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What is the Smallest Minority in the US?

Published in U.S. Racial Demographics 2 mins read

The smallest racial minority group in the U.S., based on available population data, is Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone, representing approximately 0.3% of the total U.S. population.

Understanding the demographics of the United States involves looking at various racial and ethnic groups as categorized by the U.S. Census Bureau. These categories help provide a snapshot of the country's diverse population.

Racial and Ethnic Demographics in the US

The U.S. Census Bureau collects and publishes data on the nation's population, breaking it down into different racial and ethnic groups. When considering groups counted "alone," meaning individuals who identify with only one specific racial category, the percentages offer a clear indication of their relative sizes.

Here's a breakdown of the population percentages for several major racial groups in the U.S.:

Racial Group Approximate Percentage of U.S. Population
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native alone 1.3%
Asian alone 6.4%
Black or African American alone 13.7%

Data is based on information from the U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts.

Insights into Minority Classifications

It's important to note that the U.S. Census Bureau distinguishes between "alone" categories and "alone or in combination" categories. The percentages provided above refer to individuals who identify solely with that specific racial group. If individuals who identify with multiple races were included, the numbers for some groups could slightly differ.

For instance:

  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone: This group consists of individuals who exclusively identify as Native Hawaiian, Samoan, Guamanian or Chamorro, Fijian, Tongan, or other Pacific Islander. Their relatively small population size makes them the smallest racial minority when counted alone.
  • American Indian and Alaska Native alone: This group includes individuals who identify with any of the original peoples of North and South America (including Central America) and who maintain tribal affiliation or community attachment.
  • Asian alone: This encompasses people identifying their origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia, or the Indian subcontinent.
  • Black or African American alone: This group refers to people having origins in any of the Black racial groups of Africa.

The comprehensive data from the U.S. Census Bureau provides detailed statistics on population characteristics, offering valuable insights into the demographic landscape of the United States.