Census and Predictions

This press release was issued by the US Census Bureau in March. As of July 2004, there were 14 million Asians in the US. It is projected that by 2050 Asians will comprise 8% of the population.

And some statistics found in another, related press release,

Asian-Owned Businesses

* There were 1.1 million Asian-owned businesses in 2002, up 24 percent from 1997. Their receipts were $343.3 billion, up 13 percent from 1997.

* An estimated 319,911 Asian-owned businesses had paid employees and their receipts totaled $307.6 billion, or about $961,379 per firm.

* Asian-owned businesses with no paid employees numbered 785,418, up 30 percent from 1997. Their receipts were $35.8 billion, up 27 percent from 1997. Average receipts of these businesses were $45,537 per firm.

* About 28 percent of Asian-owned firms were in health care and other services, with another 14 percent each in professional services and retail trade.

* Asian-owned firms accounted for 45 percent of businesses in Hawaii, 13 percent of firms in California and 9 percent in New York.

For Asian foodies like me, I’m hoping this will mean more authentic Asian restaurants opening across the nation, more Asian products being made available in our stores, and just a greater overall awareness of Asian cuisine. The possibilities are limitless!