MINNEAPOLIS — Newly-released figures from the U.S. Census Bureau show the population of minorities is growing faster in Minnesota than the national average.

But, the state is less racially diverse than the country overall. About 17 percent of Minnesota’s residents are minority, compared to 30 percent of the nation as a whole.

The Star Tribune says the figures show Asians are the fastest growing ethnic group in Minnesota. The Asian population has increased 3.4 percent from 2011 to 2012. State demographer Susan Brower says the increase of 7,750 Asian residents is the result of births to people already in Minnesota and to a wave of immigrants from India who have come to the state for high-tech jobs.

Blacks are Minnesota’s largest minority group, followed by Hispanics, Asians and American Indians.