Statistics of the Month - February February is Black History Month, but this month's statistics focus on African Americans today By Molly Elfers According to the 2000 US Census, there are 34,658,190 African American citizens in the United States, approximately 12 percent of the total population. Twenty-one percent of the African American population in the United States is enrolled in high school (grades 9-12), as compared to 44 percent enrollment in elementary school (grades 1-8). Of those 25 years and older, about 29 percent have received a high school diploma or equivalent, and about 15 percent have received a bachelor's degree. Eighty-eight percent of the African American population was born in the United States, with about 60 percent still residing in the state in which they were born. About 64 percent of the African American population (16 years and older) are in the labor force. The median per capita income for African Americans is $21,587. The percentage of African American workers making $25,000 or below each year is 28.6. Those making between $25,000 and $50,000 make up approximately 29 percent of the African American population. In 1999, the percentage of African American families living below the poverty level was 9.2. Of those families with children under five years old, 17 percent were under the poverty level. Source: US Census Bureau: American Factfinder Disclaimer: Although we try to use the most credible sources, we are not responsible for any incorrect findings. Read more: See, "Census changes reflect diversity." By Elizabeth MacGillivray Check out, "Cultural insights: Everyone judges from experience." By Craig Storti. January statistics - Where has the Economic Crisis left African Americans? December statistics - Who's been recently immigrating to the United States? November statistics - November is National American Indian Heritage Month October statistics - Disability as a Diversity Issue September statistics - Top Ten Largest Hispanic Populations in the U.S. August statistics - The Jewish Population: Who, what and where - Top Ten Largest National Jewish Populations July statistics - Who's who in the U.S. Prison System? - Statistics on Racial Discrepancies June statistics - Homosexual partnerships in the U.S. May statistics - Business: Where have Asian-Americans positioned themselves? April statistics - What religions do Americans identify with? March statistics - In which industries do women own the most firms? February statistics - Where do African Americans own businesses? January statistics - Hispanic-owned businesses on rise in US December statistics - Do you know America? Where are people of color living? November statistics - Cultural preservation and financial instability: Top concerns for American Indians October statistics - Surprising facts on workers who are disabled September statistics - Hispanic American population, businesses exploding For more on Hispanic Americans, read "Hispanic Legacies in American Culture." August statistics - GLBT Students School Climate Survey July statistics - What do Muslim Americans really think? June statistics - What does marriage cost GLBT? May statistics - Which group of women is the fastest growing in the U.S. labor force? April statistics - People of Color in the Workplace March statistics - Quick Facts on Nontraditional Occupations for Women February statistics - Health of Black or African American Population January statistics - Whites, Latinos and Blacks Life Satisfaction December statistics - Hunger and Poverty around the world November statistics - Native Americans October statistics - Americans with disabilities September statistics - Latin American Women Want more statistics on a variety of topics? Visit our Diversity Statistics page.

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