AAPI Demographics:a growing community
Demographics
45 million Asian Americans by 2060
Demographic data convey the continued and growing importance of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community in the United States. The AAPI population increased from 18 million in 2010 to over 25 million in 2020, now comprising nearly 8% of the U.S. population.
AAPI are among the fastest growing racial and ethnic groups in the U.S. In the last decade, the Asian American community grew by nearly 40%; and the Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander community by almost 30%. The Pew Research Center projects the Asian American population will surpass 45 million by 2060.
As the community grows, so will its impact and visibility.
California, New York, and Texas have the largest AAPI populations in 2020
Hawaii, California, and Washington have the highest population % of AAPI
21 states including Ohio, North Carolina, and Minnesota have an AAPI population of over 250,000
Honolulu. Santa Clara. Alameda county. Queens. Aleutian West Census Area
A majority of U.S. counties have seen AAPI population growth over the last decade. The three counties with the largest number of AAPI are Los Angeles (California), Orange (California) and Honolulu (Hawaii). As of 2020, all U.S. counties have an AAPI presence.
The counties with the highest concentrations of AAPI are in Hawaii where all counties have AAPI population percentages over 60%. Counties with large AAPI communities outside of Hawaii are Santa Clara and Alameda Counties in California, Queens County in New York, and Aleutian West Census Area in Alaska.
While AAPI growth is assumed to occur in areas with existing community infrastructure, county demographic data show that the community is becoming more geographically diverse. This highlights the need to pay attention to smaller geographic areas of growth.
Los Angeles and Orange Counties (California) and Honolulu County (Hawaii) have the largest AAPI populations in both 2010 and 2020.
All Hawaiian counties are over 60% AAPI
All 3,243 U.S. counties and county equivalents have an AAPI population
A Closer Look at Growth
Demographic growth is important for a population. Demographic growth has strong impacts on a community. This section takes a closer look at the growth in the AAPI community.
Over 37% increase
of AAPI population from 2010 to 2020
Over 85% of U.S. counties
saw an increase to their AAPI population
Over 50% population growth
of AAPI population in 23 states including Dakota, Indiana, and the Carolinas
Representation
Representation matters and the AAPI community has historically and presently continues to be underrepresented in U.S. politics at all levels of government. When there is a gap in representation and the voices and needs of the community are not heard, harmful policies may be passed.
The trailblazers below, as well as many others, have been inspired to be a voice for the community and fight against harmful policies.
Dalip Singh Saund of California to the 85th Congress (1957)
Representative Patsy Mink, the first AANHPI woman and first woman of color elected to Congress
Senator Daniel Inouye, the first AANHPI president pro tempore of the Senate
Although the AAPI community remains underrepresented, there has been an increase in AAPI candidates and elected officials at all levels of government. Since 2001, AAPI representation in Congress has increased by over 150%. The current 118th Congress consists of 18 AAPI members, 16 Representatives from eight unique states and two Senators.
Asia Pacific Institute for Congressional Studies
US Census Bureau
Judy Chu
the first Chinese-American woman elected to Congress
Michelle Wu
the first woman and person of color elected as mayor of Boston
Gary Locke
the first AAPI governor of the contiguous United States
Kamala Harris
the first woman and woman of color Vice President of the United States
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Judy
Chu
the first Chinese-American woman elected to Congress
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Michelle
Wu
the first woman and person of color elected as mayor of Boston
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Gary
Locke
the first AAPI governor of the contiguous United States
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Kamala
Harris
the first woman and woman of color Vice President of the United States