The data on race were derived from answers to the question on race that was asked of individuals in the United States. The Census Bureau collects racial data in accordance with guidelines provided by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and these data are based on self-identification.

The racial categories included in the census questionnaire generally reflect a social definition of race recognized in this country and not an attempt to define race biologically, anthropologically, or genetically. In addition, it is recognized that the categories of the race item include racial and national origin or sociocultural groups. People may choose to report more than one race to indicate their racial mixture, such as “American Indian” and “White.” People who identify their origin as Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish may be of any race.

OMB requires five minimum categories: White, Black or African American, American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, and Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander.

Key Stats

The 2020 Census shows the largest Multiracial combinations in 2020 were White and Some Other Race (19.3 million), White and American Indian and Alaska Native (4 million), White and Black or African American (3.1 million), White and Asian (2.7 million), and Black or African American and Some Other Race (1 million).

Source: 2010 and 2020 Census Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171) Summary File.

Interactive Data Visualization: Race and Ethnicity in the United States: 2010 Census and 2020 Census (August 2021)

Note: The group selected above is “Two or More Races” for the total population.

More Stats

From Topics / Population:

Population and Housing Unit Estimates. Produces estimates of the population for the United States, its states, counties, cities, and towns, as well as for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
Population Projections. Population projections are estimates of the population for future dates.
Ancestry. Ancestry refers to a person’s ethnic origin or descent, "roots," or heritage, or the place of birth of the person or the person’s parents or ancestors.
Foreign Born. The foreign-born population includes anyone who is not a U.S. citizen at birth, including those who have become U.S. citizens through naturalization.
Hispanic Origin. People who identify with the terms “Hispanic” or “Latino” are those who classify themselves in one of the specific Hispanic or Latino categories.

Source: 2019 Population Estimates.

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From Topics / Research:

Research to Improve Data on Race and Ethnicity

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Page Last Revised - June 2, 2023

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