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Texas Leads Nation in Growth of Hispanic, Asian, and Black Residents in 2023
On Thursday, the U.S. Census Bureau released population estimates for 2023. The data revealed that Texas experienced the most significant growth in Hispanic, Asian, and Black residents compared to any other state. Additionally, Houston saw the highest increase in Hispanic residents among U.S. metro location, while Dallas led in the growth of Asian and Black residents.
Texas: A Growing Hub of Diversity
Texas also experienced the largest overall population increase in the country, adding 473,000 new residents in 2023. This growth is attributed to various factors, including job opportunities and affordable housing.
Xiuhong “Helen” You, a leading demographer at the Texas Demographic Center, remarked on the state’s growing diversity, stating, “Texas is attracting a wider range of individuals, contributing to increased diversity. This includes those seeking job opportunities and those looking to start families in a more affordable housing market.”
Hispanic Population Fuels National Growth
Nationwide, Hispanic residents were the primary driver of population growth in 2023, accounting for nearly three-quarters of the increase. This growth is mainly due to births outpacing deaths among Hispanics, who can be of any race.
According to Kristie Wilder, a Census Bureau demographer, “The Hispanic population is expanding at a substantially faster rate than the non-Hispanic population.” The Hispanic population grew by approximately 1.2 million people last year, bringing the total to 65.2 million, nearly a fifth of the U.S. population.
Trends in Other Demographic Groups
The non-Hispanic white population, the largest racial or ethnic group in the U.S., experienced a slight decline due to deaths outnumbering births. However, immigration helped to offset this decrease.
The Asian population grew by over 585,000 people, primarily due to immigration. In contrast, the Black population grew by half a million, primarily due to natural increase. The American Indian and Alaska Native population also experienced growth, mainly through natural increase.
Median Age and Regional Variations
The median age in the U.S. increased slightly to 39.1 years in 2023. In Texas, the Hispanic population tends to be younger, while the white population is aging.
Within Texas, metro Houston accounted for 30% of the state’s Hispanic population growth. Metro Dallas contributed significantly to the increase in Asian and Black residents, accounting for almost half and 40% of the respective population gains.
Implications for the Future
Coda Rayo-Garza, research and data director at Every Texan, an advocacy and research group, emphasized that Texas is expected to see continued growth in nonwhite demographic groups. This demographic shift will likely have significant implications for the state’s social, economic, and political landscape.
The data from the U.S. Census Bureau provides valuable insights into the changing demographics of Texas and the nation as a whole. It highlights the increasing diversity of the population and the importance of understanding and addressing the needs and perspectives of different communities.
