Share of white residents in the United States, by decade
| Decade / Year | Percent White (U.S. total) | Notes on Definition and Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 Census (decennial) | 57.8% | 2020 Census; includes Multiracial responses; decline driven by multiracial growth and demographic aging |
| 2010 Census | 63.7% | 2010 Census; single-race white population reported |
| 2000 Census | 69.1% | 2000 Census; first decennial with multiracial option |
| 1990 Census | 75.1% | 1990 Census; narrower race question design |
| 1980 Census | 80.3% | 1980 Census; methodological continuity with prior decades |
How we define “white” in U.S. demographic statistics
The U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) defines “White” as a person having origins in any of the original peoples of Europe, the Middle East, or North Africa. This includes people who identify as White alone or in combination with one or more other races. Responses such as “Irish,” “German,” “Italian,” “French,” and “English” are included, as are Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) identities in recent guidance. The question format and instructions evolve with each census and survey, so estimates are directly comparable only when the same definition and methodology are used.
Race versus ethnicity: why it matters
Race and ethnicity are measured separately in U.S. federal statistics. Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin is an ethnicity that can be combined with any race question. When the data state “percent White,” they refer to the race question specifically; Hispanic/Latino origin may be reported in addition. This distinction is essential for interpreting trends because population growth and shifting identifications interact across race and ethnicity categories.
Why the percentage white in the U.S. is declining
Multiple interacting drivers explain the long-term decline in the percent white in the United States:
- Declining fertility and an aging white population: White non-Hispanic populations have lower median ages and fertility rates compared with many other groups, leading to slower natural increase.
- Immigration and births of immigrants: New immigrants and their U.S.-born children contribute to population growth, with many identifying as Hispanic, Asian, or of two or more races.
- Multiracial identification: More people now identify with more than one race, and the option to mark multiple boxes increases counts for those who select White in combination with another group.
- Changes in self-identification and classification: Revisions to OMB race and ethnicity standards, such as adding a MENA example and combining the Hispanic origin question with the race question in 2020, influence responses and comparability.
These trends result in a gradual diversification of the U.S. population rather than an abrupt shift.
Current data: percent white in the U.S. by survey and year
Different sources and years show slightly different estimates due to methodology. The 2020 Census is the principal decennial source and shows a continuing decline in the share that identifies as White alone. American Community Survey (ACS) and Current Population Survey Annual Social and Economic Supplement (ASEC) provide annual estimates that are useful for tracking recent change. The March 2023 Current Population Survey shows a lower White-alone percentage than 2020 Census, reflecting ongoing demographic patterns and differences in question design.
Note: 2020 Census results were affected by methodological changes (e.g., differential item allocation and a shorter reference period for race reporting in some contexts), which complicate direct year-to-year comparisons. Long-term trends, however, remain clear.
Comparative snapshot: percentage white in selected years
| Year / Period | White alone or in combination (%) | White alone (%) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Census | 81.1% | 57.8% | U.S. Census Bureau |
| 2010 Census | 90.9% | 63.7% | U.S. Census Bureau |
| 2022 ACS 1-year estimate (sample-based) | ≈77–80% (combination) | ≈59–62% (alone) | U.S. Census Bureau, ACS |
| 2023 CPS ASEC | Data pending / methodology shift in 2023 | 57.5% (White alone, reported for reference) | U.S. Census Bureau, CPS ASEC |
What changes in the white percentage mean for policy and society
Shifts in the racial and ethnic composition of the United States influence public discussion, resource allocation, and political representation. A declining percent white in the U.S. context interacts with growth in other racial and ethnic groups, affecting school curricula, workforce planning, healthcare delivery, and voting patterns. At the same time, variation across regions, with some areas remaining more homogeneous and others more diverse, means impacts are felt unevenly. Policy choices about how to collect, report, and interpret race data shape how these trends are understood and addressed.
How to interpret changing numbers responsibly
When assessing what percentage of the U.S. is white, consider the following to avoid misinterpretation:
- Check whether the data refer to “White alone” or “White alone or in combination”; the latter is substantially higher because it includes people who identify with multiple races.
- Note the data source and year; definitions and question formats change, especially around the 2020 Census.
- Look at trends over time rather than point estimates to understand demographic direction.
- Remember that race is a social and political category as well as a statistical one; group identities and lived experiences matter beyond percentages.
For ongoing tracking, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Bureau of Labor Statistics are primary sources for official statistics, while peer-reviewed research and reputable demographic analyses can provide context on interpretation and implications.