The largest racial minority in Illinois is the Black or African American population.
According to the 2020 Census data for Illinois, the Black alone population constitutes 12.4% of the state's total population. While the Hispanic population accounts for a larger percentage (18.7%), the U.S. Census Bureau categorizes Hispanic or Latino as an ethnicity, not a race. Therefore, among the racial categories defined by the Census, the Black or African American population is the most populous minority group after the White alone majority.
Illinois Population Demographics (2020 Census)
The table below outlines the racial and ethnic composition of Illinois based on 2020 Census data:
| Race and Ethnicity Category | Percentage of Illinois Population |
|---|---|
| White alone | 61.6% |
| Hispanic | 18.7% |
| Black alone | 12.4% |
| Two or More Races | 10.2% |
| Some Other Race alone | 8.4% |
| Asian alone | 6% |
| American Indian and Alaska Native alone | 1.1% |
| Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone | 0.2% |
Note: The U.S. Census Bureau considers Hispanic or Latino an ethnicity, and individuals of Hispanic origin can be of any race. The percentages for racial categories (e.g., White alone, Black alone) refer to non-Hispanic individuals within that race, unless "Some Other Race" or "Two or More Races" categories might include Hispanic individuals who identified with those racial groups.
Understanding Racial and Ethnic Categories
The U.S. Census Bureau distinguishes between race and ethnicity:
- Race: The Census asks people to identify as White, Black or African American, American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, or Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander. Individuals can also select "Some Other Race" or "Two or More Races."
- Ethnicity: The Census asks if a person is of Hispanic or Latino origin. Hispanic origin is not a race, and individuals of any race can be Hispanic or Latino.
When analyzing "racial minority," it specifically refers to groups defined by race that are not the majority race. In Illinois, the White alone population is the majority. Among the specific racial categories identified by the Census (excluding Hispanic/Latino as an ethnicity), the Black alone population represents the largest minority.
For more detailed information, you can refer to the official 2020 Census data for Illinois on the U.S. Census Bureau website.
