The population of the United States is 305 million. It is expected to rise steadily to 400 million in 2039 and 439 million by 2050, according to U.S. Census Bureau projections.

But that may not be the most dramatic change. The bureau says that by 2042, whites will no longer be the majority group in America.

A growing Hispanic population and higher birth rates among minorities in general will change the look of the United States in years to come.

Two-thirds of today's population are white non-Hispanics, according to the bureau. But whites comprise only 55 percent of children younger than 5. By 2050, whites may be only 46 percent of the nation. Blacks will make up 15 percent, a small increase from today.

Fifteen percent of the current population, Hispanics will make up 30 percent in 2050, depending on immigration policies and other factors. Asians are 5 percent of the population, but will be 9 percent by 2050.

William Frey, a demographer at the Brookings Institution, told the Associated Press: "The white population is older and very much centered around the aging baby boomers who are well past their high fertility years. The future of America is epitomized by the young people today. They are basically the melting pot we are going to see in the future."

The numbers are only projections. Much can change in the coming years. But it is fascinating to think about the projected changes which predict a much more diverse America.