Census Snapshot: New Jersey

Publication Date: November 2007

Publisher:

Author(s): Adam P. Romero; Amanda K Baumle; M.V. Lee Badgett; Gary J Gates

Research Area: Population and demographics; Social conditions

Type: Brief

Coverage: New Jersey

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 New Jersey. 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 New Jersey.In many ways, the almost 21,000 same-sex couples living in New Jersey are similar to married couples.2 According to Census 2000, they live throughout the State, are racially and ethnically diverse, have partners that depend upon one another financially, and actively participate in New Jersey's economy. Census data also show that 21% of same-sex couples in New Jersey are raising children. However, same-sex couples with children in New Jersey have fewer economic resources to provide for their families than do their married counterparts: same-couples with children have substantially lower household incomes, on average, and substantiallylower rates of home ownership.