Students celebrated their graduation in May at Cleveland High School in Liberty County, Texas. This county is one of the fastest-changing in the U.S., with the non-white population growing to 52% since 2020. In Texas, five out of 19 counties have become majority non-white since 2020.
The growth of Asian, Black, and Hispanic communities is changing cities and suburbs, especially in states like Florida, Indiana, and Texas, according to a new analysis. Swing states like Georgia, Nevada, and Pennsylvania are also changing quickly.
From mid-2020 to mid-2023, the non-white population grew in 47 states, based on U.S. Census Bureau estimates. Nevada saw the largest change, with its non-white population increasing to 54.3%, mostly due to Hispanic growth. Georgia’s Black population growth brought the state close to a non-white majority.
Hispanic population growth, driven by immigration and high birth rates, was a major factor across the country. Only Montana, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Washington D.C. saw an increase in the white population share since 2020.
The increase in Hispanic and Black residents might influence the 2024 presidential and local elections. Although traditionally Democratic supporters, Black voter support has declined, and Republicans are gaining support among Hispanic voters.
Economic growth in red states is attracting Black and Asian migrants to cities and suburbs. For example, Marion County in Indiana and Kaufman County in Texas saw significant Black population growth, leading to new non-white majorities.
Kaufman County’s Black population grew to 23% and the Hispanic population to 28%, and they elected their first African American district judge in 2020. Many Asian, Black, and Hispanic residents are moving from cities like Dallas and states like California and New York to these areas. Meanwhile, the local white population is aging and declining.
These demographic changes are creating more diverse urban areas, but the political impact is uncertain. While areas like Georgia’s Atlanta suburbs saw political shifts, states like Texas and Georgia still have Republican-controlled governments.
In Kaufman County, despite a growing Black community, the county remains strongly Republican. The county commission decided not to move a Confederate statue despite public hearings.
Collin County, Texas, and Duval County, Florida, also became majority non-white due to Asian and Hispanic growth. Many new residents are tech workers from southern India, bringing cultural changes like Hindu housewarming ceremonies and specialized groceries.
Of the 16 counties that became majority non-white between 2020 and 2023, five were in Texas. Most of these counties voted Republican in 2020.
Liberty County, Texas, saw its non-white majority grow to 52%, with a significant increase in Hispanic students in schools. The local school district has had to spend millions on portable classrooms due to rapid student population growth.