2010 Census

In 2010, more than 130,000 proud gay people recorded partners as husband or wife on the U.S. Census. And the number of gay Americans who report they're living with same-sex partners nearly doubled in the past decade, to about 650,000 couples. Marriage equality was legal in five states and DC when information was gathered. 2010 was the first time same-sex couples checked "husband" or "wife" on their census since marriage became legal for everyone in Massachusetts starting in '04.

The Census Bureau data, finalized this week, gives the clearest picture to date of same-sex couples in America. In absolute numbers, we jumped by half in the past decade, to 901,997. Most surprising is how far same-sex couples have moved from urban enclave areas into relatively sparsely populated communities. The No. 1-ranked town is Provincetown. Experts believe baby boomers are more willing than previous generations to be honest on the survey - and be counted. Last year was the third time the Census Bureau counted same-sex couples.

Article adapted by PrideParenting.com from original press release

According to data from the US Census Bureau, the number of same-gender households in Florida has seen a dramatic increase, up 60% over the past 10 years. Perhaps more importantly, the data also shows that our families live in every county and every city of Florida.

These numbers reflect a much greater willingness on the part of same-gender couples to be out and open about their families. The increase in the visibility of our families can only be seen as positive.

According to 2010 census results, same-sex couples raising children are choosing to live in places like West Seattle and suburbs like Lynnwood. Tom and Mark Batterson moved there four years ago, in search of more space for their three kids. Tom said the couple wasn't so much seeking the comfort of a gay community as searching for a family-friendly atmosphere. Most of their friends, he said, are straight. "Out here, we can go to a restaurant and not get stared at because we brought our kids," he said.

According to 2010 U.S. census data, the number of same-sex households increased more than 40 percent in Illinois over the past decade. "There has been a very sharp growth in acceptance," said Richard Rykhus, who lives in Evanston with Carlos Briones and their 6-year-old son. "I do think there's a correlation with these numbers when you look at how society now accepts same-sex couples and same-sex parent families. There were a lot of risks before.

The U.S. Census figures on Ohio households led by same-sex couples grew by more than 50 percent over the past decade. The 2010 census counted 28,600 same-sex partner households in Ohio, an increase of nearly 10,000 from the 2000 census. Gay rights groups say they don't necessarily think more same-sex couples are living together. Instead, more people are willing to talk about it. The biggest jumps in same-sex households was in the Columbus area - which had 5,132 same-sex households in 2010, a 58 percent increase.

Results from the 2010 Census tells us that Missouri households led by same-sex couples increased by 60 percent over the last decade, compared to the 2000 Census. Almost one-quarter of those homes include children. About 15,000 households are led by same-sex partners in MO, more than 7,000 by male partners and 8,200 by female partners. The majority of same-sex households live in or near Missouri's largest cities, including St. Louis, Kansas City and Columbia.