Race What is Race? The data on race were derived from answers to the question on race that was asked of all individuals in the United States. The Census Bureau collects race data in accordance with guidelines provided by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and these data are based on self-identification.
Explore population counts for detailed race and ethnicity groups and American Indian and Alaska Native tribes and villages for the nation, states, and counties.
Race data help communities: Ensure Equal Opportunity We ask about the race of community members in combination with information about housing, voting, language, employment, and education, to help governments and communities enforce antidiscrimination laws, regulations, and policies. For example, race data are used to:
SEPT. 3, 2025 — The U.S. Census Bureau today released the Educational Attainment in the United States: 2024 table package examining the education level of adults age 18 and older by age, sex, race, nativity and other demographic and social characteristics. Data are based on statistics from the Current Population Survey Annual Social and Economic Supplement.
What is the Race/Ethnicity Code List? The race/ethnicity code list shows how detailed responses to the race/ethnicity question are coded and classified. This code list contains thousands of detailed responses that must be grouped into one of the required reporting categories specified in the OMB’s SPD 15.
OMB published the results of its review of SPD 15 and issued updated standards for collecting and reporting race and ethnicity data across federal agencies.
