Census shows inner-city coupling
Recent census data shows same-sex couples are more likely to be living in inner-city Melbourne than in the state’s regional areas.
The Age reports 2011 census data shows council areas such as Yarra, Port Phillip and Maribyrnong are some of the most popular areas for same-sex couples to live.
The City of Yarra – which contains the suburbs of Fitzroy, Nortcote and Collingwood – has the most same-sex couples, making up 4.4 percent of the total number of couples in the area.
Port Phillip Council – covering Port Melbourne, St Kilda and Albert Park – has the next highest number, accounting for 3.9 percent of total couples in the area. Melbourne had 3.8 percent, Maribyrnong 2.8 percent and Stonnington 2.7 percent.
The 2011 data shows only around 15 percent of the total number of same-sex couples are living outside greater Melbourne with Hepburn Shire and Mount Alexander containing the highest proportion.
North of the border, same-sex couples make up 1.1 percent of all couples in Sydney.
In the inner-city electorate of Sydney, however, same-sex couples make up 11.3 per cent of all couples. Marrickville is next highest with 7.4 per cent, Leichhardt with 3.5 percent and Woollahra with 2.7 percent.
I made no comments about ‘tree and sea changes’ I fully support such moves to the country because that is where I lived for the first 28 years of my life!I have many friends who have retired to certain country areas! So sick of the ‘same-old, same old’on here jumping to conclusions about comments! If you ‘one-way’ thinkers can READ, the CENSUS ‘SAYS’ that a majority of same-sex couples LIKE the inner city!!!!!!!!!!!! Get used to it and get over it! As far as the outer suburbs go, then live there if you have bodyguards! Move to Adelaide and watch your pets strung up by the necks, in certain suburbs! Grow up!!!!!!
Mark of Sydney I live in a small country town, and like you, I have found inner city life not for me. I know many couples who have a made the tree change and never looked back.
Brenton,there are lots of Gay men & Lesbians who choose to live in “Outer Suburbia” .I choose not to live in the inner city “Gay Ghettos” not because of the astronomical rents and scarce shopping facilities like a local Coles or Woolworths,even an Aldi,but for the common knowledge of not seeing older independent gay/lesbians living the Grand Life in these inner-city areas.Inner-city living is not a long term wise option to live in,thanks
I bet there’s more than the census reveals in share housing as well. From memory the census only let me say what my relation was to the first person in the household, who happened not to be my partner, although we do live together.
Not surpising figures at all. When two people work, have two incomes and have no children, you can make financial choices about where you reside. It is only natural to want to live where there are other like-minded people and to be close to all cultural pursuits. Who wants to live in outer suburbia? Not too many I would think.
I ask, why is it so important to some where gay men reside …
Hart and Fitzpatrick’s (1990) study indicated that 55% of gay men reported that proximity to the ‘gay scene’ was a factor in deciding where to live. Other research has also highlighted the predominance of gay men among the friendship networks of gay men (Frable, Wortman, & Joseph, 1997). More recent studies (Drummond 2010; Durgadas 1998; Emig 2000; Gough and Flanders 2009; Hennen 2005; Jones and Pugh 2005) back this up.