About Texas

Texas is a state defined by its occupants. Geographically, its proximity to Mexico has heavily influenced the local culture, music, and art. Contained within are bustling cities and huge stretches of land. Contrary to stereotypes, they are every bit the modern state, at the forefront of energy technology, with students from across the States flocking to their universities. This is an overview of the demographics one could expect, if exploring the Lone Star state. Who really lives in Texas, and where? A 20% increase in the last decade, the population of Texas stands at about 25 million. Of those, 15% are foreign immigrants. In turn, it is estimated that nearly a third of those immigrants are undocumented immigrants. Indeed, the percentage of white Texans has only recently dropped the half-way mark, sitting at 47%. German, Irish, and English are their most common ancestries. Hispanics make up 37%. Most are Mexican in origin, with some Cubans and Puerto Ricans as well. Black Americans stand at 11.3%, making them the largest minority group. Pacific Islanders, Asians, and Native Americans are represented to a lesser extent, but still have a presence.

Where are these people within the great state of Texas? With a population density of 35 people per square kilometer, the state stands just above the national average. This could be consequence of the fact that two thirds of her residents stay in the city. Most of the area outside of the towns is open plains, or tough hills, so this could be a reason for the metropolitan concentration. Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas are not only Texas' three most populated cities, but amongst the ten most populated in the USA. Houston and Dallas alone account for 12 million people. Sheer size coupled with international airports have earned them respect as world hubs. Texas is a red state, through and through. Raising ex-President, former governor, George W. Bush is fine evidence. Republicans voted at 55% of the populace during the last presidential election, a wide margin by statistical standards. The political lines are drawn with the right heavily present in rural and suburban areas, while areas near the Rio Grande and major cities have more of a left lean. This conservative trend continues in the popular religions of the state. Predominantly Roman Catholic and Southern Baptists, the United Methodists bring up the rear. Some of the most attended churches in the world are in Texas.

Written by Lyndsey Morgan