LOS ANGELES — 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 state Latino population grew by 28 percent, to 14 million, in the nation’s most populous state, while Asian numbers grew by 31 percent, to 4.8 million.
In contrast, non-Hispanic Whites decreased by 5 percent, and the state’s African-American 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 nation’s most populous 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 (Washington) would have decreased,” says 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.
