Central District saw large increase in gay couples since 2000

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The number of gay couples living in the Central District increased significantly since 2000, according to 2010 Census data. Some census blocks within the neighborhood even saw a doubling of the number of gay couples, and the block that includes Jackson Place and much of Judkins Park saw an increase to 53 couples from just 16 in 2000.

Graphic by Justin Mayo and A. Raymond/The Seattle Times. Used with permission

Capitol Hill is still the largest center of the gay population in the region, but that is changing. Nearly every area in the region increased the number of gay couples living there. The CD, which already had a higher-than-average gay couple population, saw a surge. The percentage of couples who are gay is now above 10 percent for most of the neighborhood.

The Seattle Times created an interactive map displaying the same-sex couple data for the city.

The increases seen across the city may not be entirely due to increases in population. The census first started collecting same-sex couple data in 2000, and the increase could also be due to more people feeling comfortable declaring their relationship on the census form, as the Seattle Times noted:

Graphic by Mark Nowlin/The Seattle Times. Used with permission

Many factors account for the growth in numbers of same-sex couples over the decade.

Since 2000, Canada and several U.S. states have legalized gay marriage, and Washington has a domestic-partnership law that grants same-sex couples many of the same state-level benefits as married people.

At the same time, couples have become more aware that they can indicate their status on the census forms, and many are likely more comfortable than they were 10 years ago in doing so.

0 thoughts on “Central District saw large increase in gay couples since 2000”

  3. Now we need to achieve marriage equality in WA, so gay couples can enjoy the same legal benefits of marriage as me, if they choose. Americans are supposed to have equal civil rights guaranteed by law, so let’s do it.

  5. Why does it matter? Equality would be if a gay person (or anybody else) was where ever they are and knowbody was excited either way by any singlular aspect of their personality or appearance. Believe it or not your happiness for gays is still prejudicial and negative. My mother continues to tell wonderfull stories of the latest articulate black man that came to sell her a subscription. Tell me when you no longer care.