Census Snapshot: Maine

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

Coverage: Maine

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 Maine. 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 Maine.In many ways, the more than 4,800 same-sex couples living in Maine 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 Maine's economy. Census data also show that about 16% of same-sex couples in Maine 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 homeownership.