US Experiencing a Significant Demographic Shift With One Group Accounting For 91% of All Population Growth

The United States is experiencing a significant shift in its demographic landscape, with the Hispanic population leading the charge in population growth.

According to an analysis of Census Bureau data, from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic to mid-2023, the Hispanic community grew by 3.2 million people. This increase accounted for an impressive 91% of the country’s overall population gain during this period.

William Frey, a demographer and senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, calls this trend a “diversity explosion.” He argues that it’s a crucial aspect of America’s future that policymakers and politicians need to pay attention to.

Let’s break down the numbers:

  • The U.S. population as a whole grew by 3.4 million.
  • The White population declined by 2.1 million.
  • The number of Americans under 18 dropped by 1.6 million, largely due to a decrease in White youth.

Why is the White population shrinking? It’s mainly because there are more deaths than births in this group. There are fewer White women of childbearing age, and they tend to have lower fertility rates compared to other groups.

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On the other hand, Hispanic and other non-white groups are growing through both natural increase (more births than deaths) and immigration. This growth is reshaping the country’s demographic makeup. By 2030, it’s expected that 44% of the U.S. population will be made up of Hispanic and other non-white groups.

Fast forward to 2050, and we’re looking at more than half the population being non-white, with Hispanic residents making up a quarter of the total.

But these changes aren’t happening evenly across the country. Some states are losing residents while others are gaining. California and New York, for example, lost a combined 1.2 million residents over the three-year period studied. In total, 15 states saw their populations decline.

The youth population is also shifting. Most states saw a decrease in their under-18 population. California lost nearly 500,000 children, and New York’s youth population dropped by 272,000. However, Florida and Texas each gained about 100,000 young people.

Big cities are feeling the impact too. Six of the 15 largest metro areas saw their populations shrink. New York City’s metro area had the biggest drop, losing White, Black, and Hispanic residents. However, its Asian population and those identifying as two or more races increased.

Frey points out that these demographic changes will impact various aspects of society, including local politics. Since people often vote along racial lines, changing racial demographics could shift political power in different areas.

Frey also emphasizes the need to integrate this increasingly diverse population into the workforce. As he puts it, “This will be important for the nation’s labor force productivity and economic well-being.”

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In essence, America is becoming more diverse, with the Hispanic population leading the way. This shift brings both challenges and opportunities that will shape the nation’s future in profound ways.