Race and Ethnicity

Overview:

The single ethnic classification and seven race classifications identified by the U.S. Census are published in greater detail including; King County subregional population, origin data where available, and place of birth.  The above hyperlinks will navigate to specific categories.

  Download Data | Source:  2008 Claritas Update (Census Tract)

*Hispanic/Latino ethnicity is published here for comparison purposes only.  The sum of the seven race categories following the black border equals the Total King County population.  Read "Race Classification" below for further context 

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Ethnicity: Hispanic/Latino

Hispanic/Latino origin was the sole ethnicity surveyed in the 2000 U.S. Census.

Key Facts

As a percentage, the Hispanic/Latino population is the fastest growing population in each of King County’s sub-regions.

• In 2008 the Hispanic/Latino population was estimated at 139,414.

• In 2000 the King County Hispanic/Latino population was 95,242.

• Growth between 2000 and 2008 was 46.4%.

• This population currently comprises 7.5% of the King County population.

• This population is estimated to represent 8.7% of the King County population in 2013

Download Data | Source: Claritas 2008 Update (Census Tract Level)

North King County

• Population in 2008: 8,206

• Growth rate of 45.4% between 2000 and 2008

• Population currently makes up 5.7% of the total North King County sub-region.

East King County

• Population in 2008: 25,950

• Growth rate of 55.9% between 2000 and 2008, representing the fastest growth in the county.

• Population currently makes up 5.6% of subregion. This represents the lowest percent of between King County's subregions.

South South King County

• Population in 2008: 64,307

• Growth rate of 48.7% between 2000 and 2008

• Population comprises 9.7% of region.  This represents the highest regional concentrate of Hispanic/Latino population

Seattle

• Population in 2008: 40,951

• Growth rate is 37.9%, which represents the lowest growth rate in King County.

• Population makes up 6.9% of Seattle residents.

Race Classification

The 2000 U.S. Census included the question "Is this person Spanish/Hispanic/Latino."  This ethnicity was recorded as a separate and distinct classification from Race, which immediately followed this question.  By collecting data this way the Census Bureau can record whether a person is or is not of Hispanic/Latino origin separately from their race. Therefore, Hispanic/Latino ethnicity is not considered a separate race by the Census Bureau definition.  Persons of Hispanic/Latino origin may be of any race.

Elsewhere in this Assessment Hispanic/Latino is published set-aside as a stand-alone category distinct from races, and the race classifications are published immediately below.  Each race category in these tables and charts may include people who identify as Hispanic/Latino.

In the table immediately following, persons of Hispanic/Latino origin are broken out by the race categories selected.  For further reading on the distinction between Ethnicity and Race refer to the U.S. Census bureau  http://www.census.gov/prod/2001pubs/c2kbr01-1.pdf

 

2008 Hispanic/Latino Population By Self Reported Race Classification
Race	Count
African American/Black	3,041
American Indian / Alaska Native	2,406
Asian	1,654
Native Hawaiian /  Other Pacific Islander	404
White	59,107
Other	58,399
Two or More Races	14,403
TOTAL	139,414

Download Data | Source: Claritas 2008 Update (Census Tract Level)

Origin

Individuals identifying themselves as Hispanic/Latino were given additional geographic-based identifiers to indicate ancestry. The following options were available: Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba & Other.

Download Data | Source: Claritas 2008 Update (Census Tract Level)

• Mexican descent was the largest self-identified group with 92,199 individuals (66.1%) of the Hispanic/Latino population in 2008.

• “Other” Hispanic/Latino (individuals who self-identified as Hispanic/Latino but did not choose Mexico, Puerto Rico or Cuba as place of origin) made up 38,670 (27.7%) of the Hispanic/ Latino population in 2008.

Place of Birth

• 2005-2007 American Community Survey 3-Year estimates: 47.0% of the population is foreign born.

• In the 2000 Decennial Census, this same population was reported at 41.2% foreign born (with subregional breakout shown below).

* Note, due to methodology and timing ACS population data and Claritas data will show slightly different total population counts.  

Download Data |Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2005-2007 American Community Survey

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Race: African American/Black

Key Facts

• The King County African American/Black population in 2008 was 107,620.

• African American/Black population represents 5.8% of King County.

• 2000 to 2008 growth rate 14.6% (13,745)

• 2000-2008 changes ranged from a decrease of 3.1 (Seattle) to a growth rate of 35.5% rate (south).

• 2000 U.S. Census: 93,875 African American/Black people (5.4% of King County)

• In 2013 the African Americans/Black population is estimated to be 6.0% of the King County population.                             

Download Data | Source: Claritas 2008 Update (Census Tract Level)

North King County

• Population was 3,127 in 2008.

• Growth rate: 25.3% from 2000-2008

East King County

• Population of 6,727 in 2008

• Growth rate of 18.7% between 2000 and 2008.

South King County

• Population was 51,726 in 2008.

• Growth rate was 35.5%. (13,544).

• South County now has a larger African American/Black population than Seattle.

To add some perspective, the population increase in the South King County African American/Black population accounts for almost the entire increase in this demographic

Seattle

• Population was 46,040 in 2008.

• Rate of decrease was 3.1%.

• Seattle now has the second highest African American/Black subregional population.
   

Place of Birth

The 2005-2007 American Community Survey reported that 23.5% of the African American/Black population was foreign born.       

* Note, due to methodology and timing ACS population data and Claritas data will show slightly different total population counts.  

Download Data | Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2005-2007 American Community Survey

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Race: American Indian/Alaska Native

Context: American Indian/Alaska Native

Per the US Census Bureau “the term ‘American Indian’ or ‘Alaska Native’ refers to people having origins in any of the original peoples of North and South America including Central America, who maintain tribal affiliation or community attachment.”  This definition is controversial and is not broadly accepted among American Indian populations. In the United States, the categorization of people as American Indians has political implications beyond those associated with other racial classifications.

Key Facts

• The King County American Indian/Alaska Native population in 2008 was 16,854.

• The American Indian/Alaska Native population represents 0.9% of King County.

• 2000 to 2008 growth rate 5.9% (932)

• 2000-2008 changes ranged from a decrease of 2.2% in Seattle to a growth rate of 22.7% in East King County

Download Data | Source: Claritas 2008 Update (Census Tract Level)

North King County

• Population was 970 in 2008.

• Growth rate: was 8.0% from 2000-2008.

East King County

• Population was 2,313 in 2008.

• Growth rate: 22.7% (428) from 2000-2008

• This region reports the highest growth rate in the county.

South King County

• Population was 8,037 in 2008.

• Growth rate: 7.4% (555) from 2000-2008

• This region has the largest American Indian and Alaska Native population.

Seattle

• Population was 5,534 in 2008.

• Rate of decrease of 2.2% from 2000-2008

• This population was 123 persons fewer than recorded din 2000.

Per the American Community Survey 2005 results, 13.7% of the American Indian and Alaska Native population was foreign born.

* Note, due to methodology and timing ACS population data and Claritas data will show slightly different total population counts.  

Download Data | Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2005-2007 American Community Survey

Additional reading on the American Indian/Alaska Native population can be found under Crosscutting Issues section under the page Racial Equity and Homelessness under the title Relocation Programs of Native Peoples

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Race: Asian

Key Facts

• Asian population in King County is the largest non-white population, with 248,368 individuals.

• Between 2000 and 2008, the Asian population grew by 60,623 persons.

• Population makes up 13.3% of King County in 2008, up from 10.8% in 2000.

• The growth rate in this population was 32.3% in the last 8 years.

• Between 2000 and 2013 the overall growth rate is expected to be 53.9%.  

Download Data | Source: Claritas 2008 Update (Census Tract Level)

North King County

• Population was 15,673 in 2008.

• Growth rate: 26.8% from 2000-2008

East King County

• Population was 64,522 in 2008.

• Growth rate: 46.3% from 2000-2008

• This represents the fasted growth rate in King County.

South King County

• Population was 80,067 in 2008.

• With 22,693, South King County had the largest numeric growth

• Growth rate: 39.6% from 2000-2008

Seattle

• Population was 88,106 in 2008.

• Growth rate: 19.2% from 2000-2008 

Origin

Persons of Asian descent were given twelve options for additional identification on the 2000 U.S. Census: Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Asian Indian, Korean, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Hmong, Laotian, Thai, “Other” and “Two or More Asian.”

Growth rates among the Asian sub-categories ranged from a high of 40.3% (Asian Indian) to a low of 27.0% (Laotian).

Chinese, Non Taiwanese

• This was the highest reported sub-population with 55,404.

• The growth rate was 32.1% between 2000 and 2008

• This population represents 22.3% of the Asian population.

Filipino

• This is the second largest sub-population with 43,916 persons in 2008.

• The Filipino population represents 17.7% of the persons of Asian descent.
   

Vietnamese

• Vietnamese descent represents the third largest Asian population with 35,636 in 2008.

• This population makes up 14.3% of the Asian population.

Japanese

• This is the fourth largest Asian sub-category with 28,389 persons.

• This population represents 11.4% of the Asian population.

• Growth in the population was 32.3%.

Indian Subcontinent

• This sub-population is number 6, behind Korean descent but is distinguished for recording the largest growth rate at 40.3%.

• The population was reported at 22,200 in 2008.

• This sub-population represents 8.9% of the Asian population.

Download Data | Source: Claritas 2008 Update (Census Tract Level)

Place of Birth

• Estimated to have the highest foreign-born population at 66.9% according to the 2005-2007 American Community Survey with 159,512 foreign born.

• One of only two race categories indicating a higher than 50% foreign birth-rate with the category “some other race” reporting 54.7%

* Note, due to methodology and timing ACS population data and Claritas data will show slightly different total population counts.

Download Data | Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2005-2007 American Community Survey

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Race: Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander

Prior to the 2000 U.S. Census, Pacific Islander was categorized as part of the Asian race category. Since the data was combined in prior years it is not feasible to analyze comparable numbers prior to 2000.

Key Facts

• In 2008, the Hawaiian/Pacific Islander population was 10,959.

• The growth rate in this population was 21.6% between 2000 and 2008.

• This race represents 0.6% of the King County population.

Download Data  Source: Claritas 2008 Update (Census Tract Level)

North King County

• Population was 398 in 2008.

• Growth rate: 17.4% from 2000-2008.

East King County

• Population was 962 in 2008.

• Growth rate: 37.8% from 2000-2008

• Fastest growth rate in the county

South King County

• Population was 6,477 in 2008.

• Growth rate: 25.2% from 2000-2008.

• South County contains 59.1% of the total population for this race.

Seattle

• Population was 3.122 in 2008.

• Growth rate: 11.3% from 2000-2008

Origin

Persons reporting Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander race were additionally given the following 9 reporting categories: Polynesian Native Hawaiian, Polynesian Samoan, Polynesian Tonga, Polynesian Other Polynesian, Micronesian Guamanian or Chamorro, Micronesian Other Micronesian, Melanesian, Other Pacific Islander, Not Specified, Two or More Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander Categories.

Download Data | Source: Claritas 2008 Update (Census Tract Level)

Polynesian Samoan

• Largest sub-population

• Made up 43.1% of all Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander population in 2008

• Population includes 5,020 individuals

• Population grew at a rate of 20.0% between 2000-2008

Polynesian Native Hawaiian

• Second highest reported category

• Includes 19.4% of the population

• Population grew from 1,506 persons in 2000 to 1,884 in 2008

• This population  was tied with the category "Two or More Native Hawaiian and other                                     Pacific Islander Categories" population with the highest growth rate at 25.1%

Micronesian Guamanian or Chamorro

• Third highest category with 1,252 persons

• Represents 11.5% of the population

• The growth rate for this population was 21.8%

Other Pacific Islander, Not Specified

• This category grew at a rate of 22.3%

• This population increased from 672 persons to 822

Place of Birth

• In 2008 it is estimated that 28.3% of the population is foreign born.

• Back in 2000, the US Census reported the rate was 27.9%

Non-foreign born includes having at least one U.S. citizen as a parent or being born in the U.S. or what are termed U.S. island areas.

* Note, due to methodology and timing ACS population data and Claritas data will show slightly different total population counts.

Download Data | Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2005-2007 American Community Survey

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Race: White

Key Facts

• In 2000, there were 1,315,507 persons in King County who indicated that their single race identification is white.

• This race accounted for 75.7% of the total county population in 2000 and 71.5% in 2008.

• Between 2000 and 2008 this population increased by 1.2%, with 15,731 persons.

• By the year 2013 the white population will represent 68.9% of the King County population with a total count of 1,337,256

• Regional rates of change ranged from an increase of 6.4% (east) to a decline of 2.4% (south).

Download Data | Source: Claritas 2008 Update (Census Tract Level)

North King County

• Population was 114,811 in 2008

• Decrease rate: 1.6% from 2000-2008

East King County

• Population was 364,134 in 2008

• Growth rate: 6.4% from 2000-2008

• Largest growth rate in the county adding 21,955 persons

South King County

• Population was 450,533 in 2008

• Decrease rate: 2.4% from 2000-2008

• Currently hosts the largest white population.

• At the same time, it recorded the largest decrease between 2000 and 2008 losing 11,254 persons

Seattle

• Population was 401,760 in 2008

• Growth rate: 1.7% from 2000-2008

Place of Birth

• the 2008 American Community Survey estimated that 9.4% of this population is foreign born.

• The 2000 US Census reported the foreign born rate was 7.1% at the time. 

• This population records the second highest U.S.-born rate.

* Note, due to methodology and timing ACS population data and Claritas data will show slightly different total population counts.

Download Data | Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2005-2007 American Community Survey

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Race: Other Race

 “Some Other Race” was designated by the Office of Management and Budget to account for persons who do not identify with any of the 5 OMB categories (African American/Black, American Indian and Alaska Native, Asian, Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander, or White).
 

Key Facts

• In 2008 an estimated 63,199 persons in King County self-identified as “some other race.”

• This population accounts for 3.4% of the King County population.

• “Some Other Race” increased at a rate of 42.1% ranging from 30.9% increase (Seattle) to 50.6% (East)   

Download Data | Source: Claritas 2008 Update (Census Tract Level)

North King County

• Population was 3,283 in 2008

• Growth rate: 41.3% from 2000-2008

East King County

• Population was 10,343 in 2008

• Growth rate: 50.6% from 2000-2008

South King County

• Population was 32,023 in 2008

• Growth rate: 46.4% from 2000-2008

• This region accounts for 51.0% of the entire population for this race category.

Seattle

• Population was 17,550 in 2008

• Growth rate: 30.9% from 2000-2008

Place of Birth

• Estimated that 53.4% of the population was foreign born in 2008

• 2000 US Census reported the rate was 50.4% at the time

• One of only two race classifications reporting less than half the population born in the U.S.

* Note, due to methodology and timing ACS population data and Claritas data will show slightly different total population counts.

Download Data | Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2005-2007 American Community Survey

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Race/Ethnicity: Two or More Races

Context: Two or More Races

For purposes of this assessment, data is being reported using mutually exclusive categories. This means individuals reporting two or more races will be reported a single time under this category and not duplicated under the two races selected. By reporting this data under a single category, the total population is correctly documented as an unduplicated count. In other reports the reader may note each race recorded as “alone or in combination.” This method of reporting can be useful, but it means more than 70,000 persons would have been counted in two or more categories in 2000 with that number growing by approximately 1,400 annually.

The term “Two or More Races” was not available for participants to select at the time of the 2000
U.S. Census. This category represents those participants who marked multiple race categories.

It is estimated that individuals reporting “Two or More Races” will become increasingly common, as diversity and the number of interracial households increases.

Key Facts

• In 2008, 83,554 people in King County were self-identifying under multiple race categories.

• This category represents 4.5% of the total population

• This population has grown at a rate of 18.5% between 2000 and 2008

• This population is estimated to increase to 4.7% of the total population in 2013

Download Data | Source: Claritas 2008 Update (Census Tract Level)

North King County

• Population in 2008: 5,733

• Growth rate of 14.8% between 2000 and 2008

East King County

• Population in 2008: 15,021

• Growth rate of 26.8% between 2000 and 2008

• Highest growth rate in the county

South King County

• Population in 2008: 34,171

• Growth rate of 19.8% between 2000 and 2008

• Largest population in the county for this race category with 34,171 persons representing 40.9% of the county

Seattle

• Population in 2008: 28,629

• Growth rate of 13.9% between 2000 and 2008
   

Place of Birth

The category “two or more races” was reported on the American Community Survey as having the lowest foreign born population with only 5.3% of the population fitting this criterion

• The 2000 US Census reported the foreign birth rate for this community was 18.0%

* Note, due to methodology and timing ACS population data and Claritas data will show slightly different total population counts.

Download Data | Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2005-2007 American Community Survey

^Footnote

^[1] Data are limited to the household population and exclude the population living in institutions, college dormitories, and other group quarters. For information on confidentiality protection, sampling error, nonsampling error, and definitions, see Survey Methodology.

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