Hispanic Population up 31% in Washington state

According to The Carsey Institute, between 2000 and 2006 the Hispanic population in Washington grew by 31.4%, about four times faster than the 8.5% population growth of the state. The study also highlights the move from urban to rural communities especially in the northwest, with about 80,000 living in Washington's rural towns.

The states with the largest number of Hispanics living in rural areas include Texas, New Mexico, North Carolina, Arizona, Colorado, Florida and Arizona with more than 100,000 living outside of cities. The study shows that northern states are quickly gaining on the South, with Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Michigan, Illinois and Georgia all having more than 50,000 living in rural areas. Hispanic media is also taking notice with a Univision station in Seattle and an Azteca America station in Redmond.