Changing Demographics: Where Do Non-Hispanic White Americans Live?
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The United States has always been shaped by its diverse population. Today, non-Hispanic white Americans—those who identify as white and not of Hispanic or Latino origin—make up 59.3% of the U.S. population, or roughly 192 million people, according to Census Bureau data. Although this percentage has declined steadily over the past few decades—from 89.5% in 1950 and 75% in 1990 to 59.3% in 2022—non-Hispanic white Americans still represent the majority of the U.S. population.
Using the latest Census Bureau data and ArcGIS mapping software, I’ve created two animated maps that tell an interesting story about where non-Hispanic white Americans live. The first map above shows the percentage distribution across U.S. counties, ranging from areas where they make up less than 1% of the population to counties where they represent nearly the entire population.
Looking at the regional patterns, some clear geographic trends emerge. The Northeast and Midwest tend to have higher concentrations, particularly in rural areas. Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire stand out, with non-Hispanic whites making up over 90% of the population in many counties. In contrast, the Southeast and Southwest show much more diversity, with lower percentages in many areas.
The second animated map focuses specifically on counties where non-Hispanic whites make up 90% or more of the population, tracking changes from 1990 to 2022. This visualization reveals how these demographic strongholds have shifted over three decades. The most striking change is the steady decrease in the number of these high-concentration counties, particularly in the Upper Midwest and Great Plains states.
What’s driving these changes? Several factors are at play, according to demographic researchers at the Brookings Institution. Immigration patterns, different birth rates among various ethnic groups, and increasing racial and ethnic intermarriage all contribute to the shifting demographics.
Looking ahead, projections from the Census Bureau suggest that by 2045, non-Hispanic whites will no longer be the majority in America. However, they will remain the largest single ethnic group, representing about 49.7% of the population. This change will likely be most noticeable in urban areas first, while rural regions may maintain their current demographic makeup for longer periods.
Some interesting facts about non-Hispanic white population trends:
- The median age of this group (44 years) is higher than the national median (38 years), according to the Pew Research Center. This reflects an aging demographic with lower birth rates compared to other groups.
- Non-Hispanic white populations have seen significant declines in rural counties, particularly in the Great Plains and Midwest, while strengthening in suburban and exurban areas surrounding major cities.
- States like Hawaii, California, and New Mexico already have non-Hispanic white populations below 50%
For those interested in exploring the geography of the United States, you’ll find these high-quality map posters available on Amazon useful: