Leading group by U.S. county

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The U.S. Census continues to recognize six racial categories: White American, Black or African American, American Indian and Alaska Native, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Other Pacific Islander. Additionally, the U.S. Census Bureau classifies Americans as “Hispanic” and “Not Hispanic,” identifying Hispanic Americans as an ethnicity distinct from others and constituting the largest minority group in the nation.

Comparing to 1990, the demographic landscape of the United States has undergone significant shifts. African Americans remain one of the largest racial minorities in the United States, with an estimated population of approximately 47.9 million, an increase from 30.5 million in 1990, constituting around 14.4% of the total U.S. population in 2022 compared to approximately 12% in 1990.

Hispanic Americans continue to represent the largest ethnic minority, with an estimated population of around 63.7 million, marking a substantial increase from 22.4 million in 1990. In 2022, Hispanic Americans make up approximately 19.1% of the total U.S. population compared to around 9% in 1990.

While the White, non-Hispanic population continues to make up the majority, with an estimated population of approximately 198 million, its proportion has decreased compared to 1990 when it accounted for around 75% of the total U.S. population. In 2022, White Americans constitute around 59.3% of the total U.S. population, down from approximately 75% in 1990.

The maps below show changes in the leading group by U.S. county in 1990 vs 2022.

An animated video of how the leading ethnic group in each U.S. county changed by year is presented below.

White Americans continue to constitute the majority in every census-defined region and state except Hawaii. They contribute the highest proportion of the population in the Midwestern United States, with an estimated population of around 95 million, representing a slight increase from 89.5 million in 1990. Non-Hispanic Whites still make up a significant portion of the Midwest’s population, with an estimated population of approximately 71 million. However, about 66 million White Americans now reside in the South, marking the highest population among regions.

Approximately 56% of the African American population resides in the South, similar to the proportion in 1990, indicating a continued significant African American presence in this region.

Asian Americans, who make up a population of around 24 million, constitute approximately 7% of the total U.S. population, marking a significant increase from around 6.9 million in 1990. They predominantly reside in the West region, accounting for a significant portion of the Asian American population.

American Indians and Alaska Natives comprise an estimated population of around 7 million, representing approximately 2% of the total U.S. population, with a slight increase from 4.3 million in 1990. They predominantly live in the West and Southwest regions, with significant populations in both areas.

To learn more about the changes affecting the leading minority ethnic group, you can find it here.