If you walked down a busy street in a major American city today, you’d see a snapshot of a country in the middle of a massive demographic shift. It isn't just a feeling. The data backs it up. Determining what is the percentage of caucasian in the us sounds like a simple math problem, but honestly, it’s a bit of a moving target depending on who you ask and how they define "White."
As of early 2026, the non-Hispanic White population—the group most people are referring to when they talk about the Caucasian majority—sits at approximately 57.1%.
That number is a decline from the 2020 Census, which clocked in at 57.8%. It’s a slow bleed, not a sudden drop. We are looking at a nation that is aging out in some corners and getting a lot more colorful in others.
Breaking Down the "White" Label
The U.S. Census Bureau is kind of obsessed with categories, but they can be confusing for the rest of us. When people search for the percentage of caucasian in the us, they are usually looking for one of two things: the "White alone" group or the "White non-Hispanic" group.
The Difference Matters
If you include everyone who checks the "White" box—even those who also identify as Hispanic or Latino—the percentage jumps significantly. According to the latest estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Vintage 2024 data (and projections leading into 2026), about 74.8% of the population identifies as "White alone" or in combination with another race.
But for most sociological and political discussions, we look at non-Hispanic Whites.
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That specific group is the only one in the United States currently seeing a numeric decline. Between 2023 and 2024, the White population actually dropped by about 0.1%. Meanwhile, the Asian population grew by 4.2% and the Hispanic population rose by 2.9%. It’s a trend that hasn't slowed down as we've moved into 2026.
Why the Percentage of Caucasian in the US is Dropping
It isn't a mystery. It’s basically biology and migration.
The White population in the U.S. is older. Period. The median age for non-Hispanic Whites is much higher than that of Hispanic or Multiracial Americans. This leads to a "natural decrease," which is just a fancy way of saying more people in that demographic are dying than are being born.
In fact, Brookings Institution demographer William Frey has noted for years that the White population is the primary engine of the "graying of America."
- Birth Rates: White birth rates have been below the replacement level for quite a while.
- Migration: Most of the 3.3 million people added to the U.S. population in recent years have come from international migration, primarily from regions outside of Europe.
- The Multiracial Boom: This is the big one. People are increasingly identifying as "Two or More Races." In the 2020 Census, this group grew by a staggering 276%.
You've likely noticed this in your own social circles. Interracial marriage is more common than ever, and the children of those unions often don't check a single race box. That fundamentally changes the "Caucasian" tally.
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A State-by-State Reality Check
The national average of roughly 57% doesn't tell the whole story because the U.S. is essentially a collection of different demographic worlds.
In Maine or Vermont, the percentage of caucasian in the us is still incredibly high, often hovering above 90%. They are the oldest states in the union, and they look very different from the rest of the country.
Contrast that with California (around 34%) or Texas (around 39%). These states are already "majority-minority." The "Caucasian" population there hasn't been the majority for a long time.
The 2045 Milestone
Most demographers, including those at the Pew Research Center, point toward 2045 as the year the U.S. will become "minority-white." At that point, non-Hispanic Whites are projected to comprise about 49.7% of the population.
Is that a big deal? For some, it’s a source of political anxiety. For others, it’s just the natural evolution of a "melting pot" nation.
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What Most People Get Wrong About These Stats
There is a common misconception that "White" is disappearing. It’s not.
Even as a minority-white nation, Caucasians will remain the single largest ethnic group in the country by a wide margin. The 2026 data shows that while the share is smaller, the influence and presence remain dominant in most sectors of the economy and government.
Also, the definition of "White" changes over time. A hundred years ago, Irish and Italian immigrants weren't always considered "White" in the way we think of it today. Today, many people with Middle Eastern or North African (MENA) ancestry are classified as White by the Census, though there has been a recent push for a separate category. If that category is officially implemented in the future, the "White" percentage will drop even further, almost overnight, simply because of a change in paperwork.
Summary of the Current 2026 Landscape
To wrap your head around where we stand right now:
- Non-Hispanic White percentage: ~57.1%
- White (Alone or in combination): ~74%
- Fastest growing groups: Asian (4.2% annual growth) and Multiracial (2.7% annual growth).
- Median Age: The White population remains the oldest, with a median age near 44 in some regions, compared to a national median of roughly 39.
Understanding what is the percentage of caucasian in the us is really about understanding the future of the American workforce, the housing market, and the voting booth. The country is getting older and more diverse simultaneously.
Next Steps for Accuracy
To get the most precise local data, visit the U.S. Census Bureau’s QuickFacts tool and filter by your specific state or county. You should also check the Vintage 2025 Population Estimates if you are looking for the absolute latest year-over-year shifts in migration versus natural birth rates.