The largest subgroup of Asians in the United States is Chinese,
accounting for 23 percent, or 2.7 million of the total 11.9 million Asian population. This
is true for both the Asian alone and the in combination populations (see previous QuickInsight for explanation). Running a close second
is the Filipino population—either alone, or in combination with
another race. They account for 2.4 million, or 20 percent of the total Asian population.
Asian Indians are third with 1.9 million. Interestingly, of the six largest specified
Asian groups the Japanese were most likely to report as being a mix of one or more other
races or Asian groups. Thirty-one percent (31%) reported as being of a mixed race or in
combination with another Asian group. Vietnamese were the least likely of the six largest
Asian groups to be of either a mixed race or in combination with another Asian group, at
8.3% or their total population. -JK
Fast Fact:Foreign-born
Asians are better educated than most other foreign-born groups. The proportion of people
25 years or older who were born in Asia and have a high school education or higher is 84%
compared to only 67% of foreign-born groups other than Asian who have a high school
education or higher.
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Asian Population by Detailed Group* *Groups with 1 million or more (including Asian alone or in
any combination)
Source: US Census Bureau; Census 2000
POPULATION
2000
% ASIAN POP
% US POP
Chinese
2.7
22.68%
0.96%
Filipino
2.4
20.17%
0.85%
Asian Indian
1.9
15.96%
0.67%
Vietnamese
1.2
10.08%
0.43%
Korean
1.2
10.08%
0.43%
Japanese
1.1
9.24%
0.39%
All Others
Reported
1.4
11.76%
0.49%
Asian Alone or
In Combination
11.9
100.00%
4.23%
NUMBERS
IN MILLIONS
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Ministry Ideas
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Consider the racial/ethnic makeup of your congregation and
your community. Are any Asian ethnicities represented? The bridge to racial/ethnic
ministry is built upon an understanding and respect for the culture. . .
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How much understanding do you have of the Asian culture overall and
in particular, the specific group or groups they may represent? For example, what might be
some of the cultural and religious differences between a Chinese-American and a
Korean-American? How might failing to understand those differences cause an unintentional
barrier in communication?
Think of ways that you can educate yourself and your congregation about
these differences. Consider having an ethnic dinner night with the express purpose of
getting to know the various Asian sub-groups within your community.
