The center point that describes the status of the overall population in the State of Pennsylvania is situated in Perry County. It is in the region of Duncannon. The census of 2006 places the population of Pennsylvania at 12,440,621. Net migration to Pennsylvania stands at 98,289 since 2000. There was a visible decrease of 100,000 in the native population owing to migration. 621,480 people in the population were found to be foreign born. The estimated poverty rate is 11.9%. The proportion of elderly (65+) population is considerably high in Pennsylvania.
The foreign born citizens of Pennsylvania are mainly from Asia, Europe, Latin America, North America and Oceania, the first three groups comprising the maximum density. The stated population of Hispanics in Pennsylvania, particularly among the Hawaiian, White races and the Asians has seen a marked increases in the recent years. The population of these Hispanics is greatest in Lancaster, Reading, Allentown, Hazleton and Philadelphia where their population is over 20%. In a more recent survey of 2010, it has been reported that approximately 85% of the Hispanics in Pennsylvania reside within a radius of 150 miles around Philadelphia and around 20% of them live within the city premises. It is however inconclusive about the changing ways of the Hispanics or their participation in the mainstream society and efforts to self-identify their minority status. The under-18 population was found to be 23.8% of the total population and that of the under-5 age group was 5.9%. As has been stated earlier, the elderly population comprises a large portion of the total population and this fact has been reflecting itself as a minor hindrance in the economy of the State. German, Irish and Italian ancestry groups constitute the larger percentage of people. Other prominent groups in Pennsylvania are the African Americans, English, Polish and French.
