Asian population now the largest in two Bay Area counties, according to new data

This map by the U.S. Census Bureau reflects Asian population percentage breakdowns in California for cities and towns with a population of 5,000 or more. This map by the U.S. Census Bureau reflects Asian population percentage breakdowns in California for cities and towns with a population of 5,000 or more. Photo: U.S. Census Bureau Photo: U.S. Census Bureau Image 1 of / 3 Caption Close Asian population now the largest in two Bay Area counties, according to new data 1 / 3 Back to Gallery

Asians make up the largest racial group in Santa Clara and Alameda counties, according to new data by the U.S. Census Bureau.

The data released Thursday notes that 38.3 percent of Santa Clara County and 31.8 percent of Alameda County’s total population accounted for people of Asian backgrounds.

The 2019 projected population for Alameda County is more than 1.6 million, and more than 1.9 million for Santa Clara County.

A closer look at the largest demographic groups per county showed that Santa Clara County was composed of 38.3 percent Asians; 31 percent (White, non-Hispanic or Latino); 25.3 percent (Hispanic/Latino); 4.1 percent (two or more races); and 2.8 percent (Black).

For Alameda County the demographic breakdown was: 31.8 percent (Asian); 31.1 percent (White, non-Hispanic or Latino); 22.4 percent (Hispanic/Latino); 11.2 percent (Black); and 5.3 percent (two or more races).

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By comparison San Francisco County, which had a reported population of 895,318, has about 35.9 percent persons of Asian descent living in the city.

The same report explained an uptick in an aging U.S. population, while also showing that the face of our nation is changing by race and ethnicity.

"Along with this general aging trend, we also see variation among race and ethnicity groups both in growth patterns and aging," Luke Rogers, the Chief of the Population Estimates Branch at the Census Bureau, wrote.

California is also the state with the largest Asian population in the country, with more than 5 million people.

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Susana Guerrero is an SFGATE producer. Email: Susana.Guerrero@sfgate.com | Twitter: @SusyGuerrero3