What Percentage of the US Population is Black? Demographics and Growth in 2023

The demographic landscape of the United States is constantly evolving, and race remains a significant factor in understanding its composition. In 2023, an estimated 48.3 million people in the United States identified as Black, representing a notable portion of the nation’s total population. This figure underscores the importance of understanding the Black population’s size, characteristics, and trends. This article delves into the details of the Black population in the U.S., exploring its percentage of the total population, growth patterns, and diverse demographics. We will examine data from the Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) to provide a comprehensive overview of this vital segment of American society.

Growth of the Black Population in the United States

The Black population in the U.S. has experienced substantial growth over the past two decades. In 2023, the estimated 48.3 million Black individuals represented 14.4% of the total U.S. population. This is a significant increase from 2000, when the Black population stood at 36.2 million, accounting for a smaller percentage of the nation at that time. The growth rate reflects a 33% increase in the Black population since the turn of the millennium, highlighting its dynamic expansion within the broader American demographic context.

This population growth is not uniform across all subgroups within the Black community. To provide a more nuanced understanding, it’s essential to consider the different racial and ethnic identities encompassed within the term “Black.” The data distinguishes between several key groups: the total Black population, single-race non-Hispanic Black individuals, multiracial non-Hispanic Black individuals, and Black Hispanic individuals. Each of these subgroups exhibits unique growth patterns and demographic characteristics.

Breakdown by Subgroups:

Single-Race, Non-Hispanic Black Population: This remains the largest subgroup within the Black community. In 2023, it numbered 39.6 million people, constituting 82% of the total Black population. This group has also experienced growth, increasing by 17% since 2000 when it was 33.7 million.
Multiracial, Non-Hispanic Black Population: This subgroup has seen the most dramatic growth. In 2023, it comprised 5.6 million people, or 12% of the total Black population. This represents a remarkable 269% increase from the 1.5 million individuals in this category in 2000. This substantial growth reflects changing demographics and evolving understandings of racial identity in the U.S.
Black Hispanic Population: The Black Hispanic population, while the smallest subgroup numerically, has also grown significantly. In 2023, it reached 3.0 million people, accounting for 6% of the total Black population. This is a 210% increase from the 980,000 individuals in this group in 2000. It is important to note that the Black Hispanic population is distinct from the broader Afro-Latino population, as these categories are based on different forms of self-identification and ethnic understanding.

Understanding these subgroup dynamics provides a more complete picture of the Black population’s growth and diversity. The increase in multiracial and Hispanic Black populations particularly highlights the evolving nature of racial and ethnic identity in the United States.

Age Structure of the Black Population

The age distribution within the Black population provides insights into its demographic future and societal needs. In 2023, the Black population in the U.S. was notably younger than the overall population. The median age for Black individuals was 32.6 years, compared to 38.2 years for the entire U.S. population. This younger age profile has implications for various aspects of society, including education, workforce, and healthcare.

Further analysis of the age structure reveals:

Youthful Population: Approximately 30% of the Black population was under the age of 20, indicating a significant youth cohort. In contrast, only 12% of the Black population was 65 years or older, highlighting a lower proportion of seniors compared to younger age groups.
Working-Age Majority: A substantial 44% of Black Americans were under 30 years old, and a similar 43% were in the prime working ages of 30 to 64. This age distribution suggests a potentially strong workforce participation rate within the Black community.
Under 18 Cohort: Over a quarter (27%) of Black Americans were under the age of 18, representing a considerable segment in the education pipeline and future demographic trends.

When examining the subgroups within the Black population, age variations become apparent:

Single-Race, Non-Hispanic Black Population: This subgroup has a median age of 35.4 years, slightly older than the total Black population but still younger than the national median. Around 26% are under 20, and 14% are 65 or older.
Multiracial, Non-Hispanic Black Population: This is the youngest subgroup, with a median age of just 19.5 years. Nearly half (49%) are under 20, and only 5% are 65 or older. This youthful profile is a significant demographic characteristic of this rapidly growing group.
Black Hispanic Population: With a median age of 21.7 years, Black Hispanics are the second-youngest subgroup. Almost half (45%) are under 20, and 6% are 65 or older. Their age structure is also markedly younger than the U.S. average.

These age demographics underscore the youthfulness of the Black population, particularly within the multiracial and Hispanic subgroups. This has implications for future social and economic planning, as well as for understanding the evolving needs of this diverse community.

Language Diversity within the Black Community

Language is another key aspect of the Black population’s diversity. While English is overwhelmingly the primary language, a significant minority speaks other languages at home. In 2023, the vast majority (96%) of the Black population either spoke only English (88%) or spoke another language at home but also spoke English “very well” (8%).

The languages spoken beyond English reflect the diverse origins and cultural backgrounds within the Black community:

Spanish: Spanish is the most common non-English language spoken, with 4% of the Black population speaking it at home. This is particularly relevant within the Black Hispanic subgroup.
French or Haitian Creole: 3% of the Black population speaks French or Haitian Creole at home. This reflects historical migration patterns and cultural connections, particularly from Haiti and French-speaking regions of Africa.
Niger-Congo Languages: 1% speaks languages from the Niger-Congo family, a large language group primarily spoken in Africa. This indicates the presence of African immigrants who retain their native languages.
Amharic and other Ethiopian Languages: 1% speaks Amharic or other Ethiopian languages, pointing to the Ethiopian diaspora within the U.S. Black population.

When considering language use within subgroups, some variations emerge:

Single-Race, Non-Hispanic Black Population: Language patterns are similar to the total Black population, with 97% speaking English only or English very well. French or Haitian Creole is slightly more prevalent at 4%, followed by Niger-Congo languages (2%), Spanish (1%), and Ethiopian languages (1%).
Multiracial, Non-Hispanic Black Population: English dominance is even stronger in this group, with 98% proficient in English. Spanish is spoken by 2%, and Portuguese, French/Haitian Creole, and Arabic are each spoken by 1%.
Black Hispanic Population: This subgroup exhibits the most linguistic diversity. While 82% are proficient in English, a substantial 46% speak Spanish at home. French or Haitian Creole is spoken by 1% in this group.

The linguistic landscape of the Black population underscores its diverse origins and cultural heritage. While English serves as the unifying language, the presence of other languages, particularly Spanish, French/Haitian Creole, and African languages, highlights the multicultural fabric of the Black community in the United States.

Geographic Distribution of the Black Population

The geographic distribution of the Black population across the United States is not uniform, with significant concentrations in certain regions and states. In 2023, over half (56%) of the U.S. Black population resided in the South. The remaining population was distributed as follows: 17% in the Midwest, 17% in the Northeast, and 10% in the West.

Within the South, certain states have particularly large Black populations:

Texas: Texas has the largest Black population of any state, with approximately 4.3 million residents.
Florida: Florida follows closely with 4.0 million Black residents.
Georgia: Georgia ranks third with 3.7 million Black residents.

These Southern states have historically been centers of Black population and continue to be so today, reflecting historical migration patterns and ongoing demographic trends.

Metropolitan areas also reveal concentrations of the Black population:

New York City Metropolitan Area: The New York City metro area has the largest Black population of any metropolitan area in the U.S., with 3.8 million residents.
Atlanta Metropolitan Area: Atlanta ranks second with 2.3 million Black residents.
Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area: The Washington, D.C. metro area is third with 1.8 million Black residents.

The geographic distribution varies somewhat across subgroups:

Single-Race, Non-Hispanic Black Population: The South remains the primary region, with 59% residing there. Texas, Georgia, and Florida are the top states. The New York City metro area has the largest concentration within metropolitan areas.
Multiracial, Non-Hispanic Black Population: While the South is still significant (42%), the distribution is more dispersed. California is the top state for this group, followed by Florida and Texas. The New York City metro area is also the top metro area for multiracial Black residents.
Black Hispanic Population: This group is more concentrated in the Northeast and South (71% combined). New York is the top state, followed by Florida and California. The New York City metro area also has the largest Black Hispanic population among metropolitan areas.

The geographic distribution of the Black population reflects historical and contemporary factors, including migration patterns, economic opportunities, and regional cultural dynamics. The South remains a central region, but other areas, particularly large metropolitan centers, also host significant Black communities.

Household Income within the Black Community

Household income is a crucial indicator of economic well-being. In 2023, the median household income for households headed by a Black person was $54,000. This means that half of Black households earned more than this amount, and half earned less.

Income distribution within Black households reveals further details:

Households Earning $75,000 or More: Over a third (37%) of Black households earned $75,000 or more annually.
Households Earning $100,000 or More: A quarter (25%) of Black households achieved an income of $100,000 or more per year.

Income levels vary across the subgroups within the Black population:

Single-Race, Non-Hispanic Black Households: The median household income for this group was slightly lower at $52,800. About 36% earned $75,000 or more, and 24% earned $100,000 or more.
Multiracial, Non-Hispanic Black Households: This group had a higher median household income of $65,800. A larger proportion (45%) earned $75,000 or more, and 33% earned $100,000 or more.
Black Hispanic Households: The median household income for Black Hispanic households was $60,000. 40% earned $75,000 or more, and 28% earned $100,000 or more.

While median household incomes for Black households are lower than the national median, there is considerable income diversity within the Black community. Multiracial and Black Hispanic households tend to have higher median incomes compared to single-race Black households.

Household Types within the Black Population

Household type provides insights into family structures and living arrangements. In 2023, about four-in-ten (39%) Black people in the U.S. lived in households headed by married couples.

Other household types include:

Female-Headed Households: Three-in-ten Black people lived in households headed by women. This is a higher proportion compared to the national average.
Male-Headed Households: 5% lived in households headed by men.
Nonfamily Households: Fewer than two-in-ten (17%) lived in nonfamily households, which include individuals living alone or with non-relatives.

Household types vary slightly across subgroups:

Single-Race, Non-Hispanic Black Population: Household type distribution is similar to the total Black population, with 38% in married-couple households, 31% in female-headed households, and 18% in nonfamily households.
Multiracial, Non-Hispanic Black Population: A slightly higher proportion (45%) live in married-couple households. 27% live in female-headed households, and 11% in nonfamily households.
Black Hispanic Population: 43% live in married-couple households, 29% in female-headed households, and 10% in nonfamily households.

Married-couple households are the most common household type for Black Americans, but female-headed households represent a significant proportion, particularly within the single-race Black community.

Educational Attainment within the Black Population

Educational attainment is a critical factor in individual and community development. In 2023, about a quarter (27%) of all Black U.S. adults ages 25 and older had attained a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Specifically:

Bachelor’s Degree: 16% had earned a bachelor’s degree.
Advanced Degree: 11% had obtained an advanced degree (master’s, professional, or doctorate).
Some College, No Degree: A significant portion (32%) had completed some college coursework but had not obtained a bachelor’s degree.
High School Graduate or Less: 30% had at most a high school diploma or equivalent (GED).

Educational attainment levels vary across subgroups:

Single-Race, Non-Hispanic Black Adults: 26% had a bachelor’s degree or higher. This is very close to the overall Black adult population average.
Multiracial, Non-Hispanic Black Adults: This group shows higher educational attainment, with 35% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Black Hispanic Adults: 28% had a bachelor’s degree or higher, slightly above the overall Black average.

While educational attainment rates for Black adults have been increasing, disparities persist compared to other racial and ethnic groups in the U.S. Continued progress in education is vital for enhancing opportunities and socioeconomic mobility within the Black community.

Conclusion

In 2023, the Black population in the United States reached 48.3 million, constituting 14.4% of the total U.S. population. This demographic group is characterized by significant diversity in racial and ethnic identities, age structure, language use, geographic distribution, household income, household types, and educational attainment. The Black population is growing, particularly within the multiracial and Hispanic subgroups, and is notably younger than the overall U.S. population. While English is the primary language, linguistic diversity reflects varied cultural origins. Geographically concentrated in the South, Black communities are also prominent in major metropolitan areas. Economic indicators and educational attainment levels demonstrate ongoing progress alongside persistent disparities. Understanding these multifaceted demographics is crucial for informed policy-making, community development, and a comprehensive view of American society. For more detailed data and further research, resources from the Pew Research Center and the U.S. Census Bureau offer valuable insights into the evolving demographics of the Black population in the United States.