Marion County Becomes Majority Non-White

Marion County, Indiana’s most populous county, became majority non-white between 2020 and 2023, according to recently released U.S. Census Bureau data.

The consolidated city-county recorded a net loss of about 8,000 residents over that period.

It gained about 7,000 Black, 5,000 Hispanic and 3,900 Asian residents but lost nearly 200 Native Americans.

“I welcome diversity to my district, and I would hope that everybody would embrace that as well,” said Rep. Cherrish Pryor, D-Indianapolis. She represents a “very diverse district on the northwest side of Indianapolis.”

Pryor, who is a member of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus, anticipates more racial and ethnic diversity in the county’s representation at the Statehouse, as well as growth in non-white voting power.

Marion County also lost about 23,000 white residents.

Recently deceased senior residents may account for some of the losses, per an X thread by urban analyst Aaron Renn. Others may have moved.

“This kind of movement, slowly, does have an effect,” said Aaron Dusso, a political science professor at Indiana University in Indianapolis.

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Demographic changes could also present opportunities to Republicans looking to make inroads with Black, Hispanic and other non-white voters.

“It’s not terribly surprising, because, you know, being conservative isn’t just for white people,” said Dusso, who noted that Black and Hispanic voters are often religious, a trait that is correlated with conservatism.

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While Marion County has by far the most residents of any Hoosier County — with nearly double the population of the next-most populous county — its losses could impact its influence in the Statehouse.

“It always diminishes the influence of that core city,” Dusso said.

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