Midwest/North, New England, West/Southwest, and the South regions.
| Most Commonly Reported Ancestry (mouse over each to learn more) | ||
|
African American
9% of U.S. Population Most common ancestry in the south; also leads in many large northern cities.  African
American |
French/French Canadian
3% of U.S. Population Largely French-Canadians and Acadians.  French/French Canadian |
Mexican
or Hispanic
7% of U.S. Population The only major ancestry with a currently active immigration stream.  Mexican or Hispanic |
American
7% of U.S. Population No strong tie to foreign heritage; the strong growth of this ancestry is often refered to as “The Unhypenating of America.”  American |
German
15% of U.S. Population Largest ancestry in the nation, leading in nearly half of U.S. counties.  German |
Portuguese
Less than 1% of U.S. Population Almost wholly concentrated in southern New England.  Portuguese |
| American Indian
3% of U.S. Population Ancestry leads in counties with large reservations. A top-five ancestry in most mountain states… and West Virginia.  American Indian |
Irish
11% of U.S. Population Second largest ancestry, but leads in few counties, mostly in the northeast.  Irish |
Other Ancestry
15% of U.S. Population In total, 37 ancestries were reported by more than 1 million people.  Other |
| English
9% of U.S. Population Spread evenly throughout the country; highest concentrations in northeast and Utah.  English |
Italian
6% of U.S. Population Highly concentrated in states along northeast corridor.  Italian |
|
Source: Adapted from Ancestry:
2000 by Angela Brittingham and G. Patricia
de la Cruz. (U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000 Brief No. 35, June 2004.)
Note:
Data based on sample. For information on confidentiality protection,
sampling error, nonsampling error, and definitions, see www.census.gov/prod/cen2000/doc/sf3.pdf