Black History Month 2026: What Census Data Showed About Population, Education and Work
In February 2026, the U.S. Census Bureau published its annual National Black History Month: February 2026 Facts for Features collection.
The page brings together federal statistics on the Black population in the United States, including data on population size, education, occupations, business ownership, and veterans.
Here are several of the figures in plain English.
How large was the Black population in the United States?
The Census Bureau reported that the Black or African American alone or in combination population was 51,629,710 in 2024.
This figure comes from the Census Bureau’s 2024 Population Estimates Program.
What did Census report about education?
According to the Census Bureau, 90.8% of African Americans age 25 and older had a high school diploma or higher in 2024.
The figure comes from the Current Population Survey.
What did the data show about occupations?
The Census Bureau reported that 36.0% of the civilian employed Black alone population age 16 and older worked in management, business, science, and arts occupations in 2024.
The Census Bureau notes that its 2024 American Community Survey includes additional information on occupations, industries, commuting, and labor force participation.
How many Black-owned employer businesses were there?
The Census Bureau reported 200,885 Black-owned employer businesses in the United States in 2023.
This figure comes from the 2024 Annual Business Survey.
The reference year is important: although the Census Black History Month page was published in 2026, this particular business statistic describes 2023.
What did Census report about Black veterans?
The Census Bureau reported 2,035,520 Black alone civilian veterans in the United States in 2024.
This estimate comes from the 2024 American Community Survey.
What does the Census data show?
The Census Bureau’s Black History Month collection brings together statistics from several federal surveys and programs.
Among the figures highlighted for 2026 were:
51.6 million people in the Black or African American alone or in combination population in 2024
90.8% of African Americans age 25 and older with a high school diploma or higher in 2024
36.0% of employed Black alone people age 16 and older working in management, business, science, and arts occupations in 2024
200,885 Black-owned employer businesses in 2023
More than 2 million Black alone civilian veterans in 2024
These statistics come from different Census Bureau data sources and reference periods.
The Census Bureau also notes that data included in its Facts for Features series may be subject to sampling variability and other sources of error.
From Workforce Data to Employment Opportunity
The Census Bureau provides national data on population, education, occupations, business ownership, and other characteristics of Black Americans.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is Black History Month?
Black History Month is observed in February.
The Census Bureau notes that Carter G. Woodson launched Black History Week in 1926 and that it was expanded to National Black History Month 50 years later.
How many Black Americans were there in 2024?
The Census Bureau reported a Black or African American alone or in combination population of 51,629,710 in 2024.
What percentage of employed Black workers were in management, business, science, and arts occupations?
The Census Bureau reported 36.0% of the civilian employed Black alone population age 16 and older in those occupational categories in 2024.
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Sources & References
U.S. Census Bureau. (2026, February 10). National Black History Month: February 2026. https://www.census.gov/newsroom/facts-for-features/2026/black-history-month.html
