California is home to the largest population of Native Americans in the United States. This state stands out not only for its overall large population but also for its significant Native American community, representing a diverse array of tribal nations and individuals.
Understanding Native American Population Data
When discussing Native American populations, it's important to differentiate between the total number of individuals and their percentage within a state's overall population. Both metrics offer valuable insights into the demographic landscape of Native American communities across the U.S.
States with the Highest Total Population
As of recent demographic data, including the 2020 U.S. Census, California consistently ranks first for the sheer number of American Indians and Alaska Natives (alone or in combination with one or more other races). This high concentration is due in part to California's massive total population, which means even a smaller percentage can translate into a larger absolute number compared to states with fewer residents.
Following California, other states with substantial Native American populations by total count include:
- Oklahoma: Known for its rich Native American history and numerous tribal nations, Oklahoma has the second-largest total Native American population.
- Arizona: Home to the Navajo Nation and many other tribes, Arizona also boasts a significant number of Native American residents.
- Texas: Despite often being associated with other demographics, Texas has a notable and growing Native American population.
- New York: Surprisingly for some, New York hosts a considerable Native American population, including various Iroquois Confederacy nations.
- Washington: The Pacific Northwest state also has a large Native American community, with many federally recognized tribes.
Here's an overview of the top states by their American Indian and Alaska Native population (alone or in combination), based on 2020 U.S. Census data:
| State | American Indian and Alaska Native Population (Alone or In Combination) |
|---|---|
| California | ~1,123,000 |
| Oklahoma | ~521,000 |
| Arizona | ~435,000 |
| Texas | ~284,000 |
| New York | ~231,000 |
| Washington | ~204,000 |
Note: These figures are approximate and include individuals identifying as American Indian or Alaska Native alone, or in combination with one or more other races.
States with the Highest Percentage of Native Americans
While California leads in total numbers, other states have a higher percentage of their total population identifying as Native American. These states often have smaller overall populations, making their Native American communities a more significant proportion of the state's demographics.
According to 2020 data, states with a high percentage of Native Americans include:
- Alaska: Given its unique demographics and indigenous heritage, Alaska consistently has the highest percentage of Native Americans (including Alaska Natives).
- Oklahoma: Also high in percentage due to its historical tribal land allocations and continued strong tribal presence.
- New Mexico: With a long history of Pueblo and Navajo communities, New Mexico has a very high percentage of Native American residents.
- Arizona: Like Oklahoma, Arizona's large tribal lands contribute to its high percentage.
- California: While having the largest total, California also appears on the list of states with a significant percentage, especially when considering its vast population.
- Texas: Similar to California, Texas has both a large absolute number and a notable percentage within its diverse population.
These states highlight the varied presence of Native American communities across the United States, shaped by historical migrations, tribal sovereignty, and contemporary demographic trends.
For more detailed demographic data, you can refer to the official statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau.
