THE STATE OF
BLACK AMERICA
A Data Portrait of Black America
An examination of the progress, opportunities and challenges shaping Black American life, grounded in data and research.
Understanding the State of Black America
Published by the Center for American Opportunity & Excellence, the policy center of the Black Conservative Federation, this report examines twelve arenas of Black American life.
Drawing on federal statistical agencies, accredited university research and independently verified national research, the publication documents both measurable progress and persistent disparities.
The report includes research findings, data visualizations, methodology, sourcing notes and the Center's policy reflections.
Black America by the Numbers
Selected historical findings from the 2026 State of Black America report.
Black Americans
People identifying as Black alone or in combination with another race.
Median Household Income
Median income for Black households, compared with $89,050 for White, non-Hispanic households.
Black Homeownership
Compared with 74.4% among White, non-Hispanic households.
Growth in Median Family Wealth
Increase in median Black family net worth from 2019 to 2022.
Black-Owned Employer Businesses
Businesses employing approximately 1.4 million people in 2021.
Historic Low Poverty Rate
The Black poverty rate reached this recorded low in 2022, compared with 55.1% in 1959.
Statistics refer to the years indicated, not necessarily current 2026 conditions. See the full report for definitions, methodology and source references.
Explore the Research
Discover the data behind the major issues affecting Black American life.
Families & Households
Family structure, marriage, children and generational trends.
Education & HBCUs
Academic achievement, graduation, college attainment and historically Black colleges and universities.
Housing & Homeownership
Homeownership trends, affordability and barriers to building equity.
Business & Wealth
Entrepreneurship, employment, earnings and generational wealth.
Health & Well-Being
Life expectancy, chronic conditions, maternal health and healthcare access.
Community & Service
Public safety, civic participation, faith, military service and veterans.
Center for American Opportunity & Excellence
The Center for American Opportunity & Excellence is the research and policy center of the Black Conservative Federation.
Under the leadership of Executive Director Walter Blanks Jr., the Center studies education, economic opportunity, entrepreneurship, homeownership, safe communities, families, faith and service.
Its research standard is to verify statistical claims, identify the year of each figure and retire claims that cannot be substantiated.
Research Meets Community
Explore the Federation's events, leadership activities and community engagement through our social channels.