Key facts about the nation’s 47.9 million Black Americans
The number of Black people living in the United States reached a new high of 47.9 million in 2022, up about a third (32%) since 2000.
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
The number of Black people living in the United States reached a new high of 47.9 million in 2022, up about a third (32%) since 2000.
Black adults in upper-income families are about twice as likely as those in lower-income families to say they are extremely or very happy.
While Black-owned businesses have grown significantly in the U.S. in recent years, they still make up a small share of overall firms and revenue.
Overall, 57 Black women – among a total of 106 women of color – have ever been elected to the national legislature.
Around four-in-ten Black adults in the United States (39%) say Black Lives Matter has done the most to help Black people in recent years.
More Black Americans say health outcomes for Black people in the United States have improved over the past 20 years than say outcomes have worsened.
About half of Black adults (52%) say racism in U.S. laws is the bigger problem for Black people, while 43% cite racism by individuals.
In an August 2022 survey, 54% of Black adults said they had a very or somewhat negative impression of capitalism, up from 40% in May 2019.
Black men are now on par with American Indian or Alaska Native men as the demographic groups most likely to die from overdoses.
Only 70 of the 3,843 people who have ever served as federal judges as of Feb. 1, 2022, have been Black women.
1615 L St. NW, Suite 800
Washington, DC 20036
USA
(+1) 202-419-4300 | Main
(+1) 202-857-8562 | Fax
(+1) 202-419-4372 | Media Inquiries
ABOUT PEW RESEARCH CENTER Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research. Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts.
© 2024 Pew Research Center