Report: Black Buying Power to Top $2.1 Trillion in 2026

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, February 25, 2026 | 12:40pm CT

Katz Radio Group

Black Americans now account for 49.2 million people, or 14.4% of the U.S. population, and their economic influence continues to grow, according to a new analysis from the Katz Radio Insights & Analytics team.

The report, The Importance of the Black American Consumer 2026, highlights that the Black population has increased 24% since 2005 and is projected to grow another 35.7% by 2060, even as the non-ethnic White population declines. The median age of Black Americans is 33.7, younger than the total U.S. median of 39.2, underscoring the group's long-term consumer potential.

Buying power among Black consumers has surged 71% from 2010 to 2021 and is projected to reach $2.10 trillion by 2026. The study also finds strong financial momentum, with 24% reporting they are financially better off than a year ago and 46% expecting further improvement in the year ahead.

Socioeconomic gains are evident across multiple categories. The number of Black Americans 18+ with a net worth of $500,000 or more rose 70% over the past five years, outpacing total U.S. growth. Black-owned businesses increased 61.3% between 2018 and 2023, while higher-income households and high-value homeownership segments posted substantial gains.

The report details strong consumer engagement across travel, automotive, fashion, sports and technology categories, as well as high intent for major life events such as returning to school, leasing vehicles and purchasing homes. It also notes that 72% of general market consumers say they follow trends first seen in Black culture.

From a media standpoint, Black Americans are described as avid consumers, spending more than 81 hours per week with media -- 17% more than the general population. AM/FM radio plays a central role, reaching 86% of Black adults weekly and averaging more than nine hours of listening per week. Within the audio universe, radio leads in ad-supported reach across key demographics.

Trust is also a differentiator. The Katz Media Trust study cited in the analysis finds radio earns the highest trust among Black adults at 81.6%, while nearly 40% express mistrust in social media platforms. Additionally, 78% say radio is part of their daily routine and 83% believe their station cares about their community.

Katz concludes that marketers who invest in culturally relevant, community-focused advertising -- particularly through radio -- are positioned to build brand loyalty and capture share within one of the fastest-growing and most influential consumer segments in the country.

Download the entire report here.