Surging Latino and Asian populations accounted for virtually all of California's population growth (71 percent) over the last decade, according to new census data released today, and as reported by the Associate Press.

Once again, Latinos saw the largest increases in population over the decade, making up 37.6% of the state's total population. In the decade spanning 2000 and 2010, Latinos grew by 28 percent to 14 million in the nation's most populous state, while Asians grew even faster - by 31 percent - to reach 4.8 million. In contrast, non-Hispanic whites decreased by 5 percent and the state's African-American population dipped by 1 percent.
 
Seventy-seven percent of the Hispanic growth in the state was among adults 18 plus, while 23 percent was among those under 18.

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

It is the first time the nation's most populous state has failed to pick up additional congressional seats after a census, and many demographers say Asians and Latinos helped save the state's political clout.

Demographers say Latinos are 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 local residents have left for other states in search of cheaper housing and jobs.

Over the last decade, the state's inland areas grew as Californians moved beyond the pricey coastal region. But demographers say that migration may have slowed in recent years since the economy slumped.

The data will be used by a state commission to redraw congressional and state legislative districts in California.

Source: CentreDaily.com, “Latinos, Asians fuel Calif.'s population growth,” by AMY TAXIN, Associated Press, March 8, 2011.