CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — New census data show that Wyoming is becoming more ethnically diverse as minorities account most of the state's population growth.

Data show Wyoming's minority population grew by 17 percent from 2010 to July 2013.

By comparison, the state's overall population grew by 3.4 percent over the same period with minorities accounting for two-thirds of that growth.

Hispanics make up the largest minority group in the state, increasing 12.2 percent from 2010 to 2013.

Wyoming's non-Hispanic white population rose just 1.2 percent from 2010-2013.

Wenlin Liu is an economist with the Wyoming Economic Analysis Division.

He tells the Wyoming Tribune Eagle that the minority population is growing faster in due to such things as immigration, internal migration and a higher overall birth rate.

More From K2 Radio