UTSA report examines census data on Hispanics in Texas

(April 8, 2002)-- Hispanic population growth continues to transform Texas in the new millennium, and the University of Texas at San Antonio has released a report exploring the issue.

"Hispanics in the State of Texas: Emerging Trends, Findings from the 2000 Census" presents demographic data taken from the U.S. Census Bureau's 1990 and 2000 censuses.

Compiled by the UTSA Hispanic Research center (HRC), the data form a framework not only for discussion about the Hispanic population in Texas, but also for a series of reports that the HRC will produce to illuminate key public policy issues. The reports will provide information to assist government agencies in planning and implementing policy and programs.

For more information or to request a printed copy of the report, contact Marcos Marquez, UTSA HRC/MRPI, 501 W. Durango, Durango Building Room 4.211, San Antonio, TX 78207, phone (210) 458-2650.

Access the Hispanic Research Center report online.

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Highlights of "Hispanics in the State of Texas: Emrging Trends, Findings from the 2000 Census"

The state's ethnic/racial distribution has changed significantly since the 1990 Census, in which Hispanics constituted 25 percent (4.34 million) and white non-Hispanics totaled 61 percent of the Texas population.

According to the 2000 Census, Hispanics now comprise 32 percent (6.7 million), while white non-Hispanics constitute 53 percent. The rate of growth for Hispanics in the 10-year period was 55 percent. Although most Hispanics are of Mexican descent, the numbers and percentage that are Puerto Rican, Cuban, and Central American are increasing throughout Texas.

Over half of all Hispanics in Texas (54 percent) reside in five counties: Harris (1.1 million); Bexar 757,033); Dallas (662,729); El Paso (531,654); and Hidalgo (503,100).

Tarrant, Cameron, Travis, Webb and Nueces counties each have 100,000-500,000 Hispanics. Seventy percent of the state's Hispanic population resides in these 10 counties.

The lowest concentrations of Hispanics are found in East Texas (less than 10 percent).

The Hispanic population of Texas has both a higher fertility and a higher mortality than the non-Hispanic population.

With a median age of 25.5 in the 2000 Census, the Hispanic population is much younger than the non-Hispanic population, which had a median age of 38.1 for the same period.

Forty percent of the Hispanic population in Texas is under 20 years of age; 35 percent is between 20 and under 40; 21 percent between 40 to 64; with only five percent 65 and over.

In contrast, 28 percent of non-Hispanics are under 20; 29 percent are between 20 and 39; 32 percent are between 40 and 64; with 12 percent 65 and above.

The size of the Hispanic family in Texas is also generally larger than those of non-Hispanics. According to the 2000 Census, the average Hispanic family had 3.9 persons, compared to 3.3 for African-Americans and 3.15 for non-Hispanic whites.

The number of Hispanic children under five years of age is increasing. In 1990, there were 470,811; by 2000 that number rose to 714,284, an increase of 52%. Conversely, the number for non-Hispanics shrank slightly (one percent) for the same period.

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