Children Now Make Up the Smallest-ever Percentage of the U.S. Population
According to a Wall Street Journal article citing 2010 Census data, the percentage of the U.S. population under age 18 is the smallest it ever has been, at 24%. This percentage is slightly lower than it was about 10 years ago (26% in 1990), but almost half of what it was at the turn of the last century (40% in 1900). See an interactive map of all states>>
In addition, 2010 Census data indicate that the child population is becoming more racially and ethnically diverse. The number of children of color in the U.S. has grown since 2000, while the number of non-Hispanic white children has declined. Currently, children of color make up almost half (46%) of the national child population; non-Hispanic white children still comprise the majority (54%).
In California, unlike the nation, the total number of children rose slightly over the past decade. The state has almost 10 million kids, comprising 26% of the total population, according to 2009 data. In comparison to national figures, children of color make up a larger percentage of the child population in California (about 70%). Specifically, the racial/ethnic make-up of the state’s child population is about 49% Hispanic/Latino, 31% Caucasian/White, 10% Asian/Pacific Islander, 6% African American/Black, 4% from multiracial backgrounds, and less than 1% Native American. Consistent with national trends, the number of children of color in California has grown since 2000, while the number of Caucasian children has declined. Find data for your county>>
Also see kidsdata.org’s Research & Links section for websites and reports with more information on demographic issues, including race/ethnicity, and how that relates to child well being, such as this article from the American Academy of Pediatrics, “Racial and Ethnic Disparities in the Health and Health Care of Children” (2010).
Posted by kidsdata.org
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