STATEMENT: Texas Leads Nation in Asian Population Growth

---

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

August 12, 2024 

Contact: Christina Hahn

christina@asiantexansforjustice.org 

Asian Texans for Justice releases part one of “Deep in the Heart of Asian Texas: Insights on AAPI Voters,” a 3-part report analyzing the profiles, voices, and policy opinions of Asian American and Pacific Islander voters in Texas. 

AUSTIN, TEXAS — Asian Texans for Justice (ATJ) published a demographic analysis of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) in Texas, finding that the state had the largest national increase in its AAPI population from 2022 to 2023, gaining over 91,000 residents to now  two million people.

Part one of the report, “Profiles of AAPI Communities”  is the first installment of its three-part statewide research project, using Census data to reveal a vibrant and growing community poised to significantly influence Texas’ political landscape. Part 2: “Voices of AAPI Voters” analyzes interviews with dozens of AAPI voters.  Part 3: “Policy Opinions of AAPI Voters” analyzes polling data of AAPI voters. Both parts will be released in September 2024.  

ATJ commissioned the report to delve deeper into the socioeconomic diversity of the Texan AAPI population following their groundbreaking 2022 study, The Deciding Margin: How AAPI Voters Will Shape the Future of Texas. 

Key Findings:

1. Texas has seen the largest national increase in its Asian population from 2022 to 2023, gaining over 91,000 residents. Approximately 2 million AAPIs now call Texas home, comprising 6.6% of the state’s population.

2. An overwhelming 90% of AAPI Texans reside in the state’s four largest metropolitan areas: Houston, the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, Austin, and San Antonio.

3. The AAPI diaspora in Texas is rich and varied, with the majority (62%) identifying as Asian Indian, Chinese, or Vietnamese.

4. Despite higher overall education levels and median household incomes among AAPI Texans, subgroups exhibit higher enrollment rates in essential benefits programs, highlighting economic disparities within the AAPI population. Asian Texans make up 11.7% of the 17.9% of Texans using SNAP benefits, Supplemental Security income, and cash public assistance income.

5. Compared to the state’s overall population, AAPI Texans are more likely to be born outside of the U.S. (67%) and speak a non-English language at home (76%). 

"Texas' rapidly growing AAPI population is not just a statistic; it's a testament to our community's dynamic presence and increasing impact," said Lily Trieu, Executive Director of Asian Texans for Justice. “Our findings reveal a transformative and authentic narrative, showing a community deeply engaged in shaping Texas’ future.”

For more information and to access the full report, please click here.

Deep in the Heart of Asian Texas: Insights on AAPI Voters

Part 1 - Deep in the Heart of Asian Texas: Profiles of AAPI Communities

Part 2 - Deep in the Heart of Asian Texas: Voices of AAPI Voters - Sep 2024

Part 3 - Deep in the Heart of Asian Texas: Policy Opinions of AAPI Voters - Sep 2024

###

Asian Texans For Justice (ATJ) envisions a future where all people feel bold in their belonging. We connect Asian and Pacific Islander Texans to civic action to build personal and political power. For updates follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.