Plano one of most ethnically diverse cities in nation

1 in 4 Plano residents are foreign born

Plano ranks slightly higher than Dallas in ethnic diversity, according to a new study by WalletHub, a personal finance website, making it one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the nation.

WalletHub's study used three key indicators — ethnicity and race, language and birthplace — to rank more than 500 of the largest U.S. cities. Each category was graded on a 100-point scale, with 100 representing the most ethnic diversity. The study then calculated each city's weighted average across all metrics to determine its "Ethnic Diversity Score."

Plano ranked 46th nationally by scoring 78 in ethnicity and race, 54 in language and 57 in birthplace.  Wallethub's study states that it used figures from U.S. Census data to determine rankings. The most recent census estimates show that Plano is 65.6% white, 20.4% Asian, 15.2% Hispanic or Latino and 8.4% black or African American.  In its Plano Tomorrow plan, the city says its white population is decreasing while minority populations are increasing. By 2030, Plano is expected to have a white population of just over 50%. The Hispanic population is projected to rise to 19%, and all other races will represent 22%.

An estimated 1 in 4 Plano residents were born in another country, according to the city's website.  The diversification of the U.S. is expected to continue, according to WalletHub.  "The U.S. today is a melting pot of cultures, thanks to increasing ethnic and racial diversification," the website reads. "If the trend continues, America will be more colorful than ever by 2045, at which point no single ethnic group will constitute the majority in the U.S. for the first time."

• Dallas Morning News, March 3, 2020