Census Snapshot: Connecticut

Publication Date: April 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

Coverage: Connecticut

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 Connecticut. 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 Connecticut.In many ways, the more than 10,000 same-sex couples living in Connecticut 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 Connecticut's economy. Census data also show that about 19% of same-sex couples in Connecticut are raising children. However, same-sex couples with children have fewer economic resources to provide for their families than married parents: they have lower household incomes and lower rates of home ownership.