Research: Reported earnings for LGBTQ+ couples in the US
January 28, 2025Ever wondered what the typical LGBTQ+ couple in the U.S.A. is like? According to census data, they’re childless, middle-aged homeowners with a six-figure income.
Business Insider’s analysis paints a picture of the average same-sex relationship in the U.S.A. by collating data from various census surveys, including home ownership and household earnings. The outlet referenced reports from the Household Pulse Survey (HPS) and the American Community Survey (ACS) to examine the lives of queer couples living together.
Business Insider introduced the report by noting the LGBTQ+ population in the U.S.A.: roughly three percent identify as gay or lesbian, five percent as bisexual, and 0.4 percent as trans.
Although other reports suggest that more young people identify as LGBTQ+ than ever before, these findings focus solely on same-sex partners living together, which might skew the data toward older LGBTQ+ individuals.
The 2022 ACS data showed that same-sex couples are more likely to live on the coasts of America, areas generally more accepting of LGBTQ+ people.
According to ‘MSN’, Washington DC had the highest percentage of same-sex households at 3.6 percent, followed by Vermont (1.8 percent) and Massachusetts (1.5 percent).
California had the largest number of same-sex households, with over 162,100, followed by Texas with over 107,200, reflective of these states’ dense populations.
The census data revealed that the average same-sex couple typically holds degrees, both partners work, and they do not have children.
Image Credit: Canva
Business Insider’s report found that the average age of a married same-sex couple is 48.6 years, compared to 52.9 years for married straight couples. Nearly two-thirds of same-sex couples have both partners working.
Only 14.6 percent of same-sex partners have children, compared to 38.1 percent of married straight couples and 34.5 percent of unmarried straight couples.
Several studies indicate that same-sex couples face discrimination in adopting children, which could explain some of the differences.
Same-sex couples are more likely to hold bachelor’s degrees, with 54.8 percent having graduated from university, compared to 44.5 percent of husbands and wives.
LGBTQ+ couples are also more likely to be interracial than straight couples, with 32.2 percent of same-sex couples in such relationships, compared to 18.6 percent of married straight couples and 28.6 percent of unmarried straight couples.
The ACS census shows that most same-sex couples have a median household income of $110,600 (£87,350).
For married same-sex couples, the average household income is $123,500 (£97,500), compared with $109,700 (£86,600) for married straight couples.
The gender pay gap is more notable among male couples than female couples. Married gay men reportedly earn an average combined salary of $138,700 (£109,500) per year, while married gay women earn $111,100 (£87,700) annually.
The surveys also considered those with lower incomes, finding that nine percent of LGBTQ+ respondents earn $25,000 (£19,700) per year.
Same-sex couples are generally less likely than straight couples to own homes, with about 62.6 percent of LGBTQ+ couples owning and 37.4 percent renting. Home ownership rises to 72.7 percent for married same-sex couples.
However, straight families are even more likely to own homes, with 81.9 percent doing so.
According to HPS data, around 15 percent of LGBTQ+ Americans own their homes outright.
While these results suggest that LGBTQ+ Americans earn more, are more likely to have degrees, and have high levels of homeownership, it’s important to remember that this survey only considers same-sex partners living together.
For the average LGBTQ+ American, homelessness levels remain high, and data shows that trans individuals are more likely to live in impoverished areas and have worse mental health than the general population.
The Colorado Coalition for the Homeless stated in its 2021 report that expanding equality laws to prevent housing discrimination against LGBTQ+ people is one way to tackle the “bleak” homelessness crisis affecting the queer community and “ensure their fates are not fraught with housing and health injustice.”
Read related myGwork articles here:
Study reveals: 90% of LGBTQ+ youth in U.S.A. suffer due to anti-LGBTQ+ politics
Congressional Equality Caucus Releases Report On The State Of LGBTQ+ Rights In The US
5.6% Of American Adults Say They Are LGBT+. Over Half Identify As Bisexual
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