Income greatly influences where people live, what they eat, how they dress, what they drive, and what schools their children can attend. How much money and income they have is usually determined by their occupation, which is often directly related to their level of education. Racial and ethnic backgrounds can play a big role in all these factors.

Change in Methodology

Historically, U.S. Census questionnaires asked respondents to identify themselves by only one racial group, making no allowances for multiracial individuals. However, beginning with the 2000 census, respondents were able to report more than one race if applicable. In 2002 the Census Bureau began tracking information for ten racial and ethnic groups: White alone; White alone or in combination; White alone, not Hispanic; Hispanic origin (of any race); African-American alone or in combination; African-American alone; Asian alone or in combination; Asian...