Online shopping by African-Americans, Asians, Hispanics and other minorities has increased dramatically during the past five years, according to (pdf) a report from The Media Audit.

“The 88 markets surveyed for this report have an aggregate adult population of approximately 145 million, and 58 million of those adults are members of a minority,” said Bob Jordan, president of market research firm International Demographics, Inc., which produces The Media Audit.

Among the findings of the report:

• Among all adults surveyed, 55.8% now shop online, compared with 44.1% in 2002. In addition, 35.7% make five or more purchases in a year, and 19.8% make 12 or more purchases.
• Among African-Americans, 40.6% now shop online, compared with 27.1% five years ago:
  • More than 20% now make five or more purchases in a year and 10.9% make more than 12 purchases.
  • The total adult African-American population in the 88 markets surveyed is approximately 17.6 million.
• 70% of Asians now shop online, compared with 55.8% five years ago:
  • More than 46% make five or more purchases in a year and 24.9% make 12 or more purchases.
  • The total adult Asian population in the 88 markets surveyed is approximately 8.8 million.
• 41.8% of Hispanics now shop online, compared with 27.7% five years ago:
  • 23.5% of Hispanics make five or more purchases in a year, and 12.3% make 12 or more purchases.
  • The total adult Hispanic population in the 88 markets surveyed is approximately 23.3 million.
• All other minorities in the survey are grouped and total approximately 8.5 million. Slightly more than 52% shop online, 33.9% make five or more purchases in a year and 19.5% make 12 or more purchases.