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Race Equity Trends > Community Profile

Race Equity Trends:
Community Profile

Overview

Lincoln is becoming more racially and ethnically diverse. Over the past decade, the number of people of color has increased by 19,841, or about 43%, while the White-non-Hispanic population has increased 7,393, or about 3%. As Lincoln’s population continues to grow, children are more ethnically and racially diverse than the adult population. The diversity of Lincoln is reflected on city government boards and commissions.

Notes
OMB race and ethnicity standards

There is some variation in reporting of racial and ethnic categories within this website based on availability from the data source. Most of these data are from the U.S. Census Bureau and other federal agencies that are reported in accordance with 1997 U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) standards, and generally reflect a social definition of race based upon self-identification. The Census Bureau reports a minimum of five race categories (American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, Black or African American, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, and White) and two ethnicity categories (Hispanic or Latino and Not Hispanic or Latino). Ethnicity, as specified by OMB, is treated as a separate and distinct concept from race. Respondents may choose more than one race, along with ethnicity. However, for purposes of presentation, race and ethnicity are often reported in a single graphic figure. Further, we have shortened titles of race and ethnic categories, in most cases. When population sizes of racial groups are small, access to specific data about these populations may be excluded and/or unavailable due to privacy concerns for small populations.

Middle Eastern or North African (MENA) Descent

Under the OMB standards, the U.S. Census Bureau currently classifies people with Middle Eastern or North African (MENA) descent as White, while many people of MENA descent may not identify as White. Research by the Census Bureau and recommendations from several groups suggest reforming federal data collection by adding a “Middle Eastern or North African” box, and to remove people with MENA origins from the white category. However, these recommendations have not yet been implemented, which may impact current data.