Overview
This lecture covers the 2025 racial and ethnic demographic landscape of the United States, emphasizing population sizes, growth trends, and the implications of shifting diversity based on the latest federal census data and standards.
US Population Overview (2025)
- Total US population in 2025 is 341.5 million.
- New OMB race/ethnicity data standards implemented in March 2024 enable more accurate classifications.
- Minority populations now comprise 42.4% of the total population.
- States with greatest diversity: California, Texas, New York.
Racial/Ethnic Breakdown & Trends
- Non-Hispanic White: 196.8 million (57.6%), declining by 0.1% per year.
- Hispanic/Latino: 65.2 million (19.1%), fastest-growing major ethnic group, 1.2% annual growth.
- Black/African American: 47.9 million (14.0%), 0.6% annual growth, concentrated in the South.
- Asian: 24.5 million (7.2%), fastest-growing racial group at 4.4% growth rate.
- Multiracial (Two or More Races): 11.1 million (3.3%), growing at 2.4% annually, youngest median age.
- Native American/Alaska Native: 6.9 million (2.0%), 0.3% annual growth, 574 federally recognized tribes.
- Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 1.7 million (0.5%).
- Other races: 2.4 million (0.7%).
Demographic Details by Group
White (Non-Hispanic)
- 58.9% of total population, highest median age (43.7 years).
- Highest concentrations in Northeast and Midwest, more rural areas.
Hispanic/Latino
- Largest minority group, median age 29.8 years.
- Largest subgroups: Mexican (62%), Puerto Rican (9.4%), Cuban (4%).
- Highest concentrations in California, Texas, Florida.
Black/African American
- African Americans make up 12.1% of the population.
- Median age: 34.6 years; 58% live in the South.
- Reverse migration from Northern cities to Southern states.
Asian
- Largest Asian subgroups: Chinese (23%), Indian (21%), Filipino (18%).
- Median age: 37.5 years; highest educational attainment among groups.
Multiracial
- Most common combinations: White/Black, White/Asian, White/Hispanic.
- Median age: 21.8 years (youngest group).
- Highest concentrations on West Coast, in urban areas.
Native American/Alaska Native
- 22% of Native population live on reservations.
- Median age: 31.4 years; large tribal diversity.
Future Projections & Implications
- White population will continue to decrease as a percentage of total.
- Increasing diversity impacts politics, economics, education, and social services.
- Policymakers need to plan for a more heterogeneous American society.
Key Terms & Definitions
- OMB Standards — Federal guidelines for collecting and reporting race/ethnicity data.
- Multiracial — Individuals identifying with two or more races.
- Minority Group — Any group constituting less than half the total population.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the latest Census tables and OMB guidance for deeper understanding.
- Prepare to discuss the impact of demographic changes on policy and society in upcoming classes.