U.S. Hispanic Population Surpasses 45 Million
Now 15 Percent of Total

RELEASED: THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2008
The nation’s Hispanic population increased 1.4 million to reach 45.5 million on July 1, 2007, or 15.1 percent of the estimated total U.S. population of 301.6 million.

Hispanics remained the largest minority group, with blacks (single race or multiracial) second at 40.7 million in 2007. The black population exceeded 500,000 in 20 states. Blacks were the largest minority group in 24 states, compared with 20 states in which Hispanics were the largest minority group.

In a Generation, Minorities May Be the U.S. Majority

According to new Census Bureau projections, ethnic and racial minorities who identify themselves as Hispanic, black, Asian, American Indian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander will become the majority of the US population by 2042 -sooner than the anticipated date of 2050-, Sam Robert reports. Main reasons are higher birthrates among minorities and predicted rising influx of immigrants. Read how these changes will affect presidential elections, baby-boomers' retirement and life expectancy.