The data on race were derived from answers to the question on race that was asked of all people. The U.S. Census Bureau collects race data in accordance with guidelines provided by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and these data are based on self-identification. The racial categories included in the census questionnaire generally reflect a social definition of race recognized in this country, and not an attempt to define race biologically, anthropologically, or genetically. In addition, it is recognized that the categories of the race item include racial and national origin or socio-cultural groups.
For more information on Race, see the 2010 Census Summary File 1--Technical Documentation and the 2010 Census Brief, Overview of Race and Hispanic Origin: 2010.
Definitions from OMB guide the Census Bureau in classifying written responses to the race question:
Race Concepts
Given the many possible ways of displaying data on race, data products will provide varying levels of detail. There are several concepts used to display and tabulate race information for the six major race categories (White; Black or African American; American Indian or Alaska Native; Asian; Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander; and Some Other Race) and the various details within these groups.
Related terms: Ethnic groups, White, Black or African American, American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander,, Race alone, Race in combination, Race alone or in combination, Race alone or in any combination
Related help topics: Search Using Race and Ethnic Groups, Search Using Topics