Pew Research: Key Insights Into the U.S. Black Population
Pew Research: Key Insights Into the U.S. Black Population
The U.S. Black population reached 48.3 million in 2023, a 33% increase since 2000, reflecting demographic, geographic, and social changes. This growing and diverse group offers valuable insights, particularly during Black History Month.
Population Growth and Diversity
Black Americans now include three main groups: single-race, non-Hispanic Black people; multiracial Black people; and Black Hispanics. Multiracial Black individuals increased 269%, and Black Hispanics grew by 210% since 2000, with immigration fueling this diversity.
Regional and Urban Trends
The Black population grew fastest in states with smaller historical Black populations:
Utah: +89%
Arizona, Nevada, Minnesota: +60%
States with the largest numerical increases:
Texas: +1.2 million
Florida: +800,000
Georgia: +610,000
New York City leads metro areas with 3.8 million Black residents, followed by Atlanta (2.3 million), Washington, D.C. (1.8 million), and Chicago (1.7 million). Atlanta stands out with 37% of its population identifying as Black.
Demographics and Education
The median age of Black Americans is 32.6 years, younger than non-Black Americans at 39.2. Subgroup median ages range from 19.5 (multiracial Black) to 35.4 (single-race Black). Educational attainment has risen, with 27% of Black adults earning a bachelor’s degree or higher in 2023, up from 14.5% in 2000. Black women lead this progress.
Family and Economic Trends
Marriage rates are lower among Black adults (48% never married vs. 29% of non-Black adults). Interracial marriages are more common among Black men (21%) than women (13%). The median household income for Black Americans in 2023 was $54,000, with higher incomes for multiracial ($65,800) and Black Hispanic households ($60,000).
These trends reflect the diversity, growth, and contributions of Black Americans to the national landscape.