Census: California’s Latino and Asian Populations On the Rise

Big changes could be in store for the state's political landscape.

By Jorge Rivas Mar 09, 2011

On Tuesday the U.S. Census Bureau released more detailed 2010 Census data for California that shows the state’s Latino and Asian populations are growing.

The black population declined just under 1 percent, its first drop ever in the state. Places like Los Angeles, Oakland and San Francisco saw the number of black residents drop. While suburbs in the Bay Area, like Contra Costa County, saw the black population increase.

An estimated 860,000 white residents left the state since the year 2000.

California, which is made up of about 37,000,000 people, may see a change in the political landscape due to redistricting.

Population growth along the coast lines and Bay Area was slow compared to growth in the Inland empire and the central valley — experts believe these areas saw double digit growth due to more affordable housing.

Every ten years a state commission redraws legislative districts so that they’re all equal in size. The new Census numbers ultimately mean less seats for Bay Area and Los Angeles elected officials in the state capitol on and congressional delegations in DC.

The Inland Empire and Central Valley have historically voted more conservatively and, so this newfound power could change California’s political landscape.