,,,Census Snapshot: North Dakota

Census Snapshot: North Dakota


 

Publication Date: June 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 North Dakota. 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 North Dakota.In many ways, the nearly 1,100 same-sex couples living in North Dakota 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 North Dakota's economy. Census data also show that about 40% of same-sex couples in North Dakota are raising children. However, same-sex couples have fewer economic resources than married couples: they have lower household incomes and lower rates of homeownership.