The Pew Research Center, one of our favorite data analysis sites, recently released new data that shows that 78 counties nationwide switched to “majority-minority” between 2000 and 2013. Four of those counties are located in the 10-county Atlanta region (Douglas, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale).

We have talked about the diversification of the Atlanta region for years, and, in fact, we found that three of the aforementioned counties actually turned majority-minority by 2010, as the above table shows (highlighted in blue). Further, the entire 10-county Atlanta region was majority-minority by 2010, with almost 56 percent the total population classified as Non-White. Of course, the most radical shift occurred in Gwinnett, where the Non-White population increased by more than 255,000, while the White population declined almost 50,000. The Pew study, based on recently-released Census estimates, confirms that this diversification trend has continued.

Atlanta Region Race & Ethnicity Changes, 2000-2010 

Atlanta Region Race & Ethnicity Changes, 2000-2010

This map takes a broader view of the Atlanta region and highlights those neighborhoods (census tracts, actually) that, as of the 2010 Census had a majority of Non-White residents. You see these areas extend into Douglas, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties, as the Pew study highlighted. You also see concentrations of majority-minority neighborhoods in Cobb County, as well as some exurban areas in Coweta, Newton and Spalding.

Majority-Minority” Neighborhoods, 2010 (20-Counties)

Majority-Minority” Neighborhoods, 2010 (20-Counties)

This map shows the areas that switched from majority White to majority Non-White between 2000 and 2010. And, once again, it confirms what Pew reported out – several areas in Douglas, Gwinnett, Rockdale and Henry are now majority-minority. While it is good to recognize the Atlanta area as central to the diversification trend, it is also important to note that Atlanta has been central to this trend for quite a while.

Neighborhoods That Switched to Majority-Minority between 2000-2010