Figure 2.10

University of California, Irvine, School of Social Ecology Irvine at 50: A Tale of Continuity and Change • November 1 2021

Figure 2.10

University of California, Irvine, School of Social Ecology Irvine at 50: A Tale of Continuity and Change • November 1 2021

In Figure 2.11, we compare Irvine to other cities in the U.S. based on racial and ethnic composition. We see that:

• A notable feature is the strong presence of Asians (green line). Irvine had a 300% larger Asian population in 1980 compared to the average city (note: the Census does not provide data earlier than this), which grew to almost 500% larger in 1990 and over 700% larger since then. The percent Asian has risen from 7.5% in 1980 to 43% in 2017.

• Irvine does not fit the stereotype of the predominantly white suburb. In the first three decades (1970, 1980, 1990) the city had a similar percent white as the average U.S. city (purple line). Since then, the relative presence of whites has consistently fallen and is now 20% less than the average U.S. city. The percent white has fallen from 90% in 1970 to just 40% in 2017.

• Although Irvine had a disproportionately larger share of Latinos in 1970 (about 100% larger than the average city), this figure fell and in more recent years the share of Latino residents in Irvine is less than the average city (red line). Latinos now comprise roughly 10% of Irvine residents.

• There has always been a very small representation of Black residents in Irvine (blue line), a trend which continues today. Irvine has 200% fewer Black residents as an average city.

• Irvine has maintained relatively high racial/ethnic mixing (i.e., racial heterogeneity) over time (orange line). Whereas the city had just a little more heterogeneity compared to the average city in 1970, Irvine’s racial heterogeneity increased to become 30% greater than the average U.S. city in 1980, and since then has been 40%-50% greater than the average city.

• Irvine has consistently had a very high immigrant presence (aqua line). In 1970, the city had about 80% more immigrants than an average U.S. city, in 1980 120% more, and since 1990 Irvine has had about 200% more immigrants than an average city.

• Although not shown in this figure, Irvine has experienced inflows of specific immigrant groups:

- Irvine has a mix of immigrants from Asian countries. Since 2000, 5%-9% of Irvine residents are immigrants from China, about 5% are from Korea, 2.5% are from Vietnam, and about 2% are from Japan.

- Immigration from India has increased in recent years from 2% in 2000 to 4% now.

- Irvine was an early destination for immigrants from Iran after the fall of the Shah in 1979. In recent years, 3-4% of the resident population are immigrants from Iran, and about 6% have Iranian ancestry.