SILVER SPRING, MD – Montgomery County’s population has grown more diverse over the last decade, becoming a majority-minority county for the first time, according to recently released 2010 U.S. Census data. The figures are based on 50.7 percent of residents identifying themselves as Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian or Pacific Islander or an ethnicity other than non-Hispanic White.
Of the estimated 971,777 people living in Montgomery County, the Census data breaks down the population as follows:
- 50.7 percent other than non-Hispanic White (Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian or Pacific Islander)
- 49.3 percent non-Hispanic White, down 7.8 percent in the last decade
- 17 percent Hispanic or Latino, up 64.4 percent in the last decade
- 16.6 percent Black or African American, up 25 percent in the last decade
- 13.9 percent Asian and Pacific Islander, up 37.5 percent in the last decade
Access more data about population trends in Montgomery and neighboring counties.
The gains in the minority population fueled Montgomery County’s growth of 11.3 percent -- or 98,436 people -- since 2000. With a total population of close to 1 million, Montgomery County is Maryland’s most populous county and ranks second in the metropolitan Washington, D.C. region to Fairfax County, whose population stands at 1,081,726.
“Those places in America that are attractive to new people are the places that will prosper,” said Planning Director Rollin Stanley. “The increase in minority population is a solid foundation for our county. Most new businesses will be started by people in the minority community. This will add to the retailing, services and cultural diversity of the county, which benefits everyone.”
People of Hispanic or Latino origin is not only the largest minority group, but also the fastest-growing group, gaining 64.4 percent since 2000. “Hispanic” or “Latino” is a self-identified label applied by people based on their family origin and culture and can include people of any race.
Last decade’s housing bubble and the economic recession dampened growth compared to the 16-percent population gains Montgomery County saw in the 1990s.