| For the average West Texan, the Jasso family's story might be uneventful. But for demographers it is a unique case study. The Jassos exemplify the rapidly changing demographics in rural West Texas. While 33 rural counties in the Panhandle/South Plains region lost population during the first six years of this decade, in places like Crosby County, the Hispanic population is growing. It's now the majority group. Crosby County lost 7.4 percent of its population during the same period, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Yet, Hispanics became the largest ethnic group in the county. They now narrowly outnumber Anglos, 3,175 to 2,946. "This region is changing before our eyes," said Heflin, whose House District 85 includes the largest percentage of Spanish-surnamed residents. "Many people have left ... so if it wasn't for Hispanics, many more West Texas communities would be like ghost towns." |
From Anonyma - 13 May 2008 @ 07:01 pm
