The U.S. Census Bureau has released new data indicating that non-white populations will become the majority in the United States by 2050 for the first time in history. This shift will be particularly pronounced in 16 states, including New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, according to the report.
Demographic Changes Driven by Migration and Birthrates
The Census Bureau attributes these changes to international and internal migration patterns, as well as declining birthrates among white populations. The data, reported by the New York Post, shows a significant transformation over the coming decades.
In 1980, the United States was 80% white. However, that figure is projected to drop to 47% by 2050 and further decline to 44% by 2060. This marks a dramatic shift in the country's ethnic composition.
Historical Context
In the year 2000, only three states—California, Hawaii, and New Mexico—had a white population below 50%. Hawaii has never had a white majority, while California's white population was 46% and New Mexico's was 45% at that time. By the 2020 Census, Maryland's white population had dropped to 47%, Nevada's to 46%, and Texas's to 40%.
States Where Whites Will Become a Minority by 2050
By 2050, ten additional states will see their white populations fall below 50%. These include:
- New York: 46%
- New Jersey: 37%
- Connecticut: 45%
- Delaware: 47%
- Florida: 39%
- Georgia: 37%
- Arizona: 43%
- Illinois: 49%
- Oklahoma: 49%
- Washington: 49%
Projections for 2060
By 2060, whites will become a minority or near-minority in 24 states. Among them are Alaska (50% white), Louisiana (51%), Massachusetts (46%), Minnesota (51%), Mississippi (51%), North Carolina (49%), Rhode Island (47%), and Virginia (47%).
Least Diverse State: West Virginia
West Virginia remains the least ethnically diverse state, with 89% of its population identified as white in 2020. By 2050, that figure is expected to decrease only slightly to 86%, indicating minimal demographic change in that region.
