Hispanics predicted to become majority in California in 2014

Brownie Sibrian, soon to graduate from Whittier College, gives a valedictory speech at a Latino pre-graduation celebration, sponsored by the Latino Student Assn. and MEChA, about a week before graduation on the campus in Whittier, Calif in May 2010. / AP Photo/Reed Saxon

SACRAMENTO, Calif. Hispanics will soon become the dominant ethnic group in the nation's most populous state, marking a milestone in the country's shifting racial and ethnic composition, according to projections released Thursday by the California Department of Finance.

Demographers predict the number of Hispanics in the state will equal that of whites by mid-year and exceed it in early 2014 for the first time. Each group currently represents about 39 percent of the population.

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The shift is expected to affect politics and public policy in California and perhaps beyond, given the state's history of trend-setting legislation and cultural contributions.

Whites currently lack a majority in only two other states — Hawaii and New Mexico.

Demographers say Hispanics' share of the overall California population will continue to increase to about 41 percent by 2020, when whites will make up less than 37 percent.

By 2060, Hispanics could account for 48 percent of the state's population, with whites falling below 30 percent.

In 2010, Hispanics were a majority in nine of California's 58 counties; by 2060, that could grow to 17.

Blacks are expected to slip from nearly 6 percent in 2010 to just more than 4 percent by 2060, while the Asian population, now just below 13 percent, could grow slightly as a percentage of the overall population.

The demographic trends also show that California, like other states, will get older, with the median age expected to increase from the current 35 to 42 in 2060. Even so, California would have a lower median age than other states.

"Due to California's diversity and because of its role as the primary gateway state for immigration, California will not age as rapidly in the coming 20 years as many other states," the report said.

The percentage of women in the state will continue to slightly outnumber the percentage of men, due to longer female life expectancies, the report said.

California's population is expected to hit 50 million in 2049, from about 38 million today, led by steady growth in Southern California. Demographers predict 13 counties will have populations of 1 million or more people by 2060, with Fresno, Kern, San Joaquin and Ventura counties joining those ranks.

Riverside County is expected to add about 2 million people by 2060, more than any other county, becoming the second most populous county in the state with 4.2 million people, slightly ahead of San Diego County.

Los Angeles County is expected to have 11.6 million people by 2060.

The report relied on data from the U.S. Census Bureau, California Department of Public Health vital statistics and surveys of county planning experts and regional government councils.

[promontorium]

I for one am looking forward to becoming an "underrepresented minority" and be able to protest the majority Latinos with their racist La Raza groups oppressing me as a minority. Also, it'll be fun to boot Latinos out of every minority organization and club and replace them with white people. Affirmative Action!

[ammo17]

with 12 million more illegals coming into the country what would you expect?

[Heavy_Mettle]

The CHAGAS BUG is endemic in all of South America, Central America, and now it is in California. It causes MegaEsophagus and MegaColon, and the heart can burst.

[Noval53]

I hope the new Hispanic majority will do what blacks and whites have miserably failed to do; balance the state's budget and not spend more money than they take in. The political elites in California don't seem to care where the money comes from. They love spending it. Now California leads the way in states running deeply in the red. Question Authority. Higher taxes, regulations, and new fees will only serve to feed a state pig that's never satisfied.

[dylan_89]

doubt that will happen go to the lower income hispanic communities in California and see what they are driving. Usually a decked out ride that you know by where they live they cant afford so makes you wonder how they get the money for it.

[carlbakersfi]

I was born and raised in California and lived here my entire life. There is so much to the state of California. I have worked as a supervisor or manager in heavy industry for 39 years. I currently have crews of 90% plus Mexican Americans, some who barely speak English, others that are kids of immigrants. The characterization I would make of my workers, they work their butts off; hard working,reliable,good moral character. They pay taxes. They do whatever I would like them to do without arguments. They learn higher order jobs, well. I am not sure what state of illusion some of the commentators here are from, but you obviously don't know the real world of hard work in California.

[Ambivalent11]

And how many of the Obama Food Stamp users?

[bilrobi1]

He just said these people are working hard for a living.You could only miss that by choosing to ignore whats right in front of you.But by all mean s, do whatever you need to to support your myth.

[foo8259]

"What California is today the rest will be tomorrow." -- author unknown

[lloydbest1]

Move along. Nothing to see here.

[rwsmith29456]

How many of this 'majority' will be here illegaly?

[crankyoleman]

Doesn't matter. CA embraces them with open arms. For example: Illegals get in state tuition.

[yelobrikroad]

California is dying anyway might as well give it back! Funny how this is soooo shocking when nearly every city, street and town is named in Spanish! Los Angeles, San Diego, Santa Barbara!


Who gives a Rats A$$...I don't.