in Utah are similar to married couples. According to Census 2000, they live throughout the State, are racially and ethnically diverse, have partners who depend upon one another financially, and actively participate in Utah's economy. Same-sex households have similar economic resources to married couples but lower rates of homeownership. Census data also show that 19% of same-sex couples in Utah are raising more than 1,200 children.