How Many People in the United States Speak English? Latest Statistics
Quick Answer: Approximately 78.3% of Americans (about 258 million people) aged 5 and older speak only English at home. Another 21.7% (nearly 68 million) speak a language other than English at home, though many of them also speak English fluently. Spanish is the most common non-English language, spoken by 61% of non-English speakers.
The United States is a tapestry of linguistic diversity, reflecting its rich history of immigration and cultural amalgamation. While English is the predominant language, the nation is home to speakers of over 350 languages. This multilingual landscape underscores the importance of understanding language use and proficiency across the country.
What Is the Official Language of the United States?
On March 1, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order designating English as the official language of the United States — the first time in nearly 250 years that the country adopted a federally recognized national language. Previously, English was the de facto language without official designation.
English has long been the dominant language in U.S. government and public institutions. It is the language in which laws are written, court proceedings are conducted, and official documents are published. English proficiency is also a requirement for naturalization, as applicants must demonstrate the ability to read, write, and speak basic English.
What Percentage of Americans Speak English?
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2018–2022 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. The percentage of English-only speakers decreased slightly from 78.7% in the 2013-2017 period.
Most Common Non-English Languages Spoken at Home
| Language | Number of Speakers (millions) | Percentage of Non-English Speakers |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | 42.03 | 61.1% |
| Chinese (all dialects) | 3.40 | 5.1% |
| Tagalog (including Filipino) | 1.71 | 2.5% |
| Vietnamese | 1.52 | — |
| Arabic | 1.39 | — |
English Proficiency Levels Among Non-Native Speakers
Approximately 8.4% of the U.S. population aged 5 and older, or about 25 million people, are classified as having Limited English Proficiency (LEP) — meaning they speak English less than “very well.”
English Speakers by State and Region
States with large immigrant populations tend to have higher percentages of residents who speak languages other than English at home. California, Texas, and New York have significant linguistic diversity. States like West Virginia, Montana, and Maine typically have higher percentages of English-only speakers.
Are Fewer Americans Speaking English Over Time?
The number of people who speak a language other than English at home has nearly tripled — from 23.1 million (about 1 in 10) in 1980 to 67.8 million (almost 1 in 5) in 2019. However, the number of English-only speakers has also grown in absolute terms. English remains widely spoken despite increasing linguistic diversity.
First-generation immigrants often maintain their native languages at home, while subsequent generations tend to adopt English as their primary language. This generational shift contributes to the dynamic linguistic landscape of the nation.
Native American and Heritage Languages
Approximately 2.7 million U.S. residents identified as American Indian and Alaska Native alone, and 6.3 million identified as American Indian and Alaska Native alone or in combination with one or more other races (2017-2021). Efforts are ongoing to revitalize and preserve Native American languages through educational programs and community initiatives.
Is English Still the Dominant Language in the U.S.?
| Sector | Key Statistics |
|---|---|
| Media | 49.4% of web content is in English; 66% of top 250 YouTube channels produce content in English |
| Education | 90% of K-12 students receive instruction primarily in English |
| Business | 98.5% of employers assess English proficiency during hiring |
English remains the dominant language in the United States, with 78.3% speaking only English at home. While linguistic diversity is growing (21.7% speak another language at home), English proficiency is high among most groups. The 2025 executive order making English the official language reflects its central role in American society, though the nation continues to embrace multilingualism.
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Belekar Sir is the founder and lead instructor at Belekar Sir’s Academy, a trusted name in English language education. With over a decade of teaching experience, he has helped thousands of students—from beginners to advanced learners—develop fluency, confidence, and real-world communication skills. Known for his practical teaching style and deep understanding of learner needs, Belekar Sir is passionate about making English accessible and empowering for everyone. When he’s not teaching, he’s creating resources and guides to support learners on their journey to mastering spoken English.