The most LGBTQ-friendly cities

Top LGBTQ-friendly cities

When you’re considering the safest and most welcoming cities for the LGBTQ+ community, it is essential to look beyond surface-level factors. Our rankings are based on the following metrics that gauge inclusivity and support: representation, equality, access to certified LGBTQ-friendly health care, affordability and safety.

The representation score evaluates the percentage of a state’s population that is LGBTQ+, the number of same-sex households and the number of LGBTQ+ support centers in each city. The equality score considers the passage of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and overall state policies. The health score focuses on the availability of LGBTQ-friendly health providers in cities. The safety score measures hate crimes and penalty enhancements for crimes motivated by sexual orientation and gender identity. Lastly, the affordability score examines each city’s median rent.

California cities like San Francisco have long been considered the go-to cities for LGBTQ+ communities and events, but staggering costs of living throughout the state are a deterrent for LGBTQ+ Americans coming from states with lower average incomes. Affordability is one of the most important factors when choosing a new state, as LGBTQ+ individuals can often experience adversity in the job market.

Each of the five categories in our ranking was initially scored on a different point scale: representation (40 points), equality (40 points), health (10), safety (30) and affordability (20). These points were added up for a total score.

1. Minneapolis, Minnesota

Total score: 97.8

For those who enjoy the cold or just want to avoid the heat (and anti-LGBTQ+ bills) of the South, Minneapolis is a great option. The city has 12.3 same-sex households per 1,000 compared to the national average of just 3.3, reflecting its diverse and inclusive community. Additionally, Minnesota has not passed any antitransgender or anti-LGBTQ+ bills, which further boosts its score. The state offers extensive protections for LGBTQ+ residents, including employment nondiscrimination laws and antibullying policies that cover LGBTQ+ students.

New LGBTQ+ Minneapolitans can also expect to feel safe in their chosen community, as only 1.9 anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes per 100,000 residents occur per year. This statistic highlights the city’s proactive measures to protect its LGBTQ+ population. Furthermore, Minneapolis has a monthly median rent of just $1,647, making it an attractive option for LGBTQ+ individuals and families seeking more affordable housing.

Minneapolis' LGBTQ+ community is supported by organizations like OutFront Minnesota, the state’s largest LGBTQ+ civil rights group, and Red Door clinic, the largest HIV and sexually transmitted diseases (STD) clinic in Minnesota. Despite Minneapolis having just two LGBTQ-centered health care providers, organizations like the Red Door buoy the local community.

2. Providence, Rhode Island

Total score: 97.6

The Northeast is a popular destination for LGBTQ+ individuals looking for more inclusive cities, so it’s no surprise that Providence ranks as the second-most LGBTQ-friendly city in the country. Providence stands out as an LGBTQ-friendly city partly because of its vibrant Rhode Island Pride celebration, a major statewide festival and parade that highlights its inclusive atmosphere.

Despite its modest population of 189,575, Providence is home to two LGBTQ-centered health providers, ensuring accessible and specialized care for the community. A notable data point for Providence is that there were zero anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes for the year 2022, the most recent year for which data is available.

Additionally, the median rent is just $2,113 per month compared to other major Northeastern cities like New York City and Boston, which have median rents of $3,579 and $3,226, respectively.

3. Portland, Oregon

Total score: 97.4

Portland is renowned for its vibrant music scene and reputation as a haven for all types of subcultures. Oregon is also one of the few states in the U.S. that requires state curricular standards to be LGBTQ-inclusive, ensuring that future generations grow up to be more accepting of the community.

Portland's high safety score reflects strong measures and community efforts to protect LGBTQ+ residents, with just 2.1 anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes per 100,000 residents. While the city has a moderate health score due to being supported by only three dedicated LGBTQ+ health care providers, it offers significant affordability advantages. The median rent in Portland is $1,758 per month, 12% less than the national average. This can make it an attractive option given the Pacific Northwest's reputation for high living costs.

Portland's vibrant LGBTQ+ culture is highlighted by numerous events and festivals, such as the annual pride parade organized by Pride Northwest, Peacock in the Park and the La Femme Magnifique International Pageant.

4. Tacoma, Washington

Total score: 96.3

Tacoma, Seattle's smaller neighbor, outranks it by six spots as one of the most LGBTQ-friendly cities. Tacoma offers a great alternative to Seattle for those who want to enjoy the beauty of the Puget Sound without the heavier hustle and bustle.

Tacoma excels in terms of representation, with 6.6 same-sex households per 1,000; that’s double the national average of 3.3. Despite this, the city’s health score of zero indicates a significant need for improvement in health care access and services for the LGBTQ+ community, as it lacks LGBTQ-centered health providers.

However, Tacoma remains a very safe city for LGBTQ+ individuals, with just 1.8 anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes reported per 100,000 residents. It’s relatively more affordable than its West Coast counterparts, with a median rent of $1,724 per month, slightly less than Portland’s $1,758.

The city further provides a safe and welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ individuals, with support from organizations like the Rainbow Center. This organization has offered education, advocacy and entertainment events for over 20 years.

5. Reno, Nevada

Totals score: 95.0

Nevada is emerging as a go-to destination for LGBTQ+ Americans looking for more accepting oases, and cities like Reno help solidify its reputation. Often overshadowed by Las Vegas, Reno shines in terms of LGBTQ+ representation. It is an attractive option for those who want to live closer to Lake Tahoe and still enjoy regular visits to casinos.

With only 1.1 anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes per 100,000 people and a dedicated LGBTQ-centered health provider, Reno stands as a welcoming haven for LGBTQ+ individuals. The city’s median rent of $1,938 per month is higher than some other cities in our top 10, but it remains competitive given its location in such an inclusive state.

One notable event for Reno's LGBTQ+ community is Northern Nevada Pride, an annual festival and parade held in late summer. This event further enhances the reputation of the city and the state of Nevada as welcoming places for the LGBTQ+ community. Overall, Reno’s unique charm, affordability and inclusivity make it an appealing choice for those who prefer not to live in a busier city like Las Vegas.

6. Washington, D.C.

Total score: 94.8

The nation’s capital ranks as the sixth-most LGBTQ-friendly city in the U.S. With the highest score in representation, Washington, D.C., boasts the highest percentage of LGBTQ+ residents in the nation, at 14%. Its high equality score also reflects robust legal protections and antidiscrimination laws supporting the LGBTQ+ community, including a strict ban on conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ youth and Medicaid coverage for transgender residents.

The city’s health score is notably low at zero, indicating that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention doesn’t list any certified LGBTQ-friendly health providers. Although 10.3 anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes per 100,000 residents occur in Washington, D.C., which is 14 times greater than the national average (0.7), the city does have penalty enhancements for anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes.

Washington, D.C., is also one of the more expensive cities in the study, with a median rent price of $2,467 per month. However, its many career opportunities and its cultural diversity are huge draws for newcomers.

Washington, D.C., is also famous for its vibrant LGBTQ+ events, like the 17th Street High Heel Race and the Capital Pride Parade. The city’s LGBTQ+ pride is especially visible in the Dupont Circle neighborhood, a historical community hub with numerous gay bars and LGBTQ+ community spaces.

7. Las Vegas, Nevada

Total score: 93.9

Las Vegas is one of the country's top destinations for arts and entertainment. Each year, around 40 million tourists flock to the city to relax, unwind and have fun. Some of Las Vegas’ biggest attractions highlight the LGBTQ+ community, such as RuPaul’s Drag Race LIVE! and Piranha Nightclub’s nightly performances.

Las Vegas stands out as a surprisingly affordable option among major tourist destinations, with a median rent of just $1,759. The city also boasts a commendable safety record for the LGBTQ+ community, with the FBI reporting zero anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes in 2022.

Additionally, Las Vegas is home to one LGBTQ-centered health provider, a significant asset given that some cities in the top 10 still lack such dedicated health care services.

If you're more extroverted and enjoy nightlife, Las Vegas offers a vibrant social scene, with numerous LGBTQ-friendly bars, clubs and events. Combining these amenities with affordability, safety and supportive health services makes the city a top contender among LGBTQ-friendly cities.

8. Henderson, Nevada

Total score: 93.7

Henderson is another major city in Nevada just outside Las Vegas, with about half its population. Nevada’s state-level protections for LGBTQ+ individuals are promising, and Henderson offers a convenient drive to the beautiful Red Rock Canyon area.

Henderson’s median rent is $1,874 — not the lowest in the top 10, but also not the highest. This affordability, combined with a supportive local political climate, makes Henderson an attractive option for LGBTQ+ individuals seeking a welcoming and inclusive community.

Henderson also performs well in terms of representation and community. Its major LGBTQ+ community organization is Henderson Equality Center, a collection of smaller grassroots organizations that seek to “engage, empower, enrich and advance the LGBTQ+” community in Henderson and Southern Nevada. It offers services ranging from social groups to food pantries for the local community.

Henderson, unfortunately, doesn’t have any CDC-designated LGBTQ-friendly health care providers, but the Henderson Wellness Clinic does provide free HIV testing and PrEP access to community members. As with Las Vegas, the FBI reports zero anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes in Henderson for 2022, further emphasizing its status as a safe city for LGBTQ+ residents.

9. Spokane, Washington

Total score: 92.0

Spokane is another major city in Washington, with a population about the same size as fourth-ranked Tacoma. Spokane is located in the eastern half of Washington and is known for its riverfront views provided by the Spokane River.

Spokane’s draw for LGBTQ+ individuals is buoyed by its location in Washington, which has one of the highest populations of LGBTQ+ residents in the U.S., at 7%, and several legal protections for LGBTQ+ rights. For example, it has comprehensive nondiscrimination laws that protect residents regarding employment, housing and public accommodations. Washington is also one of the states protecting LGBTQ+ members in the credit and lending industries, which many states across the country do not do.

While it lacks LGBTQ-centered health providers, Spokane experiences fewer than one hate crime per 100,000 residents annually, indicating a relatively safe environment for LGBTQ+ individuals.

Spokane’s biggest draw is its affordability, with a median rent of $1,472, which is 26% lower than the national average of $1,997. The city also has an annual event, Spokane Pride Parade and Festival, which has been celebrated since 1992, showcasing its inclusive and welcoming atmosphere.

10. Seattle, Washington

Total score: 91.9

Seattle ranks highly as an LGBTQ-friendly city due to its strong commitment to equality and inclusion. The city has been a pioneer in protecting the rights of the LGBTQ+ community since the passage of the Fair Employment Practices Ordinance in 1973.

Seattle’s two LGBTQ-focused health care providers offer essential support for the community. Seattle’s LGBTQ+ Center, a nonprofit clinic, offers gender-affirming care, HIV/STD testing, access to PrEP and more in a supportive and responsive setting. The city also hosts LGBTQ+ community events like concerts, mutual aid drives and art-centric gatherings.

Seattle’s hate crime statistics do leave a bit to be desired — anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes occur at a rate of 4.4 per 100,000 residents each year. However, the city does have penalty enhancements for crimes motivated by hate toward a victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Affordability remains a challenge, as Seattle has a higher cost of living compared with other cities, with a median rent of $2,189.

Despite this, the city’s inclusivity and overall safety for LGBTQ+ residents make it a top-ranked city for the LGBTQ+ community.

Factors to consider when moving

For LGBTQ+ individuals, choosing a new place to live involves making unique considerations to ensure safety, acceptance and a supportive environment. Here are some key factors and steps you can take when considering a new city to live in:

Local and state legislation: Investigate if there are anti-LGBTQ+ laws in place or under consideration in the state you're considering moving to. Some cities in states with anti-LGBTQ+ laws may provide local protections, which are helpful when moving to another state isn't feasible.

LGBTQ+ community: Assess the size of the city's LGBTQ+ population, the number of community resource centers and the presence of LGBTQ-inclusive businesses and community spaces.

Health care access: Look into how many LGBTQ-friendly health care providers are available, the number of providers specifically serving the LGBTQ+ population and whether any LGBTQ-centered practices offer free services. Members of the LGBTQ+ community can face discrimination in health care, so it’s essential to know you are in supportive hands.

Safety: Research the rate of anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes in a city you’re considering moving to and whether there are harsher punishments for such crimes. Consequences for hate crimes can act as a deterrent and can encourage local residents to report them to the authorities.

Affordability: Consider the overall affordability of the city, taking into account that LGBTQ+ Americans often face higher rates of discrimination that can affect income and employment opportunities.

Pride friendliness: Check how many pride events the city hosts. The number and quality of these events can indicate the level of acceptance for LGBTQ+ individuals in the community.

Moving resources for LGBTQ+ individuals

The moving resources listed below were compiled by the Human Rights Campaign, a nonprofit organization with a mission to ensure that all LGBTQ+ people, particularly those who are transgender, people of color and HIV positive, are treated as full and equal citizens across the U.S. and around the world. These resources help LGBTQ+ Americans relocate to safer cities, even temporarily.

• A Place for Marsha
  A Place for Marsha aims to provide safe housing for transgender and nonbinary individuals fleeing states with discriminatory laws. It connects transgender adults with volunteers in safer states who offer rooming arrangements and ensure a supportive living environment.
• Elevated Access
  Elevated Access is a national network of volunteer pilots committed to providing free transportation for individuals needing access to health care, including abortion and gender-affirming services. The organization believes in equitable health care access and works to ensure that transportation is not a barrier to obtaining support.
• Transitional Justice
  Transitional Justice responds to the increasing bans on gender-affirming care nationwide. This grassroots organization provides support, housing and resources for transgender individuals seeking refuge from hostile environments.
• TRANSport
  TRANSport, established by two transgender activists in North Dakota, assists transgender individuals across the U.S. by helping them obtain legal documents, such as updated IDs and passports, and supporting their applications for work visas and asylum.
• The Transcend Campaign
  The Transcend Campaign addresses legislative challenges in the Upper Midwest by assisting queer youth in North Dakota, South Dakota and Iowa. The group helps cover travel expenses for accessing essential out-of-state health care services, provides tuition for remote schools that welcome all gender identities when local districts are unsafe and offers financial support to other grassroots organizations in these states.

Here's a look at our full data

Ask the experts

Moving to a new city presents a unique set of experiences for everyone, but whether a city is welcoming and safe is of paramount importance to LGBTQ+ individuals.

To shed light on the significance of inclusive communities for LGBTQ+ individuals, we spoke with a panel of experts in fields such as human resources and social justice to gain their insights on why it’s crucial for minority groups, particularly the LGBTQ+ community, to have access to strong, inclusive environments where they can feel safe and proud. Read their thoughts below on the following key questions:

1. Why do you think it’s important for minority groups to have access to and live in strong, inclusive communities where they can be safest and proudest?
2. When you’re considering moving, what factors related to LGBTQ+ inclusion and support do you take into account about potential new locations?
3. What advice would you give to LGBTQ+ individuals struggling to find an accepting community, whether due to moving or other circumstances?

Methodology

To rank the most LGBTQ-friendly U.S. cities, the ConsumerAffairs Research Team analyzed 150 of the most populous U.S. cities. We considered factors that we believe were the most relevant to the LGBTQ+ community when considering a place to move and grouped them into five categories:

• Representation: Representation is based on four metrics: the percentage of the population that is LGBTQ+ on a state level, the number of same-sex households per 1,000 households on a state level, the number of same-sex households per 1,000 households (unmarried) on a city level and the number of LGBTQ+ support/resource centers per 100,000 people. Data was sourced from the Williams Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles, and the U.S. Census Bureau.
• Equality: Equality is based on three metrics: the number of antitransgender bills passed by the state, the number of anti-LGBTQ+ bills passed by the state and the overall policy tally of gender identity and sexual orientation by state (a calculation from the Movement Advancement Project). Data was sourced from the Trans Legislation Tracker, the ACLU and the Movement Advancement Project.
• Health: Health is based on the number of LGBTQ-friendly health providers in each city per 100,000 people, as listed by the CDC.
• Safety: Safety is based on three metrics: the number of hate crimes committed against the LGBTQ+ community per 100,000 people, the penalty enhancement for crimes motivated by sexual orientation by state and the penalty enhancement for crimes motivated by gender identity by state. Data was sourced from the FBI and NAACP.
• Affordability: Affordability is based on median rent in the city. Data was sourced from Zillow.

For most metrics, cities were given scores on a normalized scale out of 10, based on comparisons with the national average. These scores were added together in each category, creating five category scores. The category scores were then added together for a total score. All metrics have the same weight except for the overall policy tally (2X), the number of hate crimes per 100,000 people (2X), affordability (2X) and penalty enhancements (1/2X). Final scores are out of 140 points.

For questions about the data or if you'd like to set up an interview, please contact acurls@consumeraffairs.com.

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References

ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:

1. The Williams Institute, “Adult LGBT Population in the United States.” Accessed June 4, 2024.Link Here
2. U.S. Census Bureau, “Explore Census Data.” Accessed June 4, 2024.Link Here
3. CenterLink, “CenterLink LGBTQ Community Center Member Directory.” Accessed June 4, 2024.Link Here
4. Trans Legislation Tracker, “2023 anti-trans legislation.” Accessed June 4, 2024.Link Here
5. American Civil Liberties Union, “Mapping Attacks on LGBTQ Rights in U.S. State Legislatures in 2024.” Accessed June 4, 2024.Link Here
6. Movement Advancement Project,”SNAPSHOT: LGBTQ EQUALITY BY STATE.” Accessed June 4, 2024.Link Here
7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “LGBT Health Clinics by State & City.” Accessed June 4, 2024.Link Here
8. FBI, “Crime Data Explorer.” Accessed June 4, 2024.Link Here
9. NAACP, “STATE-BY-STATE HATE CRIME LAWS.” Accessed June 4, 2024.Link Here
10. Zillow, “Housing Data.” Accessed June 4, 2024.Link Here