What Percentage of the U.S. Population is White?

Key Takeaways

In the United States, most people identified in official statistics as White make up a declining share of the total population. In the 2020 Census, about 57.8% of respondents reported White alone, while about 61.6% reported White alone or in combination. Understanding these figures requires attention to definitions, classifications, and how these measurements change over time. This explainer provides an evergreen overview of the percentage of White people in the U.S., the data sources, and the trends shaping the context.

How the U.S. Measures Race

The U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) sets standards for federal race and ethnicity data. Under current standards, White refers to individuals having origins in any of the original peoples of Europe, the Middle East, or North Africa. The census distinguishes between:

• White alone: respondents who identify as White and no other race.
• White in combination: respondents who identify as White and one or more other races.
• Hispanic/Latino origin: treated as an ethnicity, not a race, and can be reported alongside any race category.

These definitions influence the reported percentage of White people in the population and have important implications for research and policy.

2020 Census Results

The most recent full decennial census provides the baseline for current demographic composition. Key figures from the 2020 Census include:

These figures reflect self-identification and show a continued, though reduced, majority status for White respondents.

Trends Over Time

Long-term demographic trends show a declining share of White alone responses amid growing multiracial identification and shifts in immigration patterns. Between 2010 and 2020:

• The White alone share decreased by approximately 2.9 percentage points.
• The multiracial population increased substantially, partly due to expanded measurement options.
• The Other category saw notable growth, driven by increases in people identifying as More than one race.

Projections suggest this proportional decline will continue, with no return to previously higher shares in the foreseeable future.

Geographic Variation

There is significant geographic variation in the percentage of White residents across the United States. States in the Northeast, Midwest, and non-metropolitan regions often report higher White percentages, though many are below the national average. In contrast, states with large metropolitan centers, high immigration, and diverse populations typically show lower White percentages. Metro areas often include substantial shares of Black, Hispanic, Asian, and other racial groups, reflecting historical and ongoing patterns of migration and settlement.

Distinct Concepts: Race, Ethnicity, and Hispanic Origin

Race and Hispanic origin are distinct classifications. Hispanic origin refers to a person’s cultural or ancestral origin and is not a race. Respondents can be Hispanic and any race. Misunderstanding this distinction can lead to confusion when interpreting statistics such as the percentage of White people in the country. Consulting OMB and Census Bureau materials helps clarify how these categories are defined and used in data collection.

Implications and Context

Changes in the percentage of White people in the U.S. affect public discourse, policy, and resource allocation. Accurate measurement matters for civil rights enforcement, voting rights, education funding, and healthcare planning. For ongoing reference, rely on official sources:

• U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts and Data.
• OMB Standards for Maintaining, Collecting, and Presenting Federal Data on Race and Ethnicity.
• Annual population estimates and the American Community Survey for more granular geography.

These sources will remain the most reliable for tracking demographic change over the long term.