Census Snapshot: Tennessee

Publication Date: January 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 Tennessee. 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 Tennessee.In many ways, the more than 13,500 same-sex couples living in Tennessee 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 Tennessee's economy. Census data also show that 16% of same-sex couples in Tennessee are raising children. However, same-sex couples have fewer economic resources to provide for their families than married parents: they have lower household incomes and lower rates of homeownership.