WASHINGTON — The nation's minority population is steadily rising and now makes up 35 percent of the United States, advancing an unmistakable trend that could render them the new American majority by midcentury.

New Census estimates for 2009 released this morning show minorities added 2.5 percent, or 107.2 million people, boosted by a surge in Hispanic births and more people who described themselves as multiracial. During this time, the white population remained flat, making up roughly 199.9 million, or 65 percent, of the country.

In 2000, whites comprised 79 percent of the total population and minorities 21 percent.

Currently four states — Hawaii, New Mexico, California and Texas — as well as the District of Columbia have minority populations that exceeded 50 percent. About 316 of the 3,143 counties — one in 10 — have minority populations of 50 percent or greater. That's up from more than 250 counties in 2000.

And it's one state more from 2000, when Texas had not yet become a minority state. The 35 percent overall minority proportion of the population was up from 34 percent a year ago.

By The Associated Press