Native American Population: California Leads, Oklahoma Second
Native American Population: California Leads, Oklahoma Second
No. Oklahoma does not have the largest Native American population. According to the U.S. Census Bureau (2020 Census, alone or in combination):
| Rank |
State |
AI/AN Population |
| 1 |
California |
723,225 |
| 2 |
Oklahoma |
550,163 |
| 3 |
Arizona |
424,199 |
| 4 |
Texas |
315,225 |
| 5 |
New Mexico |
229,393 |
Why Oklahoma Is High
- Indian Territory history (Trail of Tears, 39 tribes relocated).
- Tribal headquarters for Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Muscogee, Seminole, etc.
- High % of state population (~13%) identify as AI/AN.
Why California Is Higher
- Massive overall population (39M).
- Urban Indian relocation programs (1950s–60s).
- Diverse tribes (100+ federally recognized in CA).
Per capita, Oklahoma ranks higher; in absolute numbers, California wins.
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