The racial evolution of Gwinnett County is an extraordinary story. Gwinnett was almost 90 percent white in 1990. Ten years ago the county “tipped” to majority minority. Ten years later, Gwinnett is 39 percent white. And in another 10 years, that percentage will decline to 29, according to one projection.
By 2050? White people will account for just 14 percent of Gwinnett’s population.
This is according to data from Woods & Poole Economics Inc., a Washington D.C., firm that specializes in economic and demographic data on counties. The AJC compiled this information as part of its new RE: Race coverage, which launches officially on Thursday. An interactive graphic will enable you to track actual or projected demographic breakdowns of every Georgia county from 1990 through 2050.
As diverse as it has become, Gwinnett still has racial tensions. Tommy Hunter, a member of the all-white county commission, caused a nationwide stir when he called U.S. Rep. John Lewis a “racist pig” in January.
At the time, Hunter’s campaign consultant, Seth Weathers, said, “If a Democrat screams racist it’s a fact. But if a Republican accuses someone of doing something racist, everyone screams that the Republican is racist.”
Nevertheless, Gwinnett remains one of the most diverse counties in the Southeast and is becoming more so.
Read the inaugural story – about the demographic evolution of Cobb County – of our RE: Race project (it will post on Thursday), and tell us how you have experienced race and ethnicity.
You are encouraged to comment on any aspect of the AJC’s race and ethnicity coverage. Commenting is moderated by AJC editors.
