Gay Couples Similar to Straight Couples

An analysis of U.S. Census data conducted by researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, shows that gay couples who identify as married are similar to straight spouses in areas such as age, income, and child-rearing.

The report uses data from the annual American Community Survey concerning some 150,000 same-sex couples who are legally married or consider their partner to be a "husband" or "wife," according to the Associated Press.

"The couples had an average age of 52 and household incomes of $91,558, while 31 percent were raising children," reported the AP. "That compares with an average age of 50, household income of $95,075 and 43 percent raising children for married heterosexual couples."

Perhaps more surprising than the commonalities between straight and gay couples, the report also found that the conservative states of Utah and Wyoming were among the states with the highest percentages of gay spouses in 2008.