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Ancestry refers to the lineage or descent of a person, family, or group, tracing back through generations to identify their origins, heritage, and familial connections. It encompasses the genetic, cultural, and historical ties that link individuals to their forebears, shaping their identity and sense of belonging. Ancestry is a multifaceted concept, intertwining biology, genealogy, history, and culture, and it plays a significant role in how people understand themselves and their place in the world.

At its core, ancestry is rooted in genetics. Each individual inherits a unique combination of DNA from their parents, who in turn inherited their DNA from their own ancestors. This genetic material carries information about physical traits, predispositions to certain health conditions, and even behavioral tendencies. Advances in genetic testing, such as DNA analysis, have made it possible for individuals to trace their biological ancestry with remarkable precision. Companies like 23andMe and AncestryDNA offer services that analyze genetic markers to provide insights into a person's ethnic composition and geographic origins, often revealing surprising connections to distant relatives or previously unknown heritage.

Beyond genetics, ancestry is deeply tied to genealogy, the study of family history and lineage. Genealogical research involves constructing family trees, documenting relationships, and uncovering historical records such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, census data, and immigration documents. This process often reveals stories of migration, resilience, and adaptation, offering a window into the lives of ancestors and the challenges they faced. For many, genealogy is a way to honor their forebears and preserve their legacy for future generations.

Cultural ancestry is another critical dimension, encompassing the traditions, languages, customs, and values passed down through generations. It connects individuals to their ethnic or national heritage, shaping their cultural identity and worldview. For example, someone with Irish ancestry might celebrate St. Patrick's Day, learn traditional Irish dance, or explore the Gaelic language, while someone with Japanese ancestry might practice tea ceremonies, study calligraphy, or observe Obon festivals. Cultural ancestry fosters a sense of continuity and belonging, linking individuals to a broader community with shared experiences and values.

Historical ancestry delves into the broader context of a family's or group's past, including significant events, social conditions, and historical movements that shaped their lives. For instance, the transatlantic slave trade, the Irish Potato Famine, or the Jewish diaspora have profoundly influenced the ancestry of millions of people, leaving lasting imprints on their descendants' identities. Understanding historical ancestry often involves grappling with complex narratives of triumph and tragedy, resilience and oppression, and the interplay of individual and collective experiences.

Ancestry also has a deeply personal and emotional dimension. For many, exploring their ancestry is a journey of self-discovery, offering insights into who they are and where they come from. It can foster a sense of pride, connection, and continuity, as well as a deeper appreciation for the struggles and achievements of those who came before. At the same time, it can raise questions about identity, belonging, and the complexities of heritage, particularly for individuals with mixed or multicultural backgrounds.

In a globalized world, ancestry serves as a bridge between the past and the present, connecting individuals to their roots while also highlighting the interconnectedness of human history. It underscores the diversity and richness of human experience, reminding us that every person's story is part of a larger tapestry woven over centuries. Whether through genetic testing, genealogical research, cultural practices, or historical exploration, ancestry offers a profound way to understand ourselves and our place in the world.

A diversification score measures the diversity of ancestries in the county. As the value appoaches 100, ancestry diversity decreases and therefore increasing the risk of a lack of cultural diversity. The ancestry diversification score for this county is:

Most common ancestry not including "Unknown" is:

Ancestry Report Part I
Description	Total Population	American	Native American	Hawaiian	Caribbean (Latino)	Mexican	Central American	South American	Other Hispanic	African American	Sub- Saharan	Caribbean (Black)

Washington County	130,073	5,523	711	40	2,142	1,071	646	550	308	831	414	263
Rhode Island (in 000's)	1,115	29	3	0	107	14	35	21	11	21	24	12
National (in 000's)	343,251	13,890	2,213	626	11,327	38,879	6,181	4,644	3,687	25,893	7,852	7,174
Suffolk County	1,537,291	41,383	3,138	262	122,401	21,718	94,283	66,129	30,807	53,238	21,157	31,833
Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region	288,348	7,378	1,841	208	28,132	6,139	1,678	4,623	1,544	7,347	3,060	4,709
Kent County	172,481	5,128	319	31	5,566	1,717	1,129	1,388	613	1,219	883	850
Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region	98,231	2,407	287	11	2,875	569	303	854	112	830	218	316
Newport County	83,991	2,696	228	56	3,094	696	880	451	313	1,569	559	586

Per Cent to Total Population	Diversity Index

Washington County	10.17	4.25	0.55	0.03	1.65	0.82	0.50	0.42	0.24	0.64	0.32	0.20
Rhode Island	8.38	2.58	0.29	0.03	9.57	1.25	3.17	1.90	1.02	1.89	2.12	1.09
National	7.83	4.05	0.64	0.18	3.30	11.33	1.80	1.35	1.07	7.54	2.29	2.09
Suffolk County	7.76	2.69	0.20	0.02	7.96	1.41	6.13	4.30	2.00	3.46	1.38	2.07
Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region	7.90	2.56	0.64	0.07	9.76	2.13	0.58	1.60	0.54	2.55	1.06	1.63
Kent County	9.91	2.97	0.18	0.02	3.23	1.00	0.65	0.80	0.36	0.71	0.51	0.49
Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region	9.83	2.45	0.29	0.01	2.93	0.58	0.31	0.87	0.11	0.84	0.22	0.32
Newport County	10.48	3.21	0.27	0.07	3.68	0.83	1.05	0.54	0.37	1.87	0.67	0.70

Comparisons to State Norms	% to Total >= 150%		% to Total < 50%

Washington County		164.70	191.32	105.51	17.20	65.69	15.67	22.31	23.28	33.77	15.01	18.59
Rhode Island		100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00
National		156.97	225.68	626.12	34.48	903.65	56.82	71.39	105.58	398.70	107.85	192.17
Suffolk County		104.42	71.44	58.48	83.18	112.71	193.50	226.97	196.99	183.04	64.89	190.39
Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region		99.25	223.46	247.50	101.93	169.86	18.36	84.59	52.64	134.67	50.03	150.15
Kent County		115.32	64.73	61.67	33.71	79.42	20.65	42.46	34.94	37.35	24.14	45.31
Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region		95.05	102.26	38.42	30.58	46.21	9.73	45.87	11.21	44.66	10.46	29.58
Newport County		124.51	95.01	228.76	38.49	66.11	33.06	28.33	36.63	98.73	31.38	64.15

Comparisons to National Norms	% to Total >= 150%		% to Total < 50%

Washington County		104.93	84.77	16.85	49.90	7.27	27.58	31.25	22.05	8.47	13.91	9.67
Rhode Island		63.71	44.31	15.97	290.05	11.07	176.01	140.08	94.71	25.08	92.72	52.04
National		100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00
Suffolk County		66.52	31.66	9.34	241.28	12.47	340.57	317.95	186.58	45.91	60.16	99.07
Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region		63.23	99.02	39.53	295.65	18.80	32.32	118.50	49.85	33.78	46.39	78.14
Kent County		73.47	28.68	9.85	97.79	8.79	36.35	59.48	33.09	9.37	22.38	23.58
Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region		60.55	45.31	6.14	88.69	5.11	17.13	64.26	10.62	11.20	9.70	15.39
Newport County		79.32	42.10	36.54	111.63	7.32	58.18	39.69	34.70	24.76	29.09	33.38

Ancestry Report Part II
Description	Total Population	Canadian	British	Dutch	French	German	Italian	Polish	Scandinavian	Scotish/ Irish	Spanish	Other European

Washington County	130,073	3,382	15,813	426	5,693	6,125	17,411	3,227	2,960	21,281	350	4,676
Rhode Island (in 000's)	1,115	30	70	2	50	29	110	20	13	114	3	25
National (in 000's)	343,251	1,350	18,069	1,828	3,642	24,708	9,027	4,667	5,969	20,625	1,140	9,563
Suffolk County	1,537,291	2,449	35,151	3,788	7,675	89,957	201,781	35,083	13,776	142,388	8,052	58,406
Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region	288,348	6,591	20,133	1,357	10,575	14,171	21,071	10,779	5,104	28,814	679	9,693
Kent County	172,481	5,695	15,543	536	10,480	5,875	21,438	3,969	2,867	24,775	483	3,798
Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region	98,231	6,339	8,635	307	10,462	4,739	6,087	4,227	2,267	10,046	294	3,463
Newport County	83,991	1,517	7,945	426	3,321	3,831	5,801	1,704	1,589	13,374	276	3,058

Per Cent to Total Population	Diversity Index

Washington County	10.17	2.60	12.16	0.33	4.38	4.71	13.39	2.48	2.28	16.36	0.27	3.59
Rhode Island	8.38	2.69	6.31	0.22	4.51	2.59	9.85	1.81	1.15	10.22	0.23	2.26
National	7.83	0.39	5.26	0.53	1.06	7.20	2.63	1.36	1.74	6.01	0.33	2.79
Suffolk County	7.76	0.16	2.29	0.25	0.50	5.85	13.13	2.28	0.90	9.26	0.52	3.80
Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region	7.90	2.29	6.98	0.47	3.67	4.91	7.31	3.74	1.77	9.99	0.24	3.36
Kent County	9.91	3.30	9.01	0.31	6.08	3.41	12.43	2.30	1.66	14.36	0.28	2.20
Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region	9.83	6.45	8.79	0.31	10.65	4.82	6.20	4.30	2.31	10.23	0.30	3.53
Newport County	10.48	1.81	9.46	0.51	3.95	4.56	6.91	2.03	1.89	15.92	0.33	3.64

Comparisons to State Norms	% to Total >= 150%		% to Total < 50%

Washington County		96.59	192.66	149.43	97.05	181.95	135.94	136.78	197.32	160.10	119.12	159.40
Rhode Island		100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00
National		14.61	83.42	242.98	23.53	278.14	26.71	74.96	150.78	58.80	147.05	123.54
Suffolk County		5.92	36.24	112.43	11.07	226.11	133.30	125.83	77.70	90.63	231.86	168.47
Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region		84.91	110.65	214.72	81.32	189.90	74.21	206.10	153.49	97.78	104.24	149.06
Kent County		122.66	142.81	141.79	134.73	131.61	126.23	126.87	144.13	140.56	123.96	97.64
Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region		239.72	139.31	142.59	236.17	186.41	62.93	237.25	200.11	100.07	132.49	156.32
Newport County		67.09	149.91	231.41	87.68	176.24	70.14	111.86	164.05	155.81	145.47	161.44

Comparisons to National Norms	% to Total >= 150%		% to Total < 50%

Washington County		661.02	230.94	61.50	412.53	65.42	508.96	182.47	130.87	272.29	81.00	129.03
Rhode Island		684.38	119.87	41.16	425.05	35.95	374.40	133.40	66.32	170.08	68.00	80.94
National		100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00
Suffolk County		40.50	43.44	46.27	47.06	81.29	499.09	167.85	51.54	154.15	157.68	136.36
Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region		581.12	132.64	88.37	345.67	68.27	277.86	274.95	101.80	166.31	70.89	120.65
Kent County		839.42	171.19	58.35	572.69	47.32	472.60	169.25	95.59	239.05	84.30	79.03
Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region		1,640.59	166.99	58.69	1,003.84	67.02	235.62	316.50	132.72	170.20	90.10	126.53
Newport County		459.18	179.70	95.24	372.68	63.37	262.62	149.22	108.80	265.00	98.92	130.68

Ancestry Report Part III
Description	Total Population	Chinese	Filipino	Japanese	Korean	Vietnamese	South Central Asian	South East Asian	Other Asian	Middle Eastern	Other Ancestry	Unknown

Washington County	130,073	1,035	297	149	316	11	503	240	106	997	13,057	19,519
Rhode Island (in 000's)	1,115	9	4	1	2	1	10	9	2	9	181	142
National (in 000's)	343,251	4,461	3,010	793	1,541	1,913	5,452	1,643	1,229	1,931	47,322	51,000
Suffolk County	1,537,291	16,896	5,511	931	5,264	1,343	30,083	2,428	3,016	10,647	176,265	200,052
Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region	288,348	3,889	2,450	159	497	373	2,647	745	226	937	40,417	40,382
Kent County	172,481	964	499	200	228	167	1,817	731	357	1,432	24,610	27,174
Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region	98,231	228	330	13	189	14	218	111	177	341	11,444	19,518
Newport County	83,991	299	361	127	85	116	285	146	51	498	15,628	12,425

Per Cent to Total Population	Diversity Index

Washington County	10.17	0.80	0.23	0.11	0.24	0.01	0.39	0.18	0.08	0.77	10.04	15.01
Rhode Island	8.38	0.82	0.34	0.08	0.18	0.10	0.89	0.85	0.21	0.82	16.27	12.70
National	7.83	1.30	0.88	0.23	0.45	0.56	1.59	0.48	0.36	0.56	13.79	14.86
Suffolk County	7.76	1.10	0.36	0.06	0.34	0.09	1.96	0.16	0.20	0.69	11.47	13.01
Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region	7.90	1.35	0.85	0.06	0.17	0.13	0.92	0.26	0.08	0.32	14.02	14.00
Kent County	9.91	0.56	0.29	0.12	0.13	0.10	1.05	0.42	0.21	0.83	14.27	15.75
Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region	9.83	0.23	0.34	0.01	0.19	0.01	0.22	0.11	0.18	0.35	11.65	19.87
Newport County	10.48	0.36	0.43	0.15	0.10	0.14	0.34	0.17	0.06	0.59	18.61	14.79

Comparisons to State Norms	% to Total >= 150%		% to Total < 50%

Washington County		96.92	66.62	147.33	132.08	8.42	43.31	21.70	39.73	93.00	61.69	118.19
Rhode Island		100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00
National		158.30	255.88	297.08	244.14	554.85	177.90	56.29	174.64	68.24	84.73	117.02
Suffolk County		133.87	104.59	77.89	186.17	86.98	219.18	18.58	95.66	84.03	70.47	102.49
Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region		164.28	247.90	70.92	93.71	128.79	102.82	30.39	38.22	39.43	86.14	110.30
Kent County		68.08	84.41	149.14	71.87	96.40	117.99	49.85	100.92	100.73	87.69	124.08
Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region		28.27	98.01	17.02	104.61	14.19	24.86	13.29	87.86	42.12	71.60	156.49
Newport County		43.36	125.40	194.48	55.02	137.51	38.01	20.44	29.61	71.94	114.35	116.51

Comparisons to National Norms	% to Total >= 150%		% to Total < 50%

Washington County		61.23	26.04	49.59	54.10	1.52	24.35	38.55	22.75	136.27	72.81	101.00
Rhode Island		63.17	39.08	33.66	40.96	18.02	56.21	177.64	57.26	146.54	118.02	85.45
National		100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00
Suffolk County		84.57	40.88	26.22	76.26	15.68	123.21	33.00	54.78	123.13	83.17	87.58
Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region		103.78	96.88	23.87	38.38	23.21	57.80	53.98	21.88	57.77	101.67	94.26
Kent County		43.00	32.99	50.20	29.44	17.37	66.33	88.55	57.79	147.61	103.49	106.04
Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region		17.86	38.31	5.73	42.85	2.56	13.97	23.61	50.31	61.72	84.50	133.73
Newport County		27.39	49.01	65.46	22.54	24.78	21.36	36.32	16.95	105.42	134.96	99.56

Sources: STI: PopStats, Circa April 2025

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