FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 14, 2019
Contact: Angelo Dalmacio, Communications Director
Angelo.Dalmacio@naffaa.org
Tel. 202-803-1353
New Census Data Shows Filipino Population in the United States Grew to Nearly 4.1 Million in 2018
American Community Survey estimates show rapidly growing Filipino population across U.S.; NaFFAA urges participation in 2020 Census
Washington, DC – Last month, the U.S. Census Bureau released its latest American Community Survey (ACS) data for 2018, showing that the estimated number of Filipinos, or Americans with Filipino ancestry, in the United States has grown to approximately 4,089,570. This number represents a population increase of over 52,000 from the 2017 data. The ten states with the highest population of Filipinos and Filipino Americans are as follows:
California: 1,653,167
Hawaii: 367,952
Texas: 204,192
Nevada: 168,200
Washington: 162,658
Florida: 158,254
Illinois: 156,121
New Jersey: 143,845
New York: 141,640
Virginia: 117,666
“The numbers bear out that we as Filipino Americans are an ascendant community in the United States—a community who’s full power and potential has yet to match our significant and growing presence in American society,” says NaFFAA President and National Chairman Brendan Flores. “We have among the highest educational attainment rates. We are a significant force in the educational, health care, and service industries. We have over one hundred thousand proud military personnel and retired military veterans. It is abundantly clear: our imprint on America is unmistakable, our contributions are undeniable, and our potential is immeasurable.”
“This ACS data tells a compelling story about our community’s growth and place in America, but I believe it only tells part of the story,” shares Carissa Villacorta, NaFFAA’s Executive Director. “I believe there are more of us than the ACS numbers show. And since there is power in numbers, it is more important than ever to make sure you and all your family members are counted in the 2020 decennial Census. By raising your hands and voices, you can bring more resources to your local communities, increase funding in your local schools, and speed up improvements to local cities and counties. The Census count truly has the potential to improve the quality of life for all Filipinos and Filipino Americans, and we are committed to ensuring that we are counted fairly and accurately.”
For more information and data on various demographic groups, visit the American Community Survey (ACS) website. For more information on the 2020 Census and its importance to Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, visit CountUsIn2020.org.
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About NaFFAA
The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization. Established in 1997, NaFFAA has been promoting the welfare and well-being of the 4 million Filipinos and Filipino Americans throughout the United States. NaFFAA’s vision is to serve as the voice of all Filipinos and Filipino Americans by uniting, engaging, and empowering diverse individuals and community organizations through leadership development, civic engagement, and national advocacy.
