American Indians: Census Facts

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by U.S. Census Bureau

Related Links Notable American Indians American Indian Tribes Glossary of American Indian Terms Navajo Code Talkers Sacagawea Golden Dollar

Population

4.4 million
As of July 1, 2004, the estimated population of American Indians and Alaska natives, including those of more than one race. They made up 1.5% of the total population.

687,400
The American Indian and Alaska native population in California as of July 1, 2004, the highest total of any state in the nation. California was followed by Oklahoma (398,200) and Arizona (322,200). About 6,400 American Indians and Alaska natives were added to Arizona’s population between July 1, 2003, and July 1, 2004. That is the largest numeric increase of any state in the nation. Florida and Texas added 5,300 and 4,500, respectively.

About 1 in 5
The proportion of Alaska’s population identified as American Indian and Alaska native as of July 1, 2004, the highest rate for this race group of any state in the nation. Alaska was followed by Oklahoma and New Mexico (11% each).

153,500
The number of American Indians and Alaska natives in Los Angeles County, Calif., as of July 1, 2004. Los Angeles led all the nation’s counties in the number of people of this racial category. Maricopa County, Ariz., added about 3,000 people of this group between July 1, 2003, and July 1, 2004. Maricopa led all the nation’s counties in this category.

Families and Children

549,299
The number of American Indian and Alaska native families. Of these:

335,320, or 61%, are married-couple families.

302,249, or 55% are families with their own children under 18.

And 164,728, or 30%, are married couples with their own children, under the age of 18.

Homeownership

Nearly 6-in-10
The proportion of American Indian and Alaska native households who own their own home.

Languages

381,000
The number of people 5 years and older who speak a native North American language at home. The most common language is Navajo, spoken by 178,014.

Education

76%
The percentage of American Indians and Alaska natives age 25 and older who have at least a high school diploma. Also, 14% have at least a bachelor’s degree.

Businesses

$26.4 billion
Receipts for American Indian- and Alaska native-owned businesses in 2002. These businesses numbered 206,125. An estimated 25,101 such firms had paid employees, with receipts of $21.2 billion, or $847,492 per firm.

American Indian- and Alaska native-owned firms were active in many industries, with the largest concentrations in construction; retail trade; professional services; health care; and other services. Receipts were highest in retail trade and construction.

American Indian- and Alaska native-owned firms accounted for 8% of firms in Alaska and about 5% of firms in both Oklahoma and New Mexico.

Jobs

24%
The percentage of American Indians and Alaska natives age 16 and older who work in management, professional, and related occupations.

Income and Poverty

$33,132
The median income of households where the householder reported they were American Indian and Alaska native and no other race. The median income is based on a three-year average (2002–2004).

24%
The poverty rate of people who reported they were American Indian and Alaska native and no other race, based on a three-year average.

Health Insurance

29%
The percentage of people who reported they were American Indian and Alaska native and no other race who lacked health insurance coverage, based on a three-year average.

Veterans

185,000
The number of American Indian and Alaska native veterans of the U.S. armed forces.

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