The black population increased by 1.3 percent, or 522,000, between 2005 and 2006.

New York, with 3.5 million, had the largest black population in 2006, followed by Florida with 3 million and Texas with 2.9 million.

Texas had the largest numerical increase -- 135,000 -- between 2005 and 2006, followed by Georgia with 101,000, and Florida with 86,000.

In the District of Columbia, the black population comprised the highest percentage -- 57 percent. Mississippi, with 37 percent, and Louisiana, with 32 percent, were next.

The black population in 2006 was younger, with a median age of 30.1, compared with the population as a whole at 36.4. About 31 percent of the black population was younger than 18, compared with 25 percent of the total population.

Source: U.S. Census