Minorities' population share increases in nearly every state

Waterbury Republican-American ^ | August 15, 2006 | Stephen Ohlemacher (A.P.)

[Graybeard58]

WASHINGTON -- America's growing diversity has reached nearly every state.

From South Carolina's budding immigrant population to the fast-rising number of Hispanics in Arkansas, minority groups make up an increasing share of the population in every state but one, according to figures released today by the Census Bureau.

"This is just an extraordinary explosion of diversity all across the United States," said William Frey, a demographer at the Brookings Institution, a Washington think tank. "It's diversity and immigration going hand in hand."

West Virginia is the exception, with its struggling economy and little history of attracting immigrants.

Frey said states that attract large numbers of immigrants can consider it a "badge of economic success." There have, however, been backlashes.

The 2005 figures are from the Census Bureau's American Community Survey, which is replacing the "long form" on the 10-year census. Starting this year, the annual survey of about 3 million households provides yearly data on communities of 65,000 or larger. By 2010, it will provide annual multiyear averages for the smallest neighborhoods covered by the 10-year census.

The data released today cover, race, immigration, education and age characteristics. Economic and housing data will be released in the coming weeks.

Among the findings:

Education levels increased in every state from 2000 to 2005. Nationally, the share of adults 25 and older with at least a high school diploma increased from 80 percent to 84 percent. The share of adults with at least a bachelor's degree increased from 24 percent to 27 percent.

Every state is getting older. Nationally, the median age -- the one at which half the population is older and half is younger -- went from 35.3 in 2000 to 36.4 last year.

Hispanics increased their hold as the country's largest minority group, at 14.5 percent of the population, compared with 12.8 percent for blacks.

Hispanic is a term for people with ethnic backgrounds in Spanish- speaking countries. Hispanics can be of any race, and most in the U.S. are white. When demographers talk about the shrinking percentage of white people in America, generally they are talking about whites who are not Hispanic.

Such whites are a minority in four states -- Hawaii, New Mexico, California and Texas -- and the District of Columbia. The share of white people fell below 60 percent in three other states -- Maryland, Georgia and Nevada. Nationally, non-Hispanic whites make up about 67 percent of the population, down from 70 percent at the start of the decade.

[bboop]

Instead of calling it 'an extraordinary explosion of diversity' -- that man should write ad campaigns -- let's call it, oh I don't know, 'our country being taken over by (illegal) immigrants.' Or perhaps 'the Third World comes to you.' Or maybe 'look alive.'

(I didn't read the article. Maybe I totally missed the point.)

[Catholic Canadian]

Sounds like what has been happening in some parts of Canada is now happening down there. Time to start battening down the hatches guys. The U.S. could soon be overrun by ineptitude.

[cosine]

Nah, it's Ted Kennedy reshapes America. He's the one responsible for the family reunification immigration law.

Usual brainless Kennedy legislation. He's done so much to America.

[wai-ming]

The title is misleading.

It should be "Hispanic population share increases in nearly every state."

The article says nothing about Blacks, Asians or other so-called minorities.

[BenLurkin]

The illegal invasion is turning into a third world conquest of America.

[ClaireSolt]

Tower of Babel, anyone? Try finding someone in Miami who speaks English, and watch out. Don't mistake a Cuban for a Mexican or a columbian for a Venezuelan, unless you want a fight on your hands..

[dfwgator]

Minorities hit hardest.

[traditional1]

With 70%+ out-of-wedlock births, and handouts that reward this behavior, it's no surprise. Breeding like rabbits without any sense of responsibilities is a way of life for the entitlements crowd.

Thank the Liberals who are just loving the expanding voter base.

[yoe]

(and this is what happens……)

(and this..)

[From One - Many]

you are correct. make no mistake we are being invaded and conquered a little more each and every day. In 10 years I doubt many here (typing his AM) will recognize America.

[DumpsterDiver]

Nationally, the share of adults 25 and older with at least a high school diploma increased from 80 percent to 84 percent.

In further news, the share of adults 25 and older with at least a high school education decreased from 80 percent to 65 percent.

[phillyfanatic]

Can you see the demand now for more Muslim immigrants? Of course, true multiculturalism will be to allow public madrasses, an Islamofascist radio and TV station, as well as a political party of Muslims demanding representation in Congress!