TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — As Michigan's population shrinks, it's also becoming more racially diverse.
Census data released this week shows that the number of Hispanic and Asian residents in the state rose by more than one-third over the past decade, while another category — non-Hispanic multi-racial — jumped 45 percent.
At a time when results from the 2010 census have dealt Michigan one blow after another — from the loss of a U.S. House seat to Detroit's 25-percent tumble — the fact that the state is drawing newcomers from racial and ethnic minorities offers a ray of hope.
The number of Hispanics in Michigan increased 34.7 percent and the number of Asian residents increased 34.9 percent.
Demographer William Frey says Hispanics have accounted for more than half the growth in 18 states.
