Pacific Islanders represent a small yet vibrant community within Texas, contributing to the state’s cultural diversity. According to the 2022 American Community Survey, approximately 27,000 individuals in Texas identify as Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, either alone or in combination with other races. (everytexan.org)

Population Distribution:

The largest concentrations of Pacific Islanders in Texas are found in the following counties:

– Harris County: Approximately 5,786 individuals. (beautifydata.com)

– Tarrant County: Approximately 5,686 individuals. (beautifydata.com)

– Bexar County: Approximately 5,040 individuals. (beautifydata.com)

– Bell County: Approximately 3,400 individuals. (beautifydata.com)

– Dallas County: Approximately 2,851 individuals. (beautifydata.com)

Notable Communities:

– Euless: This city in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area is notable for having one of the largest concentrations of Tongans outside of Tonga, with a community of 3,000–4,000 people. (en.wikipedia.org)

– Killeen: This city has a significant population of Samoans and Guamanians, with people of Pacific Islander descent surpassing one percent of the city’s population. (en.wikipedia.org)

Economic Contributions:

In 2023, Asian and Pacific Islander households in Texas earned a combined income of $100.6 billion, contributing $19.7 billion in federal taxes and $7.6 billion in state and local taxes. This left them with $73.4 billion in spending power, underscoring their significant role in the state’s economy. (americanimmigrationcouncil.org)

Cultural Impact:

Pacific Islander communities in Texas actively preserve and share their rich cultural heritage through various organizations, festivals, and community events. These activities not only strengthen community bonds but also enrich the broader cultural landscape of Texas.

While Pacific Islanders constitute a small percentage of Texas’s population, their contributions to the state’s cultural and economic fabric are substantial and continue to grow.