How is ethnicity defined in the US Census?

How is ethnicity defined in the US Census?

On census surveys, an individual can report as White, Black or African American, Asian, American Indian and Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander, or some other race. Additionally, respondents may report multiple races. Ethnicity determines whether a person is of Hispanic origin or not.

What are the race and ethnicity categories on the 2020 census?

For the 2020 Census, we collected detailed responses for all major categories (Hispanic, White, Black or African American, Asian, American Indian or Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, and Some Other Race).

Does the Census Bureau collect race and ethnic data?

Today, the Census Bureau collects race and ethnic data following U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidelines, and these data are based upon self-identification. One challenge we currently face is how Americans view “race” and “ethnicity” differently than in decades past.

Are the 2020 Census questions on race and ethnicity different?

Right now the 2020 Census questions on race and ethnicity may well be the most thoroughly tested and validated survey questions ever on the planet. Race and ethnicity are asked differently from years past. We’ll show you the old and the new, and explain why Census Bureau researchers had hoped for even bigger changes.

What is The racial and ethnic composition of the United States?

To frame the discussion of the racial and ethnic composition of the United States, we use the concepts of race alone, race in combination, and Hispanic origin by race. These concepts have been in place since the 2000 Census. In the 2020 Census we reported that, overall, 235.4 million people reported White alone or in combination with another group.

What race is Native American on the census?

The Census Bureau is also required by Congress to use the category “Some Other Race.” People may report multiple races. American Indian or Alaska Native: A person having origins in any of the original peoples of North and South America (including Central America), and who maintains tribal affiliation or community attachment.