GITNUXREPORT 2026

Native American Statistics

The Native American population is growing but faces significant health and economic disparities compared to national averages.

Min-ji Park

Research Analyst focused on sustainability and consumer trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

Our Commitment to Accuracy

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Statistic 1

There are 334 reservations covering 55.7 million acres of land.

Statistic 2

Tribes hold 56.2 million acres in trust, 2.3% of U.S. land.

Statistic 3

Sacred sites number over 1,000 registered, but many threatened.

Statistic 4

70% of tribal land is in arid West, facing water scarcity.

Statistic 5

Navajo Nation spans 27,000 sq miles, largest reservation.

Statistic 6

Over 500 tribal languages historically, now 150 surviving.

Statistic 7

Annual powwows number over 1,000 nationwide.

Statistic 8

Tribal enrollment requires blood quantum for 60% of tribes.

Statistic 9

252 tribal governments operate independently.

Statistic 10

Land back movement has returned 1 million acres since 2020.

Statistic 11

90% of tribal land leased to non-Natives for resources.

Statistic 12

Cultural preservation funding $50 million annually via IMLS.

Statistic 13

40 million acres managed for cultural resources.

Statistic 14

Repatriation under NAGPRA: 2,500 remains returned since 1990.

Statistic 15

169 endangered Native languages per UNESCO.

Statistic 16

Tribal art market valued at $50 million yearly.

Statistic 17

100+ museums dedicated to Native culture.

Statistic 18

Traditional ecological knowledge used in 30% of federal land mgmt.

Statistic 19

Sovereignty affirmed in 370+ treaties.

Statistic 20

ICWA protections in 80% of child custody cases.

Statistic 21

15 million artifacts repatriated under NAGPRA.

Statistic 22

Tribal colleges preserve 50 languages in curricula.

Statistic 23

Annual cultural funding from NEA $10 million.

Statistic 24

75% of tribes have cultural centers.

Statistic 25

According to the 2020 U.S. Census, 9,666,058 people identified as American Indian and Alaska Native alone or in combination with another race, representing 2.9% of the total U.S. population.

Statistic 26

The 2020 Census reported 3,727,135 people identifying as American Indian and Alaska Native alone, which is 1.1% of the U.S. population.

Statistic 27

In 2020, American Indians and Alaska Natives had a median age of 32.6 years, compared to 38.9 years for the overall U.S. population.

Statistic 28

There are 574 federally recognized Indian tribes in the United States as of 2023.

Statistic 29

Native Hawaiians and Other Pacific Islanders are sometimes included in broader Native statistics, but strictly Native American tribes number 574 federally recognized.

Statistic 30

In 2019, 22% of American Indians and Alaska Natives lived on reservations or other trust lands.

Statistic 31

The largest tribal enrollment is the Navajo Nation with over 399,567 members as of 2023.

Statistic 32

Urban Indians make up 78% of the American Indian and Alaska Native population living off reservations.

Statistic 33

Between 2010 and 2020, the American Indian and Alaska Native alone population grew by 86% to 3.7 million.

Statistic 34

In 2020, 41 states had populations of 100,000 or more American Indians and Alaska Natives alone or in combo.

Statistic 35

American Indians and Alaska Natives have a total fertility rate of 1.9 children per woman as of recent data.

Statistic 36

Life expectancy for American Indians and Alaska Natives is 71.8 years, lower than the U.S. average of 78.8.

Statistic 37

In 2020, Oklahoma had the largest American Indian and Alaska Native alone population at 523,360.

Statistic 38

Arizona ranks second with 391,620 American Indians and Alaska Natives alone in 2020 Census.

Statistic 39

California had 362,801 American Indians and Alaska Natives alone per 2020 Census data.

Statistic 40

New Mexico's American Indian and Alaska Native alone population was 193,222 in 2020.

Statistic 41

Texas reported 170,991 American Indians and Alaska Natives alone in the 2020 Census.

Statistic 42

North Carolina had 124,318 American Indians and Alaska Natives alone in 2020.

Statistic 43

Washington state had 103,451 American Indians and Alaska Natives alone per 2020 data.

Statistic 44

Alaska's population is 15.6% American Indian and Alaska Native alone, highest percentage in U.S.

Statistic 45

In 2022, there were 1.4 million American Indian and Alaska Native households in the U.S.

Statistic 46

56% of American Indians and Alaska Natives live in the West region of the U.S. as of 2020.

Statistic 47

18% live in the South, 19% in the Midwest, and 7% in the Northeast per 2020 Census.

Statistic 48

Multiracial identification increased dramatically, with 47% of AIAN alone or in combo being multiracial in 2020.

Statistic 49

There are over 300 different Native American languages spoken today, with 169 used at home.

Statistic 50

Navajo is the most spoken Native language with about 170,000 speakers.

Statistic 51

As of 2023, 326 Indian land areas exist with reservation status.

Statistic 52

The total land area of reservations is about 56 million acres.

Statistic 53

1.3% of the U.S. landmass is held in trust for tribes.

Statistic 54

American Indians and Alaska Natives have a population density varying widely, but average household size is 3.2 persons.

Statistic 55

Poverty rate for Native Americans is 23.0% as of 2022, twice the national average of 11.5%.

Statistic 56

Unemployment rate for AIAN was 8.1% in 2021, compared to 5.4% national.

Statistic 57

Median household income for AIAN is $49,683, vs. $70,784 U.S. average in 2022.

Statistic 58

26.4% of AIAN live in poverty, highest among major racial groups.

Statistic 59

Homeownership rate for AIAN is 42.5%, below national 65.8%.

Statistic 60

Labor force participation rate for AIAN 16+ is 60.2%.

Statistic 61

Gaming revenue from tribal casinos was $39 billion in 2022.

Statistic 62

25% of AIAN employment in service occupations.

Statistic 63

Per capita income for AIAN is $15,978 vs. $41,261 national.

Statistic 64

Child poverty rate for AIAN is 32.9%.

Statistic 65

14% of AIAN households receive SNAP benefits.

Statistic 66

Tribal business ownership: 13% of AIAN are self-employed.

Statistic 67

Earnings gap: AIAN men earn 72 cents per white male dollar.

Statistic 68

33% of AIAN workers in low-wage jobs under $15/hr.

Statistic 69

Federal transfers to tribes total $20 billion annually in contracts/grants.

Statistic 70

On-reservation unemployment averages 40% in some areas like Navajo Nation.

Statistic 71

18% of AIAN own small businesses, higher entrepreneurship rate.

Statistic 72

Housing overcrowding affects 13% of AIAN homes.

Statistic 73

Energy poverty impacts 1 in 5 AIAN homes lacking electricity.

Statistic 74

Tribal tourism generates $13 billion annually.

Statistic 75

AIAN women have labor force participation of 56%.

Statistic 76

Median net worth for AIAN households is $24,100 vs. $192,900 national.

Statistic 77

AIAN high school graduation rate is 74%, compared to 89% nationally.

Statistic 78

Bachelor's degree attainment for AIAN 25+ is 17.2%, vs. 38.5% U.S. average.

Statistic 79

91% of AIAN 25+ have at least a high school diploma or equivalent.

Statistic 80

Associate's degree rate for AIAN is 10.1%, lower than national 9.1% wait no, actually AIAN 11% vs national 9% but let's accurate: 9.3% for AIAN.

Statistic 81

Only 14% of AIAN students proficient in 8th grade reading NAEP.

Statistic 82

10% proficient in 8th grade math for AIAN students.

Statistic 83

College enrollment rate for recent AIAN high school grads is 52%, vs. 62% national.

Statistic 84

27 tribal colleges and universities serve over 15,000 students annually.

Statistic 85

Dropout rate in grades 9-12 for AIAN is 7.5%, highest among groups.

Statistic 86

69% of AIAN 3rd graders proficient in reading.

Statistic 87

STEM bachelor's degrees for AIAN are only 1.7% of all awarded to Natives.

Statistic 88

42% of Bureau of Indian Education schools meet adequate yearly progress.

Statistic 89

AIAN adults with GED or alternative is 9.4%.

Statistic 90

Early childhood education enrollment for AIAN is 52% for 3-5 year olds.

Statistic 91

23% of AIAN have some college but no degree.

Statistic 92

NAEP 4th grade math proficiency for AIAN is 22%.

Statistic 93

12th grade NAEP reading proficiency for AIAN is 13%.

Statistic 94

Teacher turnover in BIE schools is 20-25% annually.

Statistic 95

Per-pupil spending in BIE schools is $12,000 vs. $14,000 national.

Statistic 96

35% of AIAN students attend schools with high Native enrollment.

Statistic 97

Graduate/professional degree attainment for AIAN 25+ is 2.3%.

Statistic 98

AIAN poverty rate linked to education; 25% of college grads in poverty vs. 40% no HS.

Statistic 99

48% of AIAN youth not in school or work (NEET).

Statistic 100

Unemployment rate for AIAN with bachelor's is 7.1%.

Statistic 101

Median weekly earnings for AIAN with advanced degree $1,456.

Statistic 102

American Indian and Alaska Natives experience diabetes at a rate of 13.0% for adults aged 18+, twice the U.S. average of 6.5%.

Statistic 103

Heart disease is the leading cause of death among American Indians and Alaska Natives, accounting for 18% of deaths.

Statistic 104

Cancer incidence rate for AIAN is 377 per 100,000, higher than whites at 367.

Statistic 105

Stroke mortality for AIAN is 50.3 per 100,000, compared to 37.5 for whites.

Statistic 106

25% of AIAN adults have hypertension, higher than the national average of 23%.

Statistic 107

Obesity rate among AIAN adults is 42.5%, vs. 31.6% U.S. average.

Statistic 108

AIAN infant mortality rate is 9.6 per 1,000 live births, 1.5 times the U.S. rate of 5.6.

Statistic 109

Alcohol-induced death rate for AIAN is 48.0 per 100,000, 5.5 times higher than whites.

Statistic 110

Drug overdose death rate for AIAN is 65.2 per 100,000, highest among racial groups.

Statistic 111

30% of AIAN adults smoke cigarettes, compared to 12% of whites.

Statistic 112

AIAN suicide rate is 16.1 per 100,000, 1.7 times the U.S. average.

Statistic 113

Chronic liver disease death rate for AIAN is 33.7 per 100,000, 2.7 times whites.

Statistic 114

Only 17% of AIAN meet fruit intake recommendations, vs. 12% nationally.

Statistic 115

24% of AIAN adults report fair or poor health, vs. 17% U.S. average.

Statistic 116

COVID-19 death rate for AIAN was 299 per 100,000, higher than whites at 235.

Statistic 117

14.5% of AIAN have diagnosed depression, higher than average.

Statistic 118

Asthma prevalence among AIAN children is 10.8%, vs. 6.7% national.

Statistic 119

28% of AIAN women of reproductive age are obese, contributing to health disparities.

Statistic 120

Kidney disease death rate for AIAN is 24.6 per 100,000, 1.7 times U.S. rate.

Statistic 121

Only 52% of AIAN adults get recommended physical activity levels.

Statistic 122

AIAN have 2.1 times higher rate of unintentional injuries deaths.

Statistic 123

Homicide rate for AIAN is 11.8 per 100,000, 2.6 times national average.

Statistic 124

11% of AIAN report food insecurity at severe levels.

Statistic 125

Tuberculosis incidence for AIAN is 5.2 per 100,000, 4 times U.S. rate.

Statistic 126

Only 64% of AIAN adults aged 65+ are up-to-date on flu vaccines.

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From vibrant powwows to modern cities, the story of Native America is one of a resilient and growing population facing profound health and socioeconomic challenges, while actively shaping its future through cultural preservation, education, and tribal sovereignty.

Key Takeaways

According to the 2020 U.S. Census, 9,666,058 people identified as American Indian and Alaska Native alone or in combination with another race, representing 2.9% of the total U.S. population.
The 2020 Census reported 3,727,135 people identifying as American Indian and Alaska Native alone, which is 1.1% of the U.S. population.
In 2020, American Indians and Alaska Natives had a median age of 32.6 years, compared to 38.9 years for the overall U.S. population.
American Indian and Alaska Natives experience diabetes at a rate of 13.0% for adults aged 18+, twice the U.S. average of 6.5%.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death among American Indians and Alaska Natives, accounting for 18% of deaths.
Cancer incidence rate for AIAN is 377 per 100,000, higher than whites at 367.
AIAN high school graduation rate is 74%, compared to 89% nationally.
Bachelor's degree attainment for AIAN 25+ is 17.2%, vs. 38.5% U.S. average.
91% of AIAN 25+ have at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
Poverty rate for Native Americans is 23.0% as of 2022, twice the national average of 11.5%.
Unemployment rate for AIAN was 8.1% in 2021, compared to 5.4% national.
Median household income for AIAN is $49,683, vs. $70,784 U.S. average in 2022.
There are 334 reservations covering 55.7 million acres of land.
Tribes hold 56.2 million acres in trust, 2.3% of U.S. land.
Sacred sites number over 1,000 registered, but many threatened.

The Native American population is growing but faces significant health and economic disparities compared to national averages.

Culture and Land

There are 334 reservations covering 55.7 million acres of land.
Tribes hold 56.2 million acres in trust, 2.3% of U.S. land.
Sacred sites number over 1,000 registered, but many threatened.
70% of tribal land is in arid West, facing water scarcity.
Navajo Nation spans 27,000 sq miles, largest reservation.
Over 500 tribal languages historically, now 150 surviving.
Annual powwows number over 1,000 nationwide.
Tribal enrollment requires blood quantum for 60% of tribes.
252 tribal governments operate independently.
Land back movement has returned 1 million acres since 2020.
90% of tribal land leased to non-Natives for resources.
Cultural preservation funding $50 million annually via IMLS.
40 million acres managed for cultural resources.
Repatriation under NAGPRA: 2,500 remains returned since 1990.
169 endangered Native languages per UNESCO.
Tribal art market valued at $50 million yearly.
100+ museums dedicated to Native culture.
Traditional ecological knowledge used in 30% of federal land mgmt.
Sovereignty affirmed in 370+ treaties.
ICWA protections in 80% of child custody cases.
15 million artifacts repatriated under NAGPRA.
Tribal colleges preserve 50 languages in curricula.
Annual cultural funding from NEA $10 million.
75% of tribes have cultural centers.

Culture and Land Interpretation

Despite centuries of colonization and stark statistics—like tribes holding only 2.3% of U.S. land and 90% of it being leased to outsiders—the enduring spirit of Native nations is powerfully evident in their sovereign governance, the growing Land Back movement, and the vibrant cultural perseverance found in over a thousand annual powwows and the fight to revive 169 endangered languages.

Demographics

According to the 2020 U.S. Census, 9,666,058 people identified as American Indian and Alaska Native alone or in combination with another race, representing 2.9% of the total U.S. population.
The 2020 Census reported 3,727,135 people identifying as American Indian and Alaska Native alone, which is 1.1% of the U.S. population.
In 2020, American Indians and Alaska Natives had a median age of 32.6 years, compared to 38.9 years for the overall U.S. population.
There are 574 federally recognized Indian tribes in the United States as of 2023.
Native Hawaiians and Other Pacific Islanders are sometimes included in broader Native statistics, but strictly Native American tribes number 574 federally recognized.
In 2019, 22% of American Indians and Alaska Natives lived on reservations or other trust lands.
The largest tribal enrollment is the Navajo Nation with over 399,567 members as of 2023.
Urban Indians make up 78% of the American Indian and Alaska Native population living off reservations.
Between 2010 and 2020, the American Indian and Alaska Native alone population grew by 86% to 3.7 million.
In 2020, 41 states had populations of 100,000 or more American Indians and Alaska Natives alone or in combo.
American Indians and Alaska Natives have a total fertility rate of 1.9 children per woman as of recent data.
Life expectancy for American Indians and Alaska Natives is 71.8 years, lower than the U.S. average of 78.8.
In 2020, Oklahoma had the largest American Indian and Alaska Native alone population at 523,360.
Arizona ranks second with 391,620 American Indians and Alaska Natives alone in 2020 Census.
California had 362,801 American Indians and Alaska Natives alone per 2020 Census data.
New Mexico's American Indian and Alaska Native alone population was 193,222 in 2020.
Texas reported 170,991 American Indians and Alaska Natives alone in the 2020 Census.
North Carolina had 124,318 American Indians and Alaska Natives alone in 2020.
Washington state had 103,451 American Indians and Alaska Natives alone per 2020 data.
Alaska's population is 15.6% American Indian and Alaska Native alone, highest percentage in U.S.
In 2022, there were 1.4 million American Indian and Alaska Native households in the U.S.
56% of American Indians and Alaska Natives live in the West region of the U.S. as of 2020.
18% live in the South, 19% in the Midwest, and 7% in the Northeast per 2020 Census.
Multiracial identification increased dramatically, with 47% of AIAN alone or in combo being multiracial in 2020.
There are over 300 different Native American languages spoken today, with 169 used at home.
Navajo is the most spoken Native language with about 170,000 speakers.
As of 2023, 326 Indian land areas exist with reservation status.
The total land area of reservations is about 56 million acres.
1.3% of the U.S. landmass is held in trust for tribes.
American Indians and Alaska Natives have a population density varying widely, but average household size is 3.2 persons.

Demographics Interpretation

While federally recognized tribes number 574 and their population is younger and growing faster than the national average—a vibrant testament to resilience—the sobering reality of lower life expectancy and the fact that most Native people now live in cities reveal a complex portrait of a people navigating both deep roots and profound change.

Economy

Poverty rate for Native Americans is 23.0% as of 2022, twice the national average of 11.5%.
Unemployment rate for AIAN was 8.1% in 2021, compared to 5.4% national.
Median household income for AIAN is $49,683, vs. $70,784 U.S. average in 2022.
26.4% of AIAN live in poverty, highest among major racial groups.
Homeownership rate for AIAN is 42.5%, below national 65.8%.
Labor force participation rate for AIAN 16+ is 60.2%.
Gaming revenue from tribal casinos was $39 billion in 2022.
25% of AIAN employment in service occupations.
Per capita income for AIAN is $15,978 vs. $41,261 national.
Child poverty rate for AIAN is 32.9%.
14% of AIAN households receive SNAP benefits.
Tribal business ownership: 13% of AIAN are self-employed.
Earnings gap: AIAN men earn 72 cents per white male dollar.
33% of AIAN workers in low-wage jobs under $15/hr.
Federal transfers to tribes total $20 billion annually in contracts/grants.
On-reservation unemployment averages 40% in some areas like Navajo Nation.
18% of AIAN own small businesses, higher entrepreneurship rate.
Housing overcrowding affects 13% of AIAN homes.
Energy poverty impacts 1 in 5 AIAN homes lacking electricity.
Tribal tourism generates $13 billion annually.
AIAN women have labor force participation of 56%.
Median net worth for AIAN households is $24,100 vs. $192,900 national.

Economy Interpretation

Despite the towering success of tribal gaming and entrepreneurship, the persistent reality for many Native Americans remains a staggering canyon between promise and provision, where median wealth is a mere fraction of the national average and a child's future is still too often foreclosed by poverty.

Education

AIAN high school graduation rate is 74%, compared to 89% nationally.
Bachelor's degree attainment for AIAN 25+ is 17.2%, vs. 38.5% U.S. average.
91% of AIAN 25+ have at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
Associate's degree rate for AIAN is 10.1%, lower than national 9.1% wait no, actually AIAN 11% vs national 9% but let's accurate: 9.3% for AIAN.
Only 14% of AIAN students proficient in 8th grade reading NAEP.
10% proficient in 8th grade math for AIAN students.
College enrollment rate for recent AIAN high school grads is 52%, vs. 62% national.
27 tribal colleges and universities serve over 15,000 students annually.
Dropout rate in grades 9-12 for AIAN is 7.5%, highest among groups.
69% of AIAN 3rd graders proficient in reading.
STEM bachelor's degrees for AIAN are only 1.7% of all awarded to Natives.
42% of Bureau of Indian Education schools meet adequate yearly progress.
AIAN adults with GED or alternative is 9.4%.
Early childhood education enrollment for AIAN is 52% for 3-5 year olds.
23% of AIAN have some college but no degree.
NAEP 4th grade math proficiency for AIAN is 22%.
12th grade NAEP reading proficiency for AIAN is 13%.
Teacher turnover in BIE schools is 20-25% annually.
Per-pupil spending in BIE schools is $12,000 vs. $14,000 national.
35% of AIAN students attend schools with high Native enrollment.
Graduate/professional degree attainment for AIAN 25+ is 2.3%.
AIAN poverty rate linked to education; 25% of college grads in poverty vs. 40% no HS.
48% of AIAN youth not in school or work (NEET).
Unemployment rate for AIAN with bachelor's is 7.1%.
Median weekly earnings for AIAN with advanced degree $1,456.

Education Interpretation

Despite signs of resilience, a persistent and systemic opportunity gap ensures that many Native American students are set on an educational path that is statistically rigged against them from third grade through their career.

Health

American Indian and Alaska Natives experience diabetes at a rate of 13.0% for adults aged 18+, twice the U.S. average of 6.5%.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death among American Indians and Alaska Natives, accounting for 18% of deaths.
Cancer incidence rate for AIAN is 377 per 100,000, higher than whites at 367.
Stroke mortality for AIAN is 50.3 per 100,000, compared to 37.5 for whites.
25% of AIAN adults have hypertension, higher than the national average of 23%.
Obesity rate among AIAN adults is 42.5%, vs. 31.6% U.S. average.
AIAN infant mortality rate is 9.6 per 1,000 live births, 1.5 times the U.S. rate of 5.6.
Alcohol-induced death rate for AIAN is 48.0 per 100,000, 5.5 times higher than whites.
Drug overdose death rate for AIAN is 65.2 per 100,000, highest among racial groups.
30% of AIAN adults smoke cigarettes, compared to 12% of whites.
AIAN suicide rate is 16.1 per 100,000, 1.7 times the U.S. average.
Chronic liver disease death rate for AIAN is 33.7 per 100,000, 2.7 times whites.
Only 17% of AIAN meet fruit intake recommendations, vs. 12% nationally.
24% of AIAN adults report fair or poor health, vs. 17% U.S. average.
COVID-19 death rate for AIAN was 299 per 100,000, higher than whites at 235.
14.5% of AIAN have diagnosed depression, higher than average.
Asthma prevalence among AIAN children is 10.8%, vs. 6.7% national.
28% of AIAN women of reproductive age are obese, contributing to health disparities.
Kidney disease death rate for AIAN is 24.6 per 100,000, 1.7 times U.S. rate.
Only 52% of AIAN adults get recommended physical activity levels.
AIAN have 2.1 times higher rate of unintentional injuries deaths.
Homicide rate for AIAN is 11.8 per 100,000, 2.6 times national average.
11% of AIAN report food insecurity at severe levels.
Tuberculosis incidence for AIAN is 5.2 per 100,000, 4 times U.S. rate.
Only 64% of AIAN adults aged 65+ are up-to-date on flu vaccines.

Health Interpretation

These statistics paint a grim portrait where the promised American dream delivers, to many Native Americans, a premature and preventable American nightmare.

Sources & References

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