This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
The United States is becoming increasingly diverse, with each decade bringing significant shifts in the population makeup of the country. I’ve created several maps using U.S. Census Bureau data and ArcGIS to explore how different racial and ethnic groups have spread across U.S. counties over the past three decades.
Slide between 1990 and 2022 to explore these dramatic changes county by county. You’ll notice some surprising shifts – and some areas that have remained remarkably stable.
A Changing Nation in Numbers
The story these maps tell is backed by striking statistics. In 1950, the U.S. population was markedly different: non-Hispanic whites made up 89.5%, Hispanic Americans just 2.6%, Black Americans 10%, and Native Americans less than 0.2%. Today, non-Hispanic whites make up 58.4%, Hispanic Americans represent 18.7%, Black Americans comprise 13.6%, and Native Americans account for 2.09% of the population.
Regional Stories
Each region of the country tells its own unique story:
The Deep South’s Black-majority counties trace patterns set during the 19th century, creating a distinct corridor that remains visible today. These communities have deep historical roots, many dating back to the aftermath of the Civil War.
Hispanic-majority counties, once concentrated in the Southwest, are emerging in new areas. This shift reflects changing migration patterns and growing communities across the country.
Native American-majority counties appear primarily in the Southwest and Great Plains, often corresponding to reservation lands and historically significant tribal areas.
The Northeast and Midwest show the most dramatic changes. While still home to many majority-white counties, these regions are experiencing rapid diversification, especially around major urban centers.
Looking to 2045
Census Bureau projections paint a picture of even greater diversity ahead:
Non-Hispanic whites: 49.7%
Hispanic Americans: 24.6%
Black Americans: 13.1%
Asian Americans: 9.1%
These changes are already visible at the state level. California, Hawaii, and New Mexico have already become “minority-majority” states, with Texas and Nevada likely to follow soon. Major cities across the country are leading this transformation, creating vibrant multicultural communities that offer a glimpse of America’s future.
If you don’t have a wall map to follow these geographic changes, here are some excellent options I recommend from Amazon:
