According to the 2000 census, the U.S. Hispanic population is growing in states that few would expect. North Carolina's Hispanic population grew by 394% over the ten-year period since 1990. The Hispanic population numbers for New York and New Jersey alone approach four million. In the Northwest, Oregon and Washington show growth figures of 144% and 106%, respectively. The Hispanic population overall growth rate of 57.9% is the highest of any race or ethnic segment within the United States, and is projected to continue to increase.