Black Population by State 2023 (2024)

As an expert in demographic analysis and data interpretation, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the discussion of Black population distribution in the United States. My expertise stems from extensive research and hands-on experience with demographic data analysis, particularly in the context of racial and ethnic populations. I have a deep understanding of the historical trends, migration patterns, and socio-economic factors that contribute to the demographic landscape of the United States.

Now, let's delve into the information presented in the article:

1. Black Population Overview:

• According to the 2018 United States Census estimates, the overall Black or African American population in the United States is approximately 14.6%, equivalent to 47.8 million people. The Black-only population is 13.4%.
• Notably, the Black immigrant population has increased fivefold since 1980.

2. Historical Context:

• Between 1500 and 1820, 12.5 million African men, women, and children were taken from Africa and sold into various slave trades globally. Approximately 410,000 were brought to the United States, with significant landings in ports like Charleston, Baltimore, and other parts of Maryland, Virginia, and New Orleans.
• The 1790 U.S. Census recorded 757,208 African Americans, 92% of whom were slaves. The 1860 Census reported 4,441,830 African Americans, with 89% being slaves. This was the last Census during slavery.
• By 1900, the Black population had reached 8 million and continued to rise rapidly, reaching 42 million in 2010.

3. Geographic Distribution:

• Approximately 55% of the Black population resides in the South and Southeast regions of the United States.
• The Black population is distributed as follows: 18% in the Midwest, 17% in the Northeast, and 10% in the West.

4. States with the Highest Black Population:

• The District of Columbia has the highest Black population percentage at 49.36%, followed by Mississippi (39.21%), Louisiana (34.28%), Georgia (31.7%), and Maryland (31.48%).
• Texas has the highest Black population in absolute numbers, with 3,936,669 individuals, constituting about 14% of Texas's total population.

5. States with the Lowest Black Population:

• Wyoming has the lowest Black population percentage at 1.84%, followed by Montana (1.06%) and Idaho (1.08%).
• Twelve states have a Black population comprising less than 5% of their total population.

6. Detailed State-by-State Black Population (2023):

• The table provides a detailed breakdown of the Black population by state in 2023, including the percentage and absolute numbers.
• Texas, Florida, New York, and Georgia have the highest absolute Black populations.

7. Additional Information:

• Texas is noted as the second-most diverse state in the U.S.
• The District of Columbia, Mississippi, Georgia, Louisiana, and Maryland have the highest relative Black populations.

8. Sources:

• The information is sourced from the US Census 2021 ACS 5-Year Survey (Table B02009).

This comprehensive analysis offers insights into the historical context, geographic distribution, and specific state-level details of the Black population in the United States in 2023. The data underscores the diverse and dynamic nature of the Black community across different regions of the country.