Irish-American population in the U.S. hits 34.5 million

The U.S. Census Bureau this week released new Irish-American demographic figures in advance of St. Patrick’s Day.

The data show Irish-Americans are older (39.3 years to 37.3 years); wealthier ($57,319 median income to $50,502) and better educated and more successfully employed than the U.S. average.

It’s a long way from the days of “No Irish Need Apply.”

Foreign trade statistics show the value of Irish imports in 2011 topping $39.4 billion, with medical, dental and pharmaceutical preparations leading the way at $27.8 billion. Alcoholic beverage imports totaled a mere $538.1 million by comparison.

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