How is the Population of the United States Made Up?

Photo of US citizens
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Sources

  1. https://www.census.gov/
    The US Census Bureau is the authoritative source for demographic data in the United States, including population counts, racial and ethnic breakdowns, and other key statistics mentioned in the blog post.
  2. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/religious-landscape-study/
    Pew Research Center provides comprehensive and reliable data on religious affiliations in the US, including breakdowns of Christian denominations and non-affiliated populations.
  3. https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2019/01/17/generation-z-latest/
    Pew Research Center's Social Trends division offers detailed analysis of generational demographics, including definitions and population percentages for Gen-Z, Millennials, and other age groups.
  4. https://www.gallup.com/poll/15370/party-affiliation.aspx
    Gallup is a trusted source for political polling data, including trends in party affiliation (Democrat, Republican, Independent) over time.
  5. https://www.brookings.edu/research/less-than-half-of-us-children-under-15-are-white-census-shows/
    Brookings Institution provides analysis of racial and ethnic demographic shifts in the US, supporting claims about the diversity and changing composition of the population.

Key Points

  • The United States has a population of over 330 million, ranking 3rd globally.
  • The U.S. is known for its diverse population, largely due to immigration.
  • Racial breakdown: White (61.5%), Hispanic (18%), African American (13%), Asian (5%), and others (1-2%).
  • Hispanics are the fastest-growing minority group in the U.S.
  • About 70% of Americans identify as Christian (Protestants 46-48%, Catholics 20-21%).
  • 23% of Americans are non-affiliated with any religion, a growing trend among younger generations.
  • Non-Christian religions (Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism) make up about 7% of the population.
  • Generational breakdown includes Baby Boomers (21.5%), Millennials (22%), Gen-Z (20%), and others.
  • Political affiliations are roughly equal: Democrats (33%), Republicans (30%), and Independents (33%).
  • The two-party system dominates U.S. politics, with Independents often splitting votes between Democrats and Republicans.

Summary

The United States, with over 330 million people, is a diverse "melting pot" with a population primarily composed of White (61.5%), Hispanic (18%), African American (13%), and Asian (5%) groups. Religiously, 70% identify as Christian (mostly Protestant), 23% are unaffiliated, and 7% follow non-Christian faiths like Judaism and Islam. The population is spread across six generations, with Millennials and Gen Z making up a significant portion, while political affiliations are roughly evenly split among Democrats, Republicans, and independents.

Population Demographics of the United States

The United States has a population of just over 330 million people, making it the 3rd most populated country globally. As a nation mostly descended from immigrants, it comprises an incredibly diverse population, setting it apart from most of the modern world. America’s openness to immigration continues to add to its varied population, confirming its reputation as a melting pot of peoples. 

Race

The racial make-up of the US population is primarily broken down into four different groups as noted by the US Census Bureau, White, Hispanic, African American, and Asian. Whites currently comprise about 61.5% of the population and are primarily identified with having European descent. Other subsets identified as White by the US Census Bureau include individuals with descent from North Africa and the Middle East, such as Afghans, Moroccans, and Arabs.

Hispanics, the fastest-growing minority group in the US, make up about 18 percent of the population. The most significant subset of Hispanic descent includes those with Mexican heritage, with other major subsets including those with Puerto Rican and Cuban descent. African Americans comprise about 13% of the American population, the 3rd largest minority group in the country. The US Census Bureau identifies them as having heritage from any of the black racial groups of Africa.

Asians currently encompass about 5% of the population and are identified by the US Census Bureau as people from the Far East, Southeast Asia, or Indian subcontinent. Other population subsets include Native Americans and Native Hawaiian Islanders, who make up about 1% of the population. About 2% of residents of the US specifically identify as having two or more races in their heritage and are designated as a separate racial group.

Religion

About 70% of Americans specifically identify as Christians, including both Catholics and Protestants. About 70% of the total Christian population in the 50 states identifies as Protestant, and 30% identify as Catholic. When included as separate faiths as a percentage of the total US population division, Protestants make up about 46-48% of the country, while Catholics comprise about 20-21%.

23% of Americans consider themselves non-affiliated concerning any religion. They include atheists and agnostics and comprise a growing number of younger Americans. Non-affiliated Americans constitute a significant presence in all areas of the country but have a powerful influence on the West Coast of the United States.

Pie chart

The remaining 7% of the total US population, comprising the non-Christian religious affiliations of US residents, comprises a variety of religions originating from all areas of the world. Judaism is the largest religious presence in this category, making up about 2% of the population. Other religions include Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists, who reflect 1%, .75%, and .75% of the population, respectively. 

Age/Generation

The United States is currently broken down into six different age or generation groups, Gen-Z, Millennials, Gen-X, Baby Boomers, Silent Gen, and the Greatest Generation. It is important to note that there is some variance and debate among sources surrounding the specific time allotments for each generation. Depending on the specific source used, the population totals for age groups may vary slightly.

chart

The older generations include the Greatest Generation born before 1928 and comprising about .5% of the population, the Silent Gen born from 1928-1945 and comprising 6.5% of the population, and the Baby Boomer generation born from 1946-1964 and comprising 21.5% of the population. The younger generations include Generation X, born from 1965-1980 and encompassing 20% of the population, Millennials born from 1981-1996 and encompassing 22% of the population. And Generation Z, born 1997-2012 and encompassing 20% of the population. Roughly 9-10% of the population was born after 2012 and has not been designated as a specific generation, although some sources include them with Generation Z. 

Political Party

The American population is divided into three political party affiliations, Democrat, Republican, and independent. About an equal portion of registered voters identify as Democrats and independents, about 33% each, while about 30% identify as Republicans. The support levels among all three segments have remained stable over the last two decades, with significant changes in the current percentages rarely occurring.

Republican and Democratics party logos
The Republican and Democratic parties have dominated the United States political scene for decades.

The two-party system characteristic of American politics ensures that the vast majority of all registered voters, including independents, will ultimately vote for either a Democratic or Republican candidate. Independents generally split evenly among both major parties but have recently shifted a little more toward Republican support. 

How is the Population of the United States Made Up? Quiz

What percentage of the US population is comprised of Baby Boomers?
What percentage of the US population is of Asian descent?
Which of the following is NOT one of the primary racial groups identified by the US Census Bureau?
Which political party affiliation is the most common among registered voters?
What percentage of the US population identifies as Christian?
Which racial group is the fastest-growing minority in the US?
What is the approximate population of the United States?
Which generation makes up the largest percentage of the US population?
Which religious group makes up about 2% of the US population?
What percentage of the US population identifies as non-affiliated with any religion?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current population of the United States?

The United States has a population of just over 330 million people, making it the 3rd most populated country globally.

What are the major racial groups in the United States according to the US Census Bureau?

The major racial groups in the US are White (61.5%), Hispanic (18%), African American (13%), and Asian (5%). Other subsets include Native Americans, Native Hawaiian Islanders, and those identifying as two or more races.

What percentage of Americans identify as Christians?

About 70% of Americans identify as Christians, with Protestants making up 46-48% of the population and Catholics comprising about 20-21%.

What are the main generational groups in the United States?

The US is broken down into six generational groups: Gen-Z (20%), Millennials (22%), Gen-X (20%), Baby Boomers (21.5%), Silent Gen (6.5%), and the Greatest Generation (0.5%).

How is the American population divided in terms of political party affiliation?

About 33% of registered voters identify as Democrats, 33% as independents, and 30% as Republicans. Independents generally split evenly between the two major parties but have recently shifted slightly more toward Republican support.

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