American Samoa People 2025 | Population Stats & Facts

American Samoa People in 2025

American Samoa stands as one of the most unique unincorporated territories under United States jurisdiction, positioned in the heart of the South Pacific Ocean. The territory encompasses a total land area of approximately 76 square miles (200 square kilometers), spread across several volcanic islands and coral atolls. As we examine the demographic landscape of American Samoa people in 2025, it becomes evident that this small island territory faces significant population dynamics that distinguish it from both mainland United States and other Pacific territories. The population trends reveal a fascinating story of migration, cultural preservation, and demographic shifts that have profound implications for the territory’s future.

The American Samoa population 2025 projections, based on United Nations data and the most recent 2020 U.S. Census Bureau count, indicate an estimated 46,029 people residing in the territory as of mid-year 2025. This represents a continued decline from the verified 49,710 residents counted during the 2020 Island Areas Census. The territory has experienced consistent population decrease over the past decade, primarily driven by outmigration to mainland United States, Hawaii, and other Pacific regions seeking enhanced educational and employment opportunities. This demographic pattern underscores the challenges faced by small island territories in retaining their populations amid globalization and economic pressures.

Interesting Stats & Facts About American Samoa People 2025

Data Sources: U.S. Census Bureau 2020 Island Areas Census; United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division – World Population Prospects: The 2024 Revision

The data presented reveals remarkable characteristics about American Samoa people. The territory experienced a substantial 10.5% population decline between the 2010 and 2020 censuses, losing 5,809 residents during this decade. This downward trajectory represents one of the most significant demographic shifts among all U.S. territories and states. The median age of 27.7 years recorded in 2020 positions American Samoa as having a relatively young population compared to the mainland United States, where the median age exceeds 38 years. However, projections for 2025 suggest the median age has risen to approximately 29 years, indicating gradual population aging despite the youthful demographic base.

The ethnic composition demonstrates the strong indigenous character of the territory, with 88.7% identifying as Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone. The overwhelming predominance of the Samoan language, spoken in 90.9% of households, highlights the remarkable preservation of indigenous culture and linguistic heritage despite over a century of American administration. The gender distribution remains nearly balanced, with males comprising 50.8% and females 49.2% of the population. Perhaps most intriguing is the classification that 100% of American Samoa’s population lives in urban areas according to UN standards, though the territory maintains strong village-based social structures and traditional communal living patterns that differ markedly from typical urban environments in the continental United States.

American Samoa Population Demographics 2025

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2020 Island Areas Census; UN Population Division 2025 Projections

The demographic structure of American Samoa people in 2025 reflects both continuity and change compared to the 2020 baseline. The projected total population of 46,029 represents a continued decline of approximately 7.4% from the census count, maintaining the trajectory established in the previous decade. The gender distribution remains remarkably stable, with males and females maintaining nearly equal representation at 50.8% and 49.2% respectively. This balance differs from many Pacific territories where gender imbalances can occur due to selective migration patterns.

The age structure reveals a predominantly young population, with 36.7% under age 18, though this proportion is gradually declining as birth rates moderate and outmigration affects younger families disproportionately. The working-age population between 18 and 64 years constitutes the majority at 57.0%, providing a substantial labor force base, though unemployment and underemployment remain persistent challenges. The relatively small proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 6.3% indicates that American Samoa has not yet entered the demographic aging phase characteristic of developed nations. The median age increase from 27.7 to 29 years between 2020 and 2025 suggests gradual maturation of the population structure, though it remains significantly younger than the U.S. national median of over 38 years. The population density decrease from 248 to 230 persons per square kilometer directly correlates with the ongoing population decline while the territory’s land area remains constant.

American Samoa Racial and Ethnic Composition 2025

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2020 Island Areas Census

The racial and ethnic composition of American Samoa demonstrates the territory’s overwhelmingly indigenous Pacific Islander character. The Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander population comprises 88.7% of all residents, with ethnic Samoans representing the vast majority within this category. When counting individuals who identify as Samoan alone or in combination with other ethnicities, the proportion rises to 89.4%, encompassing 44,461 people. This remarkably high concentration of indigenous population distinguishes American Samoa from other U.S. territories and states, where indigenous peoples typically constitute much smaller minorities.

The Asian population stands at 5.8%, with Filipinos representing the largest Asian subgroup at 3.4%. The Filipino presence in American Samoa traces back to labor migration patterns and intermarriage with Samoan families over several generations. The multiracial population accounts for 4.4%, with a notably young median age of 21.8 years, suggesting increasing ethnic intermarriage and the emergence of mixed-heritage identities. The White population comprises only 1.1%, primarily consisting of government employees, educators, and business professionals from the mainland United States. The minimal presence of Black or African American (less than 0.1%) and American Indian and Alaska Native populations (less than 0.1%) reflects the territory’s geographic isolation and specific migration patterns. The median age of 26.5 years for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander alone population is younger than the overall territorial median, while the Asian alone population shows an older median age of 38.4 years, indicating different demographic profiles and migration histories among ethnic groups.

American Samoa Language and Cultural Characteristics 2025

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2020 Island Areas Census

The linguistic landscape of American Samoa people reveals extraordinary preservation of indigenous language despite over 120 years under American administration. An overwhelming 96.7% of the household population aged 5 and over speaks a language other than English at home, with Samoan accounting for 90.9% of all non-English speakers. This represents one of the highest rates of indigenous language maintenance in any U.S. jurisdiction. The Samoan language belongs to the Polynesian language family and serves as both the language of daily communication and the medium for preserving traditional knowledge, customs, and social structures.

The English proficiency data shows that while 45.4% of non-English speakers report speaking English “very well”, more than half (54.6%) speak English less than “very well,” indicating potential barriers to accessing services, education, and economic opportunities that require strong English skills. The linguistic divide becomes more pronounced among the elderly, where 95.8% speak a language other than English and 55.3% speak English less than “very well”. The bilingual population at 80% demonstrates that most American Samoans navigate between two linguistic worlds, switching between Samoan for family and community interactions and English for formal education, government business, and interaction with mainland institutions. This bilingualism constitutes a valuable cultural asset but also presents challenges for educational systems and public services that must effectively serve populations with varying English proficiency levels. The persistence of Samoan language reflects the strong influence of fa’a Samoa (the Samoan way of life) and the matai system of traditional leadership, which continue to shape daily life and cultural identity in 2025.

American Samoa Education Statistics 2025

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2020 Island Areas Census

The educational profile of American Samoa people demonstrates both achievements and ongoing challenges in human capital development. The school enrollment rate of 36.4% among the household population aged 3 and over reflects strong participation in formal education, with the vast majority (84.6%) of enrolled students attending K-12 institutions. The relatively modest preschool enrollment at 5.3% suggests opportunities to expand early childhood education programs, which research consistently links to improved long-term educational outcomes.

The educational attainment statistics show that 88.7% of adults aged 25 and older have completed high school or attained higher education, a rate that approaches U.S. national averages and represents substantial progress compared to earlier generations. However, the bachelor’s degree attainment rate of only 13.3% falls significantly below the U.S. national average of approximately 33%, highlighting the territory’s challenges in higher education access and completion. The fact that Education is the most common bachelor’s degree field reflects the critical importance of teaching professions in small island communities and the territory’s investment in producing homegrown educators who understand local culture and language.

The college enrollment of 10.0% of all students indicates that approximately 1,766 individuals pursue postsecondary education, many attending the American Samoa Community College, while others migrate to institutions in Hawaii, the mainland United States, or other Pacific nations. The relatively low postsecondary participation rates stem from multiple factors including limited local higher education options beyond the community college level, financial constraints, and the opportunity costs of extended education in a territory with limited high-skilled employment opportunities. Educational migration represents a double-edged sword: while it provides opportunities for American Samoan youth, many degree holders choose to remain on the mainland after graduation, contributing to the territory’s brain drain and population decline.

American Samoa Employment and Labor Force 2025

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2020 Island Areas Census; American Samoa Government Employment Reports

The employment landscape of American Samoa people reveals a labor market heavily dependent on government employment and tuna processing, with limited economic diversification. The working-age population between 15 and 64 years comprises 66% of the total, representing 33,615 potential workers. However, the actual employment rate of only 42% (based on 2015 data) indicates substantial underutilization of the available workforce, with unemployment, underemployment, and individuals outside the labor force representing significant concerns.

The industrial composition shows that manufacturing employs 18.1% of workers, primarily in the tuna processing facilities that have historically anchored the territory’s private sector economy. However, this sector has faced challenges from international competition and changing trade policies. Public administration at 17.8% and education at 17.0% collectively employ over one-third of all workers, reflecting the American Samoa Government’s role as the territory’s largest employer at approximately 45% of all jobs. This heavy dependence on government employment creates economic vulnerability to federal funding fluctuations and limits private sector dynamism.

The retail trade sector at 8.0% serves the local market but faces limitations due to the small population base and heavy reliance on imported goods. The health and social services sector at 7.0% addresses healthcare needs but struggles with provider shortages and limited specialized services. The construction industry at 6.1% experiences cyclical demand tied to federal infrastructure projects and private development. A striking statistic is that 61.4% of workers aged 16 and over were born outside American Samoa, primarily in independent Samoa, indicating significant labor migration to fill positions across various sectors. The private sector employs approximately 50% of workers, though many private sector jobs offer lower wages and fewer benefits compared to government positions, contributing to competition for public sector employment and creating challenges for private businesses in attracting qualified workers.

American Samoa Income and Poverty Statistics 2025

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2020 Island Areas Census (Income data from 2019 calendar year)

The income and poverty statistics for American Samoa people reveal stark economic challenges that distinguish the territory from all other U.S. jurisdictions. The median household income of $28,352 (measured for calendar year 2019) stands dramatically below the U.S. national median of approximately $70,000, representing less than half of the mainland average. This income disparity reflects the territory’s limited economic opportunities, lower wage scales, and high cost of living for imported goods.

Income varies significantly by ethnicity and place of origin. Households headed by Filipinos show the highest median income at $32,024, while Tongan householders report the lowest at $14,345, and Samoan householders fall in between at $27,680. These disparities likely reflect different occupational distributions, with Filipino households more likely to include government professionals and healthcare workers. Interestingly, households headed by persons born in American Samoa have higher median incomes ($37,490) compared to those born elsewhere, suggesting that native-born residents may have advantages in accessing better-paying government positions and navigating local economic networks. Households headed by seniors aged 65 and older show the highest median income at $38,293, likely reflecting accumulated assets, pension income, and Social Security benefits that provide more stable income streams than available to working-age families.

The poverty statistics present perhaps the most concerning aspect of American Samoa’s economic reality. An astounding 54.6% of all people in households live below the poverty line, the highest poverty rate of any U.S. state or territory. The Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander population faces an even higher poverty rate of 56.0%, while the family poverty rate of 50.7% indicates that over half of all families struggle to meet basic needs. These figures use federal poverty thresholds that some argue may not fully account for the territory’s unique cost structure, where imported goods command premium prices but traditional subsistence activities and extended family support systems provide assistance not captured in cash income measures. The fact that 33.1% of households receive benefits from the Nutrition Assistance Plan (NAP), American Samoa’s equivalent to food stamps, underscores the critical role of federal assistance programs in sustaining the population. The persistent high poverty rates contribute to outmigration as families seek better economic opportunities, further depleting the territory’s population and tax base in a challenging cycle.

American Samoa Housing and Household Statistics 2025

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2020 Island Areas Census

The household and housing characteristics of American Samoa reflect strong traditional family structures and communal living patterns characteristic of Samoan culture. The territory counted 9,349 total households in 2020, with family households comprising an overwhelming 93.1% of all households. This proportion substantially exceeds the U.S. national average where family households represent approximately 65% of all households, demonstrating the centrality of family to Samoan social organization.

Married-couple families account for 70.6% of all households, indicating high rates of traditional family formation despite economic challenges. Female-headed households without a spouse or partner represent 15.0%, a significant proportion that often correlates with economic vulnerability. The relatively low percentage of single-person households at only 9.7% contrasts sharply with the U.S. national rate approaching 30%, reflecting cultural norms that emphasize extended family living arrangements rather than individual residential independence. The extraordinarily high proportion of households with children under 18 at 81.3% underscores the young population structure and the cultural importance placed on children and intergenerational living.

The homeownership rate of 71.1% substantially exceeds the U.S. national rate of approximately 65%, though this figure requires context. Many homes in American Samoa sit on communally-owned land under the traditional matai (chief) system rather than individual fee-simple ownership, meaning legal arrangements differ from typical U.S. property ownership. The rental housing sector at 28.9% serves a smaller segment, often including government housing for public employees and housing for migrant workers. Housing quality indicators show that homes average 5.4 rooms and 3.4 bedrooms, accommodating the large household sizes common in Samoan families, where multiple generations and extended family members frequently share living spaces. The occupancy rate of 83.3% indicates a moderate vacancy rate of 16.7%, reflecting abandoned homes from families who have migrated, properties awaiting renovation, or second homes used by diaspora families visiting the territory.

American Samoa Technology Access 2025

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2020 Island Areas Census; 2015 Household Income and Expenditures Survey

The technology access statistics for American Samoa households reveal significant digital connectivity improvements alongside persistent access gaps. An impressive 92.0% of households possess at least one type of computer, whether desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone, indicating widespread adoption of computing devices. However, the broadband internet subscription rate of 69.0% lags behind the computer ownership rate, suggesting that nearly one-quarter of households with computers lack reliable high-speed internet access. This “last mile” connectivity gap affects the territory’s ability to fully participate in the digital economy, access online education resources, and utilize telehealth services.

The digital divide particularly impacts children, with 71.7% of school-age children (ages 5-17) having access to both a computer and broadband internet subscription. While this represents a majority, the remaining 28.3% of children lacking full digital access face significant disadvantages in educational achievement, especially highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic when remote learning became necessary. The strong correlation between technology access and household income is striking: households with computer and internet access report median incomes of $37,572, more than double the $15,443 median income of households without computers. This pattern suggests that digital access both enables and reflects economic success, creating cycles of advantage and disadvantage.

Household appliance ownership data from 2015 provides additional context on technology penetration and living standards. While 92.2% of households own refrigerators and 86.3% have televisions, indicating broad access to basic household technologies, other appliances show lower penetration rates. Only 58.3% possess microwaves and 33.5% own computers (by 2015 measures, substantially lower than the 2020 figure), suggesting economic constraints limit household technology investments. The fact that only 60% of households own vehicles reflects both economic limitations and the territory’s small geographic size, where many daily needs can be met within village communities. The technology landscape continues evolving as smartphone adoption increases, potentially providing alternative pathways to digital connectivity for households unable to afford traditional computers and wired internet services, though bandwidth and data limitations may constrain the functionality of mobile-only internet access.

American Samoa Migration and Mobility 2025

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2020 Island Areas Census; UN Population Division 2025; CIA World Factbook

The migration and mobility patterns of American Samoa people represent the most critical demographic trend shaping the territory’s future. The 10.5% population decrease between 2010 and 2020 represents one of the most significant population declines of any U.S. jurisdiction during that period, with the territory losing 5,809 residents. Projections suggest the decline continues, with an estimated additional 3,681 residents (7.4%) leaving or passing away between 2020 and 2025, bringing the projected population to 46,029. The annual population growth rate of -0.88% in 2025 confirms this ongoing negative trajectory.

Outmigration to the United States mainland constitutes the primary driver of population loss. American Samoans, though not automatically U.S. citizens at birth, hold status as U.S. nationals, granting them the right to freely travel to and work in the United States without immigration restrictions. Many families migrate seeking better employment opportunities, higher wages, superior educational facilities, and advanced healthcare services unavailable in the territory. Popular destination cities include Honolulu, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Salt Lake City, where established Samoan diaspora communities provide social networks and cultural connections for new arrivals. The citizenship status creates a unique situation: while approximately 65% are U.S. nationals and at least 10% hold full U.S. citizenship, American Samoans must undergo naturalization to obtain citizenship rights such as voting in federal elections and serving on federal juries, though they can serve in the U.S. military and have done so at higher per-capita rates than any state.

Conversely, American Samoa also experiences significant immigration, particularly from independent Samoa. Over 40% of the population was born outside American Samoa, with 81% of foreign-born residents originating from Samoa, where lower living standards and fewer economic opportunities drive migration to the U.S. territory. An additional 9% of foreign-born residents come from other Oceania nations (primarily Tonga and Fiji) and 9% from Asian countries (particularly the Philippines). This immigration partially offsets outmigration but does not fully compensate for population losses. The high residential mobility is evident in the fact that 39% of the population aged 5 and over moved between 2015 and 2020, with 39% of movers citing “other” reasons beyond employment, housing, or family, suggesting complex motivations including education, returning to or leaving the territory, and cultural factors. This constant population churn creates challenges for community stability, workforce continuity, and long-term planning while also maintaining vital connections between the territory and the global Samoan diaspora estimated at over 200,000 people worldwide.

American Samoa Health and Vital Statistics 2025

Data Source: UN Population Division 2025 Projections; CIA World Factbook; American Samoa Department of Health Reports

The health and vital statistics for American Samoa people in 2025 paint a picture of improving but challenged public health conditions. The birth rate of 17.4 births per 1,000 population represents a moderate fertility level that has declined substantially from rates exceeding 30 per 1,000 in earlier decades. Combined with the fertility rate of 2.2 children per woman, just above the replacement level of 2.1, these figures indicate that natural population growth has slowed dramatically. The death rate of 6.3 per 1,000 population remains relatively low compared to developed nations, reflecting the young population age structure where relatively few residents have reached advanced ages where mortality risks increase substantially.

Life expectancy in American Samoa stands at approximately 75.0 years, below the U.S. national average of nearly 79 years but respectable for a Pacific island territory. The gender gap in life expectancy shows females living an average of 77.8 years compared to 72.5 years for males, a 5.3-year difference consistent with global patterns where women typically outlive men. The infant mortality rate of 10.2 deaths per 1,000 live births exceeds the U.S. rate of approximately 5.4 per 1,000, indicating challenges in prenatal care, delivery services, and neonatal healthcare access. Limited specialized medical facilities and the need for medical evacuation to Hawaii for complicated pregnancies contribute to this elevated infant mortality.

The most alarming health statistics concern non-communicable chronic diseases. American Samoa faces one of the world’s highest obesity rates at over 70% of adults, driven by dietary shifts from traditional foods to imported processed products high in fats and sugars, reduced physical activity as lifestyles modernize, and genetic predispositions among Pacific Islander populations. The diabetes prevalence of approximately 25% represents a public health crisis, with one in four adults managing this chronic condition requiring ongoing medical management, medication, and lifestyle modifications. Heart disease constitutes the leading cause of death, closely linked to the high rates of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome. These chronic disease burdens strain the healthcare system, reduce quality of life, increase disability, and contribute to the relatively lower life expectancy compared to the U.S. mainland. The net migration rate of -21.2 per 1,000 population indicates that outmigration substantially exceeds immigration, representing the single largest factor driving population decline and overshadowing the positive but modest natural increase from births exceeding deaths.

American Samoa Geographic Distribution 2025

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2020 Island Areas Census; UN Population Division 2025 Projections

The geographic distribution of American Samoa people demonstrates extreme concentration on the main island of Tutuila, which houses 97.2% of the territory’s population (approximately 44,737 people in 2025). Tutuila, measuring approximately 54 square miles, contains virtually all government services, commercial activity, educational institutions beyond elementary schools, and healthcare facilities. The Eastern District accounts for 46.4% of the total population, including the capital Pago Pago and the harbor that serves as the territory’s primary port and economic hub. The natural deep-water harbor of Pago Pago historically attracted the U.S. Navy and enabled the establishment of tuna processing facilities that became economic anchors.

The Western District contains 24.8% of residents, including heavily populated villages like Tafuna (approximately 9,268 people) and Nu’uuli (approximately 3,707 people). Tafuna has emerged as the territory’s most populous village, experiencing growth due to commercial development, the nearby airport, and available land for residential expansion. The western side of Tutuila traditionally served as the territory’s agricultural heartland, though subsistence farming has declined as residents increasingly rely on wage employment and imported food.

The Manu’a Islands (Ta’ū, Ofu, and Olosega) collectively house only 2.5% of the population (approximately 1,134 people in 2025), located about 60 miles east of Tutuila. These remote islands maintain more traditional lifestyles, with limited modern infrastructure, infrequent air service, and dependence on small boat transportation to Tutuila for services unavailable locally. The Manu’a District has experienced the steepest population decline, as residents, particularly youth, migrate to Tutuila or the U.S. mainland for educational and employment opportunities. Aunu’u Island, a small island near Tutuila, holds approximately 441 people (1.0%), accessible only by boat. The tiny Swains Island, located 210 miles north of Tutuila, counts only 16 residents, operating under unique governance where the island is privately owned but incorporated into American Samoa. The dramatic population concentration on Tutuila, particularly in villages near Pago Pago, creates urban pressures on infrastructure, housing, and environmental resources while leaving outer islands depopulated and struggling to maintain schools, clinics, and basic services that require minimum population thresholds to operate effectively.

American Samoa Religion and Cultural Practices 2025

Data Source: CIA World Factbook; American Samoa Statistical Yearbook; Cultural Surveys

The religious landscape of American Samoa reflects the profound impact of 19th-century Christian missionary activity while maintaining integration with traditional Samoan culture. An overwhelming 98.3% of the population identifies as Christian, making American Samoa one of the most religiously homogeneous places under U.S. jurisdiction. The Congregationalist denomination comprises 31.8%, tracing its roots to the London Missionary Society that arrived in Samoa in 1830, making Christianity deeply embedded in Samoan identity for nearly two centuries. The Roman Catholic Church accounts for 19.4%, with parishes serving communities across the territory and operating schools that contribute significantly to education.

Methodist adherents represent 15.2% of the population, while the Assembly of God and other Pentecostal movements account for 13.7%, reflecting more recent evangelical growth. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon) comprises 7.6%, with strong missionary presence and growing influence particularly among youth. Various other Christian denominations combine for 10.6%, including Seventh-day Adventists, Baptists, and independent churches. The minimal non-Christian population of 0.7% and religiously unaffiliated at 1.0% indicate that secular perspectives remain rare.

Religious practice permeates daily life in American Samoa far more intensively than in the U.S. mainland. Over 85% of residents attend church services weekly, with Sunday observance strictly maintained through legislation prohibiting most commercial activities, sports, and loud music. Church services often last several hours, incorporating Samoan language, traditional music with unique harmonies, and community fellowship. Religious leaders command respect and moral authority that extends beyond spiritual matters into social and political realms.

The unique aspect of American Samoan society is the integration of Christianity with fa’a Samoa (the Samoan way), the traditional cultural system centered on family, communal service, respect for elders, and the matai (chief) system. Rather than displacing indigenous culture, Christianity has been indigenized, with churches supporting rather than opposing traditional practices like matai titles, communal land ownership, and family obligations. Daily life typically begins with family prayer (lotu afiafi), and church activities provide the primary social calendar beyond family gatherings. Over 95% of residents actively participate in fa’a Samoa practices, demonstrating that modernization and outmigration have not eroded cultural identity. Traditional ceremonies including ava (kava) ceremonies, siva (traditional dance), and fa’alavelave (cultural obligations requiring substantial gifts) continue to structure social relationships and obligations, creating a distinctive cultural synthesis where Christian faith and ancestral traditions coexist harmoniously while also creating economic pressures on families to fulfill expensive cultural obligations.

American Samoa Family Structure and Household Composition 2025

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2020 Island Areas Census

The family structure of American Samoa people distinctly differs from mainstream American patterns, reflecting the enduring influence of fa’a Samoa cultural values that prioritize extended family networks and communal living. The average household size of 5.3 persons substantially exceeds the U.S. national average of approximately 2.5 persons, making American Samoan households more than twice as large as typical mainland households. The average family size of 5.5 persons indicates that family households (as opposed to non-family living arrangements) tend to be even larger, often including not just parents and children but grandparents, unmarried adult siblings, cousins, and other relatives.

Married-couple families demonstrate strong stability, with 72.4% of married-couple families including children under 18, reflecting both cultural values emphasizing children and the younger age structure of the population. Among the 15.0% of households headed by females without a spouse or partner, 61.2% include children, indicating that single mothers face the challenge of childrearing without a resident partner, though extended family networks typically provide substantial support that may not be captured in household definitions. Divorce rates remain relatively low at 3.6%, substantially below U.S. national rates approaching 15%, suggesting that social and religious pressures encourage marriage preservation, though separations without legal divorce may occur more frequently than statistics indicate.

Multigenerational living arrangements characterize over 40% of households, with grandparents, parents, and grandchildren sharing residences. This pattern reflects both economic necessity and cultural preference, as elderly Samoans typically live with adult children rather than in separate housing or institutional care. The statistic that 23.8% of households include grandparents and that 51.3% of grandparents present are responsible for grandchildren highlights the critical role elders play in childrearing, often becoming primary caregivers when parents work or have migrated. Extended family households comprising over 60% of all households include relatives beyond the nuclear family, with siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews, and other kin frequently residing together, sharing resources, and pooling income.

The marital status data shows that 36.7% of persons aged 15 and over have never married, a proportion that includes many young adults who delay marriage for education or economic establishment. The 47.4% currently married represents strong marriage prevalence, while the 3.8% widowed reflects the relatively low elderly population and the tendency for widowed individuals to remarry or reside with adult children. The family structure creates social safety nets where unemployment, illness, or misfortune affecting one family member becomes a shared burden across the extended family, providing resilience but also creating economic pressures as successful individuals support numerous dependents. The aiga (extended family) system, centered around matai (family chiefs) who make decisions affecting family members and control family lands, continues to structure social organization despite increasing individualism among younger, more educated generations who sometimes experience tension between traditional family obligations and personal aspirations.

The demographic future of American Samoa people presents both challenges and uncertainties as the territory navigates competing pressures in 2025 and beyond. The persistent negative population growth, driven primarily by outmigration to the U.S. mainland, threatens long-term sustainability of communities, economic viability, and cultural preservation. If current trends continue unabated, the population could fall below 40,000 by 2030, creating critical shortages in workforce, taxpayers supporting government services, and students filling schools. The concentration of population loss among working-age adults and youth depletes human capital precisely when the territory needs educated, skilled residents to diversify the economy beyond dependence on tuna processing and government employment. However, the territory possesses assets including U.S. affiliation providing economic transfers and citizenship pathways, strong cultural identity maintaining diaspora connections, and strategic Pacific location that could support alternative economic development if leveraged effectively through tourism enhancement, renewable energy initiatives, or positioning as a Pacific business hub.

The interplay between tradition and modernity will critically shape American Samoa’s demographic destiny. Younger generations increasingly educated in mainland institutions may either return to revitalize the territory with new ideas and skills or remain abroad, drawn by career opportunities unavailable at home. The preservation of fa’a Samoa and the Samoan language provides cultural distinctiveness that could anchor identity and attract return migration, yet these same traditions can create economic inefficiencies through excessive gift-giving obligations and communal claims on individual success that discourage entrepreneurship. Addressing the public health crisis of obesity and diabetes requires substantial behavioral changes and healthcare investment that strain limited budgets. The 2030 Census will provide the next definitive measurement of population trends, revealing whether initiatives to boost economic opportunity, improve education and healthcare, and leverage technology for remote work can slow or reverse population decline, or whether American Samoa will continue shrinking toward an uncertain threshold where maintaining territorial governance and services becomes unsustainable, forcing difficult decisions about the future relationship with the United States and the viability of sustaining Pacific Islander communities in their ancestral homeland.

Disclaimer: This research report is compiled from publicly available sources. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, no representation or warranty, express or implied, is given as to the completeness or reliability of the information. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions, losses, or damages of any kind arising from the use of this report.

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