A recent report by the Williams Institute at UCLA offers a revealing glimpse into the demographics of the LGBTQ+ population across the United States, including some surprises about where queer communities are thriving.
According to the report, 14.1 million adults in the U.S. identified as LGBTQ+ between 2020 and 2021, representing 5.6% of the national population. While states like California and New York are often considered queer hubs, they surprisingly didn’t make the top 10 states with the highest percentage of LGBTQ+ residents relative to their populations.
The Numbers Behind the Community
California leads the nation with 1,549,600 LGBTQ+ residents. However, this accounts for just 5.1% of the state’s population, placing it outside the rankings of states with the highest proportional LGBTQ+ communities.
Washington, D.C., tops the list in percentage terms, with 14.3% of its population identifying as LGBTQ+. However, since D.C. is not officially a state, it doesn’t factor into the ranking.
So, which states hold the highest concentration of LGBTQ+ residents? Here’s the breakdown of the top 10:
10. Ohio (6.2%)
With 557,600 LGBTQ+ residents, Ohio offers a sizable community in the heart of the Midwest.
9. Minnesota & Tennessee (6.3%)
Minnesota and Tennessee are neck and neck. Tennessee’s larger population gives it a slight edge in total LGBTQ+ residents (328,900) over Minnesota (267,600).
8. Rhode Island, Maine, & Massachusetts (6.5%)
The New England trifecta offers a welcoming haven for LGBTQ+ individuals. Rhode Island (54,800), Maine (69,900), and Massachusetts (356,200) share the same percentage.
7. Nevada (6.6%)
Home to 150,100 LGBTQ+ residents, Nevada is as vibrant as its neon lights.
6. Colorado (6.8%)
With 294,500 LGBTQ+ residents, Colorado offers inclusive spaces from Denver to its mountain towns.
5. Washington (6.9%)
The Pacific Northwest continues to shine with 398,700 LGBTQ+ residents.
4. New Hampshire (7.2%)
Small but mighty, New Hampshire is home to 78,400 LGBTQ+ individuals.
3. Vermont (7.4%)
Vermont leads New England with 37,600 LGBTQ+ residents in its population.
2. Delaware (7.5%)
Delaware’s 56,600 LGBTQ+ residents prove big things come in small packages.
1. Oregon (7.8%)
The queerest state crown goes to Oregon, with 253,300 LGBTQ+ residents making up 7.8 percent of its population.
So, where does your state rank? Whether it’s in the top 10 or not, one thing is clear: LGBTQ+ individuals are making their voices heard in every corner of the country.
