Pew Research: Key Facts About Black Americans

During Black History Month, it’s important to reflect not only on history — but on where we are today.

According to a new Pew Research Center analysis of government data, the number of Black people living in the United States reached a record high of 49.2 million in 2024 — a 36% increase since 2000.

Today’s Black population is also increasingly diverse. The number of Black Americans who identify as multiracial and not Hispanic has grown by 295% since 2000, and the number who identify as both Black and Hispanic has risen by 232%.

Growth is occurring in new places. Utah saw the fastest growth in its Black population between 2010 and 2024 (up 104%), followed by Arizona (68%), Minnesota (67%) and Nevada (62%). Meanwhile, Texas, Florida and Georgia saw the largest overall numeric increases.

Black Americans are younger than the U.S. population overall, with a median age of 33.7 compared to 40.2 among non-Black Americans. Educational attainment is also rising: 27.7% of Black adults now hold at least a bachelor’s degree — nearly double the share in 2000. Black women, in particular, have made significant gains.

Median household income for Black households reached $57,200 in 2024, with variation across different racial and ethnic identities within the broader Black population.

Black history is American history. And today’s data tell a story not only of growth — but of resilience, diversity and change.

As we look ahead, what opportunities do you hope the next generation has that previous generations didn’t?

Source: Pew Research Center: https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2026/02/05/key-facts-about-black-americans/