West Demographic Report 2015
When we talk about the growing Asian American community in the United States, it’s crucial to recognize that Asian Americans are extremely diverse. While some are doing well, others are struggling. We must celebrate the communities’ successes, but also realize that the success of certain ethnic groups often mask the difficulties faced by others that fall under the Asian American and NHPI umbrella. We are able to showcase our contributions and needs by using disaggregated data in our demographic reports.
– Mee Moua, President and Executive Director, Asian Americans Advancing Justice AAJC
Diverse and Dispersed
AAPI population in Arizona has doubled in the last 10 years, far outpacing the growth in community-based services. State and local agencies and service providers struggle to serve (or in most cases bypass) this small, culturally diverse multi-lingual population.
AAPIs in Arizona, like many desert southwest communities, are dispersed throughout large sprawling urban counties. The 180,000 AAPIs in Maricopa County (Greater Phoenix metro area) are dispersed throughout its 9,224 square miles.
Traditional gateway communities (like Chinatowns) have not developed in Arizona resulting in a non-existent or nascent civil society. Philanthropic investment in community-based services for Arizona’s AAPI community is almost non-existent. The AAPI community lacks the infrastructure or faces steep barriers to accessing government funding.
Acknowledgements
Arizona Asian American Association
Arizona Asian Chamber of Commerce
Arizona State University, Asian Pacific American Studies
Asian Corporate and Entrepreneur Leaders
Chinese American Citizens Alliance Phoenix Lodge
Chinese United Association
Council of Filipino Organizations of Arizona
Island Liaison
Japanese American Citizen’s League
OCA Greater Phoenix
OCA Tucson
Pan Asian Community Alliance
Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Arizona
Philippine Nurses Association of Arizona
The 3000 Club
