Latinos, Asians fuel Calif.'s population growth

— Surging numbers of Latinos and Asians accounted for virtually all of California's population growth during the past decade, new census data showed Tuesday.

In the period from 2000 to 2010, the number of Latinos grew by 28 percent to 14 million in the nation's most populous state, while Asians increased by about 31 percent to 4.8 million.

In contrast, non-Hispanic whites decreased by 5 percent, and the state's non-Hispanic black population dipped by 1 percent.

Over the decade, California's population grew 10 percent to 37.3 million, ranking 20th in growth percentage nationally and lagging other western states such as Nevada and Arizona.

It was the first time the state has failed to pick up additional congressional seats after a census.

"If it weren't for the Latinos and the Asians, California's influence in D.C. would have decreased," said Arturo Vargas, executive director for the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials.

Demographers say the Latino population is growing faster than other ethnic groups because many Latinos are of child-bearing age, while the rest of the population tends to skew older.

California has also benefited from immigration from Asia and Latin America, even while residents have left for other states in search of jobs and cheaper housing.

The 2010 U.S. Census data released Tuesday also showed Latino children became a majority in California in that category as the number of non-Hispanic white children dropped 21 percent during the past decade.

Kenneth Johnson, a professor of sociology at the University of New Hampshire, said that reflects a pattern seen elsewhere in the country where the white population is considerably older, leaving fewer white women in their childbearing years.

The number of Hispanic children under age 18 grew 17 percent.












The Associated Press