Red states vs blue states: A demographic comparison

[eric82oslo]

Since the 2013 state estimates are out from the US Census Bureau, let's take a look at the demographic differences between red states and blue states anno Obama/Romney 2012.

The 2013 numbers on the non-Hispanic white percentages in 2012 Republican states:

Texas: 44%
Georgia: 54.8%
North Carolina: 64.4%
Indiana: 80.7%
Tennessee: 74.9%
Arizona: 56.7%
Missouri: 80.4%
Alabama: 66.4%
South Carolina: 63.9%
Louisiana: 59.6%
Kentucky: 85.6%
Oklahoma: 67.5%
Mississippi: 57.5%
Kansas: 77.1%
Arkansas: 73.7%
Utah: 79.7%
Nebraska: 81%
West Virginia: 92.7%
Idaho: 83.1%
Montana: 87%
South Dakota: 83.3%
North Dakota: 87.3%
Alaska: 62.5%
Wyoming: 84.1%

Average all Republican states (not weighted): 72.8%
The typical Republican state demography-wise: Arkansas (73.7%)


The 2013 numbers on the non-Hispanic white percentages in 2012 Democratic states:

California: 39%
New York: 57.2%
Florida: 56.4%
Illinois: 62.7%
Pennsylvania: 78.4%
Ohio: 80.5%
Michigan: 76.1%
New Jersey: 57.6%
Virginia: 63.6%
Washington: 71%
Massachusetts: 75.1%
Wisconsin: 82.5%
Minnesota: 81.9%
Maryland: 53.3%
Colorado: 69.4%
Oregon: 77.5%
Connecticut: 69.6%
Iowa: 87.6%
Nevada: 52.2%
New Mexico: 39.4%
New Hampshire: 91.6%
Maine: 94%
Rhode Island: 75.3%
Hawaii: 23%
Delaware: 64.1%
Vermont: 93.8%
D.C.: 35.8%

Average all Democratic states (not weighted): 67%
The typical Democratic state demography-wise: Colorado (69.4%)


So it's not just an urban legend. The average Democratic state is in fact more multicultural than the average Republican state, and that despite the loopsided vote of the Deep South white population and the liberalism of the New England white population. The average difference is no more than a mere 5.8% (percentage points) however. Though a margin only likely to be growing in the coming years and decades, as states like North Carolina, Arizona, Georgia and even Texas might fall prey for the Democratic turn-out-the-voters machine and fast-pacing, unstoppable demographic changes.

[Rockefeller GOP]

Hopefully Republicans can counter these trends with gains turning traditionally GOP-friendly suburban voters back to strong Republicans (not toss up voters) by moderating on social and cultural issues.

[Free Bird]

Hopefully Republicans can counter these trends with gains turning traditionally GOP-friendly suburban voters back to strong Republicans (not toss up voters) by moderating on social and cultural issues.

I think that's where Libertarianism comes in, which makes me think it is better as a philosophy not a party.