DFW Metroplex Leads the Nation in Asian Population Growth

What the transforming Texas demographic means for AAPI business owners 

By André Averion, Communications Chair

Published September 25th, 2024.

The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex accounts for nearly half of the more than 91,000 Asian residents who have recently moved to Texas, making it one of the fastest-growing Asian American metro areas in the United States.

A report by Asian Texans for Justice indicates that the DFW metroplex attracted approximately 44,000 Asian Americans between 2022 and 2023. Collin County, one of the fastest-growing counties in the country, accounted for 22% of all Asian migrants, with 20,000 new residents. The largest subgroups in DFW's Asian community are Indian (35%), followed by Vietnamese (15.3%), Chinese (12.2%), Filipino (8%), and Korean (7.1%), with nearly two-thirds of Asian Americans in the area being foreign-born.

The metroplex benefits from a booming economic development, where several industries have found rapid success from when a $100 billion wealth migration made landfall in Texas last year, opening several jobs supported by an inclusive transportation infrastructure and skilled workers produced by several rapidly growing universities. In light of several economic pulls, Asian Americans made their way into the Lone Star state.

With the influx of Asian Americans comes increased demand for businesses and civic engagement related to the Asian community.

Businesses can expect opportunities for growth by catering to the preferences and cultural needs of various Asian demographics. Companies can benefit by offering culturally inclusive products, services, and marketing that appeal to new residents seeking familiar experiences.

For Filipino businesses specifically, most physical locations are currently concentrated in Collin County. Filipino companies providing authentic cuisine, groceries, or international trade services may attract customers seeking familiar products, while also expanding their reach by incorporating services that resonate with other Asian communities through collaborations and cross-cultural marketing. Networking within the Filipino community and utilizing bilingual communication can further build customer loyalty and trust.

In addition to business growth, political influence is also on the rise. The Asian American community in the DFW Metroplex has quietly become an influential voting bloc, shaping local and state elections, particularly in the upcoming battleground for District 112 in Dallas. This district, one of the largest Asian American constituencies in Texas, will see incumbent Rep. Angie Chen Button face off against Averie Bishop.

Candidates and political parties are increasingly addressing issues critical to the DFW community, including immigration, education, community development and economic opportunities.

"In tough times when people are feeling the squeeze in their wallets, it’s important to recognize that public benefits programs impact our community, and state lawmakers are making proposals and changes to what benefits are available," Lily Trieu, executive director of Asian Texans for Justice, told The Dallas Morning News. "We want to dispel the minority myth and push back on the rhetoric that Asian Americans don't require support from local and state governments."

Asian Americans are also reshaping local real estate trends. As new residents arrive, many are settling in suburban areas such as Frisco, Plano, and Allen, driving up demand for housing and influencing local property markets. The high demand for housing, coupled with the desire for culturally inclusive neighborhoods, is likely to spur growth in these areas.

Community organizations are stepping up to support this growing population. Groups like the DFW Asian-American Citizens Council and local cultural associations like PACE provide valuable resources for new immigrants, offering services that range from language assistance to business networking. These organizations are playing a critical role in fostering civic engagement and helping new residents integrate into local communities.

Looking ahead, the continued growth of the Asian American population in DFW is expected to have a lasting impact on the region. Projections suggest that this demographic shift will not only fuel economic growth but also bring about greater cultural and political influence in the years to come.