LGBT Populations
This map shows the estimated raw number of LGBT people (ages 13+) living in each state. These data are based on a series of studies by UCLA’s The Williams Institute. We combined Williams’ estimates of the number of LGBT adults (ages 18+; published in 2023), cisgender LGB youth (ages 13-17; published in 2020), and transgender youth (ages 13-17; published in 2025). Williams’ estimates are based on data from surveys conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For more information, see the methodology in the Williams Institute analyses.
1,000,000+
(3 states)
500,000 - <1,000,000
(5 states)
300,000 - <500,000
(13 states)
100,000 - <300,000
(15 states)
<100,000
(14 states + D.C.)
Data are not currently available about LGBT people living in the U.S. territories.
This map shows the estimated percentage of each state’s adult (ages 18+) population that identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender, based on a 2023 analysis (of data from 2020-2021) by The Williams Institute. Using these same 2020-2021 data, Williams estimates that 5.5% of all adults nationwide are LGBT.
7.0% and greater
(4 states + D.C.)
6.0%-6.9%
(13 states)
5.0%-5.9%
(24 states)
4.0%-4.9%
(9 states)
Percent of Adult LGBTQ Population Covered by Laws
*Note: These percentages reflect estimates of the LGBTQ adult population living in the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Estimates of the LGBTQ adult population in the five inhabited U.S. territories are not available, and so cannot be reflected here.
