The U.S. is becoming increasingly more diverse. According to projections from the Census Bureau, by 2045, no single ethnic group will hold a majority in the population. But according to a recent study, certain states place a greater emphasis on promoting diversity than others.
According to a study by WalletHub, Texas ranks as the second-most diverse state in the U.S. as of 2024 and, as a large border state, has a significant and varied population. What truly sets Texas apart is its industrial diversity, leading the nation in the variety of jobs available to its residents.
In terms of racial and ethnic diversity, Texas ranks fourth in the country. About 40% of the population is white, nearly 40% is Hispanic, around 12% is Black and 5% is Asian.
Texas also stands out for its language diversity, with about 35% of residents speaking a non-English language at home, making it third in the nation. Additionally, it ranks third in religious diversity and fourth in household size diversity.
The Lone Star State also ranks 18th in income diversity, 9th in educational attainment diversity, 26th in birthplace diversity and 19th in occupational diversity. The study placed Texas 26th in worker-class diversity, but it stands out in household-size diversity, where it ranks 4th in the nation.
“Texas is a big state and includes some of everyone it seems,” said University of Houston Associate Professor and Department Chair Xavia Karner in an official statement. “The diversity can lead to misunderstandings and tensions at times, but it also brings a dynamism to the cultural landscape that increases the quality of life exponentially.”
The only state ahead of Texas was California. The state leads the nation in language diversity, with only 56% of residents speaking only English at home, while 28% speak Spanish, and nearly 10% speak Asian or Pacific Islander languages. It also ranks second in racial and ethnic diversity, with a population that is 35% white, nearly 40% Hispanic, 15% Asian and around 5% Black.
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