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Diversity in Dallas - Immigration Statistics 2024
While immigration in the U.S. remains a contentious subject, and while it divides the populace along very well-defined lines, it is interesting to analyze some of the more settled statistics relating to the Dallas region and immigration.
The politicization of immigration has resulted in complex immigration laws. Each new political handover seems to result in changes to immigration laws and immigration enforcement, much to the frustration of immigration officials. The laws change often, and simply staying updated is a challenge.
If you are considering immigration or you are facing deportation proceedings, it is a good idea to see a skilled, locally-based immigration lawyer to help you strategize and build your case.
Dallas, in a Nutshell
The World Population Review provides us with the following big-picture statistics for Dallas:
- The population is estimated to be 1,317,210 in 2024.
- The annual growth rate of the population is 0.68%.
- The population density is 3,877.20 per square mile.
- Non-Hispanic whites represent less than a third of the Dallas population.
- More than a quarter of Dallas residents are foreign-born.
Does Texas Have a Positive Immigrant Status?
Economic growth in Texas has historically been positively influenced by immigration. International migration to Texas eased significantly during the pandemic, but domestic migration filled the gap, maintaining the state’s population expansion.
Texas has a higher population growth rate than the national average. Net migration into Texas has been positive and larger than the U.S. average in recent years. Dallas is a major destination for Hispanic immigrants and Mexican Americans.
In terms of racial diversity in the Dallas population, Bloomberg published in 2018 that the population breakdown data for Dallas communities were as follows:
- White — 48.3 percent
- Hispanic — 28.2 percent
- Black — 16.8 percent
- Asian — 6 percent
Historically a predominantly white city, with 82% of the population identifying as non-Hispanic white in 1930, the population has diversified due to immigration by Hispanic immigrants and Mexican Americans and white flight.
Mexican and Hispanic migrants tend to gravitate to Dallas, and their cultures are pretty robust, with some neighborhoods, such as Oak Cliff, taking on a predominantly Hispanic culture reflecting the Hispanic population. In addition, there has been a significant increase in the Black or African American population.
Suburban Race Bias
Interestingly, some of the suburbs have developed around various race groups. Some areas, such as the southwestern and southeastern areas, are predominantly black. Hispanics have gravitated to the west and eastern suburbs. North Dallas is primarily white. This being said, Dallas is also home to significant numbers of Asians. Koreans, Taiwanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, Indians, Pakistanis, and Sri Lankans. Asian residents have moved into areas such as Arlington, Irving, Flower Mound, and Garland.
Languages Spoken in Dallas
Due to the diversity of race, there are many different languages spoken across Dallas – some of these include:
- Austronesian languages such as Samoan, Native Hawaiian
- Arabic
- Hebrew
- Afro-Asiatic languages include Somali and Amharic
- Western African languages such as Yoruba and Igbo
- Swahili and other languages of Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa
Many different languages are spoken across Dallas.
Russian in Dallas
There are approximately 70 thousand Russian-speaking people in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Russian immigrants come from the Soviet Bloc, including:
- Russians
- Russian Jews
- Ukrainians
- Uzbeks
- Belarusians
A Few Statistics About Dallas, Texas
Dallas is the ninth largest city in the U.S., with 49.59% men and 50.41% women.
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, also known as the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, is the seventh largest metropolitan area in the country, with an estimated population in 2024 of 6.8 million broken down as follows:
- The median age of the Dallas population is 33.1 years
- 648,990 people are male
- 651,652 are female
Some Interesting Origin Statistics
Here are a few other interesting facts about where non-citizens resident in Dallas were born:
- 81.1% of non-citizens were born in Latin America
- 8.64% were born in Asia
- 7.75% are of African birth
The origin of naturalized citizens are as follows:
- 60.63% are Latin American
- 20.53% are from the Asian population
- 11.29% are African
Immigration and Texas
Reproduced below are some facts about Immigration and Texas from the American Immigration Council:
- In Texas, one in six residents is an immigrant.
- More than one-third of immigrants in Texas are naturalized U.S. citizens.
- 1.4 million U.S. citizens in Texas live with at least one undocumented family member.
- According to labor statistics, one in five workers is an immigrant, constituting an essential part of the Texan labor force.
- Immigrants contribute tens of billions of dollars in taxes.
- Immigrant consumers add well over one hundred billion dollars to Texas’s economy.
- Immigrant entrepreneurs in Texas generate over ten billion dollars in business revenue.
Home Ownership and Rental Statistics
Between 2010 and 2018, household numbers grew in Dallas from 458,000 to just over 521,000 households with the following dynamics:
- 137,000 had children under the age of 18 living with them.
- Married couples headed 40% of the homes.
- The average family had 3.5 people in it.
- 40% of households are owner-occupied, and 59% are renter-occupied.
- The median age in Dallas was 33 years old in 2018.
- 26% of the population was under 18.
International Students in Texas
Texas has the 3rd largest number of international students in the United States, with over 80,000 enrolled in higher education institutions as of 2024. International students contribute significantly to the economy, bringing in millions of dollars in tuition and fees.
Universities in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex enroll students from all over the world, with a diverse student body and a variety of programs to choose from. The city’s vibrant cultural scene and affordable living costs make it an attractive destination for international students looking to study in the U.S.
Immigration as a Positive Contributor
These interesting facts illustrate just how vital the immigrant population is for Texas and, more specifically, for the Dallas population. Immigrants make a positive contribution to so many aspects of life. They bring diversity, culture, and innovation to Texas.
Immigration is also essential for job growth, as immigrants make up a significant portion of the labor force in Texas. This is especially notable given that the state’s economy continues to boom thanks to various industries such as energy, technology, and health care. As a result, immigration plays a crucial role in Texas’s overall economic growth and prosperity.
Furthermore, international students not only bring in revenue but also contribute to the academic and cultural landscape of universities in Dallas. With their diverse perspectives and experiences, they enrich classrooms and campus life for both domestic and international students alike.
Get Help With Your Immigration Journey
At Andrew T. Thomas Attorneys at Law, we assist people who enter the U.S. to chase their American Dream. Our Dallas immigration attorneys have been helping clients navigate the complex U.S. immigration system for over 30 years.
Our team will guide you through the process of obtaining a visa, green card, or citizenship. We also assist with naturalization and deportation defense. With our extensive experience and knowledge in immigration law, we can help you achieve your goals and make your dreams come true.
We understand how overwhelming and stressful the immigration process can be, especially with recent changes in policies under the federal government. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized attention and support to each client, including asylum seekers.
If you or a loved one needs help with your immigration journey in Dallas and Texas at large, contact us today for a consultation. Let us help you navigate through this complex legal system and achieve your immigration goals.