The Black/African American Population Profile provides detailed data summaries about many chronic diseases, conditions, and related factors impacting Black/African American health in the United States.
This page provides an overview of the Black/African American population and the non-medical drivers of health that influence Black/African American health status and outcomes. Many factors that affect health happen outside the healthcare system. Where people live, learn, work, and grow up all play an important role in health status and health outcomes. These are known as non-medical drivers of health. They include things like income, education, safe housing, access to healthy food, and reliable healthcare. By understanding these broader influences, we can address the root causes of chronic disease and implement innovative, evidence-based interventions that enhance the well-being of Black/African Americans and support better health for all Americans. Visit Healthy People 2030 to learn more about non-medical drivers of health.
All data on this page are sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates as of February 2026 and reflect estimates for non-Hispanic populations, unless otherwise specified. For more detailed population estimates and 2020 Census information, please visit data.census.gov.
BLACK/AFRICAN AMERICAN POPULATION INFORMATION
Black/African American people are anyone having origins in any of the Black racial groups of Africa, which includes people who indicate their race as "Black or African American," or report entries such as African American, Kenyan, Nigerian, or Haitian.
In 2024, an estimated 39.9 million people in the United States identified as non-Hispanic Black or African American alone, representing an estimated 11.9% of the total U.S. population. In 2024, the ten U.S. states with the largest populations of Black/African Americans were:
- Mississippi (36.3%)
- Georgia (30.7%)
- Louisiana (30.5%)
- Maryland (28.9%)
- Alabama (25.6%)
- South Carolina (24.6%)
- Delaware (21.4%)
- North Carolina (20.0%)
- Virginia (18.3%)
- Tennessee (15.4%)
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2023, the average life expectancy at birth for Black/African Americans was 74.0 years (77.6 years for females and 70.3 years for males) compared to 78.4 years for all races. In 2023, the five leading causes of death for Black/African Americans were heart disease, cancer, unintentional injuries, stroke, and diabetes.
In 2024, 20% of Black/African American adults reported being in fair or poor health.
In 2024, an estimated 91% of Black/African Americans had health insurance coverage, compared to 92% of the total U.S. population. 9% of Black/African Americans had no health insurance coverage, compared to 8% of the total U.S. population.
How does health insurance coverage impact overall health?
A lack of health insurance can prevent individuals from seeking out routine and preventive healthcare services. This could delay medical attention when needed or may require use of emergency services for meeting healthcare needs, which can be more expensive. People without insurance are less likely to have a primary care provider, and they may not be able to afford the healthcare services and medications they need.
In 2024, an estimated 10% of Black or African Americans, age 5 years and older, spoke a language other than English at home, with about 3% reporting speaking English less than “very well.”
How does language fluency impact our overall health?
People with limited English proficiency may have trouble receiving, understanding, and following medical advice or instructions for their conditions. When a patient feels that they can’t communicate with a provider because of language or cultural barriers, it can lead to receiving inadequate health services or avoiding care altogether.
In 2024, an estimated 88% of Black/African Americans age 25 years or older had a high school diploma or higher (87% for males and 90% for females), compared to nearly 90% of the total U.S. population. About 26% of Black/African had a bachelor's degree or higher (22% for males and 28% for females), compared to 36% of the total U.S. population.
How does education impact overall health?
Access to quality education plays a significant role in health outcomes. Education helps people understand health information and make informed decisions about their health and use of the healthcare system. People with lower educational attainment may have difficulty securing stable, well-paying jobs which can make it harder for them to afford and access health insurance and quality care.
In 2024, the estimated median 12-month income for Black/African American households was $55,157 compared to $80,734 for all U.S. households. About 21% of Black/African American families were experiencing poverty, compared to 13% of U.S. families. The unemployment rate for Black/African Americans ages 16 years and older was nearly 9%, compared to 5% for the total U.S. population.
How does economic stability impact overall health?
Economic stability includes key issues, such as poverty, employment, and housing stability. People living in poverty are less likely to have access to health care, healthy food, stable housing, and opportunities for physical activity. These disparities mean people living in poverty or experiencing economic instability are more likely to be diagnosed with and experience worse outcomes from preventable diseases.
Suggested Map Citation: "Hispanic or Latino Origin by Race." American Community Survey, ACS 5-Year Estimates Detailed Tables, Table B03002, https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDT5Y2024.B03002?q=United+States&g=010XX00US,$0400000&y=2024. Accessed on 02 Feb 2026.
Date Last Reviewed: March 2026