Race in America

Data shines a spotlight on where there are inequities in American life. By measuring the demographics of education, income, hate crimes, incarceration, and more, Americans can make judgments on how government helps people and where it’s lagging. The statistics here cover a variety of topics, from 8th grade reading proficiency to police brutality, and come from agencies like the US Census Bureau and Bureau of Justice Statistics.

Race in America

Questions to Ask

How do income statistics vary by race?

Do education outcomes vary by race?

How do unemployment statistics vary by race?

Who are the victims of hate crimes?

How often do police use excessive force during arrests?

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Addressing Police Reform Must Start with Accurate Data

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Addressing Police Reform Must Start with Accurate Data

Noteworthy Data

Other Metrics

Population

333.29 million

2022

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Jail inmates

636,300

2021

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Prisoners

1.2 million

2021

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Public safety officers

Public safety officers

1.15 million

2014

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Hate crime incidents

Hate crime incidents

7,303

2021

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People in poverty

People in poverty

33.98 million

2019

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Percent of people in poverty

Percent of people in poverty

11.6%

2021

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Grade 4, Math: Percent of students at or above proficient

Grade 4, Math: Percent of students at or above proficient

41.06%

2019

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Grade 4, Reading: Percent of students at or above proficient

Grade 4, Reading: Percent of students at or above proficient

35.34%

2019

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Grade 8, Math: Percent of students at or above proficient

Grade 8, Math: Percent of students at or above proficient

33.85%

2019

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Grade 8, Reading: Percent of students at or above proficient

Grade 8, Reading: Percent of students at or above proficient

33.58%

2019

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Grade 12, Math: Percent of students at or above proficient

Grade 12, Math: Percent of students at or above proficient

25%

2015

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Grade 12, Reading: Percent of students at or above proficient

Grade 12, Reading: Percent of students at or above proficient

37%

2019

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College graduation rate at two-year institutions, within three years of start

College graduation rate at two-year institutions, within three years of start

33.48%

2019

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College graduation rate at four-year institutions, within six years of start

College graduation rate at four-year institutions, within six years of start

64.02%

2020

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Bachelor's degrees conferred

Bachelor's degrees conferred

2.04 million

2020

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