Census Snapshot: Mississippi

Publication Date: December 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: Mississippi

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 Mississippi. 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 Mississippi.In many ways, the more than 4,700 same-sex couples living in Mississippi are similar to married couples. 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 Mississippi's economy. Census data also show that 20% of same-sex couples in Mississippi are raising children. However, same-sex couples, especially those with children, have fewer economic resources to provide for their families than do their married counterparts: they have lower household incomes and lower rates of home ownership.