Census: 'Race-Ethnic Minorities' Responsible for U.S. Growth in the 2010s

William H. Frey offers insights into the race-ethnic population estimates released at the end of June by the U.S. Census Bureau. According to Frey, the data reveal a more diverse country than expected.

"The new estimates show that nearly four of 10 Americans identify with a race or ethnic group other than white, and suggest that the 2010 to 2020 decade will be the first in the nation’s history in which the white population declined in numbers," according to Frey

"Over the decade’s first nine years, racial and ethnic minorities accounted for all of the nation’s population growth, and were responsible for population gains in many states, metropolitan areas, and counties that would have otherwise registered losses due to declines in their white populations."

Frey digs into the findings in great detail, also using infographics to supplement the analysis. The new race-ethic data were released around the same time as age demographic data, which revealed an aging population and declining numbers of youths.