HELP EXPOSE RACIAL DISPARITIES Stark racial disparities are a defining characteristic of our carceral system, but all too often the necessary data doesn't exist to prove it. The Prison Policy Initiative uncovers data that tells the true story of mass incarceration — so that movements and advocates can make irrefutable cases for reform.

—Peter Wagner, Executive Director
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Graph of racial disparities in U.S. incarceration rates as of the 2010 Census.

Data Source: Calculated by the Prison Policy Initiative from U.S. Census 2010 Summary File 1. For full sourcing details, see the full data set in Excel. (Graph: Wendy Sawyer, 2020)

For 2010 incarceration rates by race/ethnicity in each of the 50 states, see our report, Breaking Down Mass Incarceration in the 2010 Census: State-by-State Incarceration Rates by Race/Ethnicity and the expanded analysis including gender available on our Data toolbox page.

See our other research for the big picture on mass incarceration or see the the graphs and other research we've produced about incarceration in your state.

This page is the most popular one on our website. If you appreciate this information, can you make a donation so we can continue to produce research for a more fair and just society?

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