KNOWLEDGE BASE Population - Ethnicity - Language In The US
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Population, Ethnicity, and Language in the United States
United States Population
The United States Census Bureau estimates the U.S. population on July 1, 2023, to be 334,233,854, based on the 2020 census results. The estimated growth rate from April 1, 2020, to July 1, 2023, was 0.47%.
The five most populous states, in order, are California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Illinois. Based on the 2010 census, 26.5% of the country’s population lived in the three most populous states - California (37.3M), Texas (25.1M), and New York (19.4M). California has been the populous state since the 1970 census.
The US has wide open spaces and bustling cities. There are areas within the United States with very few people, while in some urban areas, the density is extremely high. According to the 2020 census, population density in the US ranged from 10,241.2 people per square mile in the District of Columbia to 1.2 people per square mile in Alaska, with the average being 94.04.
Ethnicity
Nearly 8 out of 10 Americans identify as white, with the next most common being black, or African American. It is important to note that Hispanics may be of any race, so are included in the applicable race categories above. They also identified as 17.4% of the overall population, which would be a mix of the races.
Racial and Ethnic Makeup of the United States
The United States is a diverse country with a rich history of immigration. As a result, the racial and ethnic makeup of the country is constantly changing. According to the 2020 U.S. Census, the racial and ethnic makeup of the United States is as follows:
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White: 57.8%
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Hispanic or Latino: 18.7%
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Black or African American: 13.4%
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Asian: 5.9%
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Two or more races: 2.8%
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American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.3%
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Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2%
The racial and ethnic makeup of the United States is expected to continue to change in the coming years. The U.S. Census Bureau projects that by 2040, the white population will decline to 44%, while the Hispanic or Latino population will grow to 32%. The Black or African American population is expected to remain relatively stable at around 12%. The Asian population is expected to grow to 8%. The population of people who identify as two or more races is expected to grow to 10%.
The United States is a multilingual nation, with over 350 languages spoken in households across the country. While English is the most common language, spoken at home by nearly 8 out of 10 people aged 5 and older, there is a rich diversity of languages spoken in the United States.
According to the 2020 U.S. Census, here are the top 5 most common languages spoken at home in the United States:
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English: 78.5%
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Spanish: 13.2%
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Chinese (including Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien, and all other varieties): 1.1%
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Tagalog (including Filipino): 0.5%
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Vietnamese: 0.5%
Spanish is the second most common language spoken at home in the United States, with over 41 million people reporting it as their primary language. This is due in large part to the significant Hispanic population in the United States.
Chinese, Tagalog, and Vietnamese are the next most common languages spoken at home in the United States. These languages reflect the growing diversity of the U.S. population, with immigrants from China, the Philippines, and Vietnam bringing their languages to the country.
The United States is a country of immigrants, and this is reflected in the diversity of languages spoken in the country. As the U.S. population continues to grow and diversify, it is likely that the number of languages spoken in the United States will continue to increase.
America the Melting Pot
Though the United States population identifies overwhelmingly as white and English-speaking, there is a varied ethnic heritage and many other languages are spoken within the country.
The United States is often referred to as a “melting pot” because people have come from many different countries. While the term implies that people came to the US and assimilated - melted together for a homogeneous culture - it is now common for many to think of the mix in terms of multiculturalism, where unique aspects of the various cultures are retained. While 77% of Americans identify as white, their heritage is from many countries and cultures. It is estimated that people reported ancestry from over 235 different ancestry groups in the 2020 Census
B2B and B2C business is largely conducted in English in the United States, and unless you are targeting a smaller ethnic group such as Hispanics, your business will also be conducted in English.
The Hispanic population in the United States is a significant and growing demographic, with over 60 million people of Hispanic or Latino origin as of 2020. This presents a substantial opportunity for businesses to reach a diverse and expanding customer base. To effectively engage Hispanic customers, it's crucial to tailor your language and marketing approach to align with their cultural preferences and linguistic needs.
According to the 2020 U.S. Census, over 41 million people in the United States aged 5 and older speak Spanish at home. This makes Spanish the second most common language spoken in the United States, after English. Recognizing this linguistic landscape, businesses should consider translating their websites, marketing materials, and customer support resources into Spanish to ensure accessibility and cultural sensitivity.
Since the United States has many ethnic groups, many languages, and even many regional accents for English speakers, obtain assistance from experts who can guide you in your understanding and approach in the US. The Globig Marketplace has a number of vetted experts and consultants who can help you with your plans in the United States.
The United States Census Bureau - Quick Facts
National Population Totals and Components of Change: 2020-2022
KNOWLEDGE BASE Population - Ethnicity - Language In The US