- Press Release
New Report Shows Asian and Pacific Islander Texans Held Over $73.4 billion in Spending Power
Texas, May 8, 2025 – New research from the American Immigration Council underscores the crucial role that Asian and Pacific Islanders (API) play in Texas’ labor force, housing market, population growth, and economy. The new report was prepared in partnership with Texans for Economic Growth, a statewide 160+ member business coalition powered by the American Immigration Council. The report focuses on the state of Texas with a spotlight on the Houston Metro Area.
“This report quantifies the significant contributions Asian and Pacific Islanders are making across Texas and details why this population is a crucial part of the state’s economic prosperity,” said Rich André, Director of State and Local Initiatives at the American Immigration Council. “In particular, the report quantifies how immigrant API Texans are contributing in big ways – they held over $55 billion in spending power and paid a total of $2.9 billion in rent – showing why it is important that Texas’ economy work for everyone.”
“This report is a powerful reminder of the vital role Asian and Pacific Islander Texans play in fueling our state’s economy and communities. With more than $73 billion in spending power and nearly 70 percent labor force participation, API residents are not only driving economic growth—they are shaping the future of Texas. It’s critical that our community and policy leaders recognize these contributions and ensure that API Texans have seats at decision-making tables at every level of government. Their voices and perspectives are essential to building a more prosperous Texas for all,” added Chelsie Kramer, Texas state organizer for the American Immigration Council and Texans for Economic Growth.
"As we celebrate AAPI Heritage Month, this report is a powerful reminder of the economic strength and entrepreneurial spirit Asian and Pacific Islander Texans bring to our state. In Houston alone, API residents hold $24 billion in spending power and contribute $2.5 billion in state and local taxes. From powering small businesses to advancing key industries, their impact is undeniable. Investing in their opportunity is an investment in Texas’s continued prosperity," said Barbara Joe, Director of the Asian Chamber of Commerce Houston & Advisory Council Member, Texas Business Leader Alliance
Key findings:
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API Texans contributed billions in taxes and consumer spending. In 2023, API households earned $100.6 billion in income, with $19.7 billion going to federal taxes and $7.6 billion going to state and local taxes, leaving them with $73.4 billion in spending power that can be reinvested back into the local communities. Robust consumer spending by API households supports small businesses and keeps local economic corridors vibrant.
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API residents are helping Texas meet its labor force demands and will help meet future needs. In 2023, 68.9 percent of API residents were active in the labor force, compared with 66.0 percent of all Texans. This means API Texans played an outsized role in the state’s labor force.
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API Texans are helping drive population growth. Between 2013 and 2023, the API population in Texas grew by 65.7 percent to reach nearly 2.1 million. During this period, API residents accounted for 20.9 percent of overall population growth, with 10.5 percent attributable to immigrant API residents.
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Texans of Chinese origin hold substantial spending power. Chinese origin households in Texas earned $12.3 billion in 2023, with $2.5 billion going to federal taxes, $906.3 going to state and local taxes, leaving them with $8.9 billion in spending power.
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API households in Houston hold substantial spending power. In 2023, API residents in the Houston metro area made up 7.7 percent of the overall population and earned $32.8 billion in income. After contributing $8.8 billion to federal, state and local taxes, API Texans in Houston were left with $24.0 billion in spending power to reinvest into the Houston metro area.
Read the full factsheet to learn more.
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