Same-sex couples per thousand households: 6.14

Known for its progressive politics (“Keep Austin Weird” is the city's mantra) and major music scene (the annual South by Southwest Festival is the city's staple), Austin is also home to a fairly large gay community and culture. The Texas Gay Rodeo Association is based there, and there's an annual Austin Gay and Lesbian International Film Festival. Despite this, the city and the state still have a long way to go in terms of gay rights. In April, Texas appellate courts made news when they were unable to decide what to do when a couple who marries in a state that permits same-sex marriage were to get a divorce in Texas, which constitutionally forbids such marriages.

Gayest Cities

From the obvious (San Francisco) to the surprising (Columbus), Richard Florida and Gary Gates crunched the numbers to rank the top gay cities in the country.

07.19.10 3:52 AM ET