The Asian population rose by 3.2 percent, or 460,000, between 2005 and 2006.

With 5 million, California had the largest Asian population on July 1, 2006, as well as the largest numerical increase -- 114,000 -- during the 2005 to 2006 period. New York, with 1.4 million, and Texas, with 882,000, followed in population. Texas, with 43,000, and New York, with 34,000, followed in numerical increase.

In Hawaii, Asians made up the highest proportion of the total population at 56 percent, followed by California at 14 percent, and New Jersey and Washington at 8 percent each.

The Asian population in 2006 was younger, with a median age of 33.5, compared with the population as a whole at 36.4.

Source: U.S. Census