We disaggregate data by race and ethnicity to better understand the strengths, needs, and quality of life outcomes of diverse groups throughout the state, and the differences and disparities between those groups.

Minnesotans by race and ethnicity

1.4 million Minnesotans of color

24% of Minnesotans are people of color, a diverse and varied group that includes those who identify as Asian, American Indian, Black, Hispanic, and two or more races.
24 %
See the data.

4.4 million non-Hispanic White Minnesotans

76% of Minnesotans identify as non-Hispanic White, a share that has decreased from 83% in 2010.
76 %
6% to 38%

The share of Minnesotans who identify as people of color is higher among younger age groups, ranging from 6% of Minnesotans age 80+ to 38% of Minnesotans age 0-4.

Key measures

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What is "data disaggregation"?

"Data disaggregation" means splitting large, general categories into more specific groups. For example, Asian Americans can be divided into cultural groups such as Hmong, Vietnamese, Lao, Chinese, Korean, etc. Similarly, American Indians can be divided by tribal affiliation, such as Ojibwe, Dakota, Lakota, Ho-Chunk, etc. It’s important to note that race is a social construct, not a biological fact. This is reflected in how the U.S. Census Bureau has changed how they measure race over time. In the first census in 1790, the only races were "free whites," "all other free persons," and "slaves." Currently, Census data racial identification is often grouped into five categories: American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian or Pacific Islander, Black or African American, White, two or more races, and some other race.