Ethnic groups in Seattle form a major part of the population of the city. The city established as a major trade center with the development of infrastructure in the city. With the development of transcontinental railroads like the Union Pacific and Milwaukee Road systems, Seattle was connected with Asia and the North Pacific countries, thus establishing the city as a major trade and shipping center.
Gradually more and more people from different origin shifted to Seattle and the population of the city became diversified. Japanese immigrated to the city and operated trucks, in gardens and hotels, Scandinavians worked in fishing industry, Africans were employed as railroad porters and waiters. There were significant communities of Italians, Chinese, Jews, and Filipinos. The city has been home to various Asian ethnic groups.
As per the survey of US Census Bureau and 2005 American Community Survey, the total population in the 2005 was 536,946. The population of Seattle comprises of people of various races or ethnic groups. In 2005 there were 369,689 Whites which form 68.9% of the total population and 43,914 African American which is 8.2% of the population. There are just 6,336 people from American Indian and Alaska constituting 1.2% of the population.
Few African organizations are engaged in the noble task to uplift the respective communities living in the city of Seattle.
- Central Area Community Festival
- Community Management, Empowerment and Development
- Seattle NAACP
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- Central District Forum for Arts and Ideas
- Ustawi
- Ethiopian Community Mutual Association
- CAMP: Central Area Motivation Program
- People's Coalition for Justice
- Graviton African Arts Network
- Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle
- Washington State Africa Network
Many Asians such as Chinese, Indian, Vietnamese, Pakistani, Korean, Filipino and also from other Asian countries live in Seattle. 77,363 people of Asian origin live in Seattle which forms 14.4% of the population. People from Asian countries like China, Korea, Vietnam, Japan, Philippines live in the city of Seattle. Asian Indians and people from other small Asian groups also live in Seattle.
There are numerous organizations and institutions that work in various fields to help the Asian community in Seattle. Some of the organizations that try to preserve the culture of the different Asian communities are:
- Filipino Community of Seattle
- Seattle Japanese American Citizens League
- Chinese Cultural Learning Center
- Korean American Historical Society
- National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum
- Chinese Information and Service Center
- India Club Of Greater Seattle
The Hispanic or Latino ethnic groups and Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander are 33,707 ( 6.3%) and 1,666 (0.3%) respectively. Apart from these races there are people of different races who constitute 3.2% of the Seattle population. The different ethnic groups in Seattle have enriched the culture of the city.
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