The racial composition of the United States has been a topic of discussion for many years. One of the most commonly asked questions is, "What percentage of the US population is white?" According to the latest census data, the white population in the US stands at 60.1%. This means that out of a population of approximately 330 million, about 198 million are white.
It's worth noting that the white population in the US has been declining steadily over the years. In 1960, the white population stood at 85%. This percentage has been decreasing due to various factors such as immigration, interracial marriages, and a declining birth rate among white Americans. The trend is expected to continue in the coming years, with projections showing that the white population will be a minority by 2045.
Current Demographic Breakdown
According to the United States Census Bureau, the estimated population of the United States as of July 2023 is approximately 350 million people. Of this population, around 76.3% identify as White alone, not Hispanic or Latino.
The second-largest racial group in the United States is Black or African American, accounting for 13.4% of the population. The Hispanic or Latino population makes up 18.5% of the total population, while the Asian population is estimated to be 6.2%.
It is important to note that these categories are not mutually exclusive, and individuals may identify with more than one race. Additionally, the Census Bureau also recognizes other race categories, such as American Indian and Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander, and two or more races.
Overall, the White population remains the largest racial group in the United States, with a significant majority of the population identifying as such. However, the country's demographic makeup continues to shift, with the Hispanic and Asian populations experiencing significant growth in recent years.
Historical Trends in White Population
The United States has a long history of being predominantly white, with the white population accounting for nearly 90% of the total population in the early 1900s. However, over time, the percentage of the white population has decreased, while the percentages of other racial and ethnic groups have increased.
According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the white population in the United States was 76.3% in 2010, down from 80.3% in 1990. This trend is expected to continue, with projections showing that the white population will be less than 50% of the total population by 2045.
One factor contributing to the decline in the white population is immigration. In recent years, there has been an increase in immigration from countries with predominantly non-white populations, such as Mexico and China. Additionally, the birth rates of non-white populations have been higher than those of white populations.
Despite the overall decline in the white population, it is important to note that there are significant variations in the white population across different regions of the United States. For example, the white population is still the majority in many rural areas and in some states in the Midwest and Northeast. However, in many urban areas and in states such as California and Texas, the white population is already a minority.
Overall, the historical trend in the white population in the United States is one of decreasing percentages. While the white population is still the largest racial group in the country, it is becoming increasingly diverse as other racial and ethnic groups continue to grow.
Geographical Distribution of White Population
The white population in the United States is distributed unevenly across the country. According to the 2020 Census Bureau data, the top ten states with the highest percentage of white population are:
- Maine - 93.4%
- Vermont - 92.6%
- West Virginia - 92.5%
- New Hampshire - 90.4%
- Montana - 87.3%
- Iowa - 85.6%
- Wyoming - 84.8%
- North Dakota - 84.4%
- South Dakota - 83.3%
- Kentucky - 83.3%
On the other hand, the states with the lowest percentage of white population are:
- Hawaii - 23.7%
- California - 36.8%
- New Mexico - 38.5%
- Texas - 41.9%
- Nevada - 49.7%
- Maryland - 52.5%
- Georgia - 53.5%
- New York - 54.0%
- Arizona - 54.3%
- Florida - 54.4%
It is important to note that the white population in the United States is not evenly distributed within each state. For example, in California, the white population is concentrated in certain areas, such as the Bay Area and Orange County, while other areas have a much lower percentage of white residents.
Overall, the geographical distribution of the white population in the United States is complex and varies greatly from state to state and within each state.
Age Distribution of White Population
In the United States, the white population is the largest racial group, comprising around 76.3% of the total population. However, the age distribution of this group is not uniform, and it varies significantly by age group.
According to the US Census Bureau, the majority of the white population in the US is concentrated in the age group of 45-64 years, which accounts for 28.5% of the total white population. The second-largest age group is 18-44 years, which accounts for 26.6% of the total white population. The remaining white population is divided among the other age groups, with those aged 65 years and over making up 23.4% of the total white population, and those aged under 18 years accounting for 21.5%.
It is interesting to note that the white population is ageing rapidly, with the proportion of those aged 65 years and over increasing steadily over the years. In 2010, this age group accounted for 20.5% of the total white population, whereas in 2020, it accounted for 22.5%. This trend is expected to continue in the coming years, with the proportion of those aged 65 years and over projected to reach 25.4% by 2030.
Overall, the age distribution of the white population in the US is an important factor to consider when examining the demographic makeup of the country. As the population continues to age, it will have significant implications for issues such as healthcare, social security, and the economy.
Socio-Economic Status of White Population
The socio-economic status of the white population in the United States varies widely. While some white Americans are among the wealthiest in the country, others struggle with poverty and low-income jobs.
According to the US Census Bureau, the median household income for white households in 2020 was $69,744. This is higher than the median income for all households, which was $67,521. However, the poverty rate for white Americans was 8.2%, which is higher than the poverty rate for Asian and non-Hispanic black Americans.
White Americans also tend to have higher rates of home ownership and higher levels of educational attainment than other racial groups. In 2020, 74.8% of white households owned their own homes, compared to 47.4% of black households and 57.3% of Hispanic households.
In terms of educational attainment, 32.3% of white Americans aged 25 and over had a bachelor's degree or higher in 2020, compared to 15.3% of black Americans and 16.1% of Hispanic Americans.
It is important to note that these statistics do not represent the experiences of all white Americans, as there is significant variation within the white population in terms of socio-economic status. However, they do provide a general overview of the socio-economic status of white Americans as a group.
Future Projections for White Population
The white population in the United States is projected to decline in the coming years. According to the United States Census Bureau, the white population is expected to decrease from 199 million in 2020 to 179 million in 2060. This decline is due to a combination of factors, including declining birth rates among white Americans and increasing immigration from non-white populations.
The share of the white population is also expected to decline. In 2020, white Americans made up 60.1% of the total population. By 2060, this share is projected to decrease to 43.7%. This means that the United States will become a more racially diverse country in the coming decades.
It is important to note that these projections are based on current trends and assumptions, and are subject to change. Factors such as changes in immigration policy, changes in birth rates, and changes in racial and ethnic identification could all impact these projections.
Overall, the future projections for the white population in the United States suggest a significant decline in both numbers and share of the total population. This has important implications for the country's demographics and identity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the United States has a diverse population with a variety of ethnic and racial backgrounds. The white population in the US is the largest racial group, accounting for approximately 72.4% of the total population.
While the percentage of the white population has been decreasing over the years, it still remains the majority racial group in the country. It is important to note that the US Census Bureau defines "white" as a person having origins in any of the original peoples of Europe, the Middle East, or North Africa.
The US has a long history of racial and ethnic diversity, and it is important to acknowledge and celebrate this diversity. By understanding the demographics of the country, policymakers and individuals can better address issues related to race and ethnicity.
Overall, the white population remains the largest racial group in the US, but the country's diversity continues to grow and evolve.