In Middle America, a Growing Non-White Majority?

In my home state of Texas, no one really believes that so-called "minorities" are actually the minority anymore. For example, in the months leading up to this year's census, there was plenty of joking and "just wait" statements from people certain that the results would prove that Latino, Asian-American and black people were, in fact, the state's new majority.

It turns out that these speculators might have been right. And, in fact, Texas isn't alone in its changing demographics. Early data from the Census reveals that the states where the percentages of minorities are booming aren't California, Florida, and New York — that is, the states that have traditionally been home to the nation's most diverse cities.

Nope, it turns out that Middle American red states are actually the most popular destinations for non-white people in this country. As of 2009, for example, "minorities" made up nearly 70% of the under-15 population in Texas. Meanwhile, Hawaii is 80% of color, while the percentages in Washington, D.C., New Mexico and California also top 70%. The figures in Arizona, Nevada, Florida, Maryland and Georgia are also above 50%. (Head to RaceWire to see a graph of this data.)

The real news here isn't that Hawaii, Arizona or California have large minority populations. All three of those states were late additions to the 50 states, with significant populations pre-dating America that still reside in the region. What's more surprising is the fact that the South — which has always been thought of as only black and white — is becoming a more popular place to call home for both Latinos and Asian-Americans. What's more, both groups have more children on average than white people, so we can expect this trend to continue.

All of which gives phrases like "All-American" and "Southern pride" a whole new meaning.

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