As I mentioned, we will continue to digest data from the U.S. Census Bureau. As I have been digesting the overwhelming amount of information available on our state, one area particularly stands out.

Fort Bend County has come to reflect the “new” America. With more than half a million residents, it breaks down as follows:

• White, Non-Hispanic – 36.2%
• Hispanic/Latino – 23.7%
• African American – 21.1%
• Asians – 16.9%

By any measurable standard, this is a fascinating mix of population. This county has become one of the most diverse in the nation (among data released so far) and truly reflects a changing America.

Fort Bend has also grown exponentially over the last decade. It’s dominance of master-planned communities with a fairly easy commute into Houston based work centers have made it attractive to the upwardly mobile.

Furthermore, Fort Bend has highly rated school districts with a diverse group of students.

By just studying the numbers, it would be easy to think that Fort Bend will have a diverse base of elected officials. And, in fact, when one studies the overall officeholders in Fort Bend, including City Council members, that diversity is reflected.

However, the partisan offices are almost all held by Republicans. There are two Democratic County Commissioners.

We are still studying the numbers but find more economic similarities among Fort Bend residents. This indicates that we are experiencing a new perception of truly integrated communities.

Fort Bend may become a great study in voting behavior. As communities grow and blend, will economic voting patterns emerge as more of a factor than race or ethnic background?

Keep your eye on Fort Bend County.