Hispanics In America: What's The Population Percentage?

what percent of america

Hispanics are the second-largest ethnic group in the United States, constituting 19% of the total population as of 2020. The Hispanic population in the U.S. has grown significantly over the years, with a notable presence in states like California, Texas, Arizona, and Florida. With deep roots in Latin America, the Hispanic community is diverse, with Mexican Americans forming the largest subgroup. Hispanics have influenced various aspects of American society, including the economy, politics, and culture, and their population growth continues to shape the nation's demographics.

Characteristics Values
Total population 62.1 million in 2020, 65.22 million in 2023
% of total population 19% in 2020, 19.1% in 2022
Largest racial or ethnic minority Yes
Largest origin groups Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Salvadoran, Dominican
Largest racial or ethnic group in California, New Mexico
States with 1 million+ Hispanic residents Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington
% of foreign-born adults who speak English "very well" 36%
Employment rate 63.5% in 2023
Median household income $112,800 in 2023
Life expectancy 81.8 years
University enrollment High at certain universities, e.g. 70% at University of Texas at El Paso, 63% at Florida International University
Political influence Recognized as a population that can make a difference in swing states like Arizona, Nevada, Texas, and Florida

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In 2020, Hispanics made up 19% of the US population

The Hispanic population in the US is diverse, with roots in various Latin American countries and Spain. In 2019, 61.5% of all Hispanics indicated they were of Mexican origin, either born in Mexico or tracing their ancestry to the country. Other significant Hispanic ethnic groups include Puerto Ricans, Salvadorans, Cubans, Dominicans, Guatemalans, Colombians, Hondurans, and more. The origins of regional Hispanic populations vary widely across the country.

Hispanics have had a profound impact on the social, economic, and political landscape of the US. They have been instrumental in stabilizing the economy, particularly during the World Wars, and have shaped the nation's demographic story for several decades. Hispanics also have significant representation in higher education, with notable enrollment in top universities and designated Hispanic-serving institutions. As of 2016, the life expectancy for Hispanic Americans was 81.8 years, higher than that of White Americans.

The growing Hispanic population is reshaping the demographics of states. In 2022, 13 states had one million or more Hispanic residents, and California and New Mexico had the highest proportion, with Hispanics as the largest racial or ethnic group. The future demographics of many states are expected to be further influenced by the Hispanic population. Hispanics are also making their political influence felt, with their votes impacting elections in key states.

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Hispanics are the second-largest ethnic group in the US

Hispanics are the second-largest ethnic group in the United States, with a population of 62.1 million in 2020, accounting for 19% of all Americans. This number has been steadily increasing over the years, growing by 23% between 2010 and 2020. Since 1970, when Hispanics made up just 5% of the U.S. population, their numbers have grown more than sixfold. This rapid growth has significantly shaped the nation's demographic landscape.

The term "Hispanic" refers to people of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin, regardless of race. The largest national origin groups within the Hispanic population in the U.S. are Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Salvadoran, and Dominican. In 2023, about 37.99 million U.S. Hispanics were of Mexican descent, making up nearly 25% of all foreign-born residents.

Hispanics are a diverse group with deep roots in Latin America. The pan-ethnic labels "Hispanic" and "Latino" have been used interchangeably to describe this population, although there is some ambivalence towards these terms within the community. A new, gender-neutral label, "Latinx," has emerged recently, although it is not widely known or used within the Hispanic community.

Hispanics have had a significant impact on the social and economic fabric of the United States. They have the highest employment rate among racial or ethnic groups in the U.S., with 63.5% employed in 2023. Additionally, Hispanics have substantial representation in top universities, with enrollment rates as high as 70% at the University of Texas at El Paso and 63% at Florida International University. They also played a crucial role in stabilizing the American economy during the World Wars, taking on jobs in the Industrial Midwest as other Americans left for war.

The growing Hispanic population is reshaping the demographics of states. In 2022, there were 13 states with one million or more Hispanic residents, and Hispanics were the largest racial or ethnic group in California and New Mexico. As of 2023, Hispanics are the largest minority group in the U.S., and by 2060, their population is projected to reach 97.99 million, further influencing the country's population growth.

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Most Hispanics are bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish

The Hispanic or Latino ethnicity is defined as being of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American origin, or of other Spanish culture or race. In 2023, there were about 65.22 million people of Hispanic origin living in the United States, making them the second-largest ethnic group in the country, behind White Americans. They are also the largest minority group in the US, with a steadily increasing population over the last few decades. Between 2010 and 2020, the US Hispanic population grew by 23%, from 50.5 million to 62.1 million.

Hispanics in the US can be divided into three groups based on their language use: 36% are bilingual, 25% mainly use English and 38% mainly use Spanish. This means that more than half (54%) of the US Hispanic population is bilingual to some extent. Bilingualism is linked to age, with 42% of Hispanics aged 18 to 29 being bilingual, compared to about a third in the 30 to 49 and 50 to 64 age groups. However, the percentage rises again to 40% among those aged 65 and older.

For many Hispanics, the bilingual experience begins at a young age, with 48% learning Spanish first and only 17% learning English first. Over three-quarters (75%) of bilingual Hispanics learned Spanish before they turned three years old, and 69% grew up in Spanish-speaking households. Spanish is deeply ingrained in the culture and identity of bilingual Hispanics, connecting them to their family, friends, and heritage. It is a vital link to their identity and a sound of home, with early exposure creating a deep-rooted emotional connection to the language.

The high rate of bilingualism among Hispanics has had an impact on the overall language landscape of the US. In 2013, Spanish was the most spoken non-English language in the country, used by 35.8 million Hispanics and an additional 2.6 million non-Hispanics.

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Hispanics are the largest minority in the US

Hispanics are the largest minority in the United States, constituting 19% of the total population as of 2020. This accounts for 62.1 million people, a number that has been steadily increasing over the last few decades. By 2060, it is projected that the Hispanic population will reach 97.99 million, significantly contributing to the country's population growth. The Hispanic population in the U.S. is diverse, with roots tracing back to various Latin American countries and Spain.

The presence of Hispanics in the U.S. can be traced back centuries, with Spanish colonization in the American Southwest, West Coast, and Florida, among other regions. However, Hispanic immigration to the U.S. notably increased following changes to immigration laws in 1965. During the World Wars, Hispanic Americans and immigrants played a crucial role in stabilizing the American economy, particularly in the Industrial Midwest.

Hispanics are a diverse group, and their national origin groups vary in size within the U.S. The largest national origin group is Mexican, followed by Puerto Rican, Cuban, Salvadoran, and other Latin American and Spanish communities. In 2023, more than 37.99 million U.S. Hispanics were of Mexican descent, representing nearly 25% of all foreign-born residents.

Hispanics have made significant contributions to various aspects of American society. They have a strong presence in higher education, with notable enrollment in top universities. Additionally, they have influenced the country's demographics, becoming the largest racial or ethnic group in California and New Mexico. Their growing population has also impacted the job market, with the employment rate in the U.S. being highest among Mexican American and Hispanic/Latino residents in 2023.

The term "Hispanic" has been officially used since the 1970s, and it is recognized by the U.S. government. While the term is broadly used, the population it describes has a varied preference for different labels, with some preferring "Latino" or "Latinx."

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Hispanic Americans have a higher life expectancy than White Americans

As of 2020, the U.S. Hispanic population reached 62.1 million, accounting for 19% of all Americans and making it the nation's second-largest racial or ethnic group, behind White Americans. By 2023, this number had risen to about 65.22 million people of Hispanic origin living in the U.S., with projections showing that this will reach 97.99 million by 2060. This population is diverse, with roots in Latin America and Spain, and includes people of various races. Most U.S. Hispanics are bilingual, speaking both Spanish and English.

Research has revealed vulnerabilities among racial and ethnic minority groups, including Hispanics, during the COVID-19 pandemic, contributing to temporary declines in life expectancy. Additionally, socioeconomic status (SES) is a contributing factor in race health disparities, but it does not account for all the variation. For example, Black Americans with college degrees have worse health outcomes than White and Hispanic Americans with high school diplomas. Structural racism has also been identified as a significant influence on the differences in life expectancy and overall health outcomes.

The employment rate in the United States was highest among Mexican American and Hispanic/Latino residents in 2023, with 64% and 63.5% employment rates, respectively. However, the unemployment rate of Hispanic Americans has been inconsistent since 1990, with increases in 2020 and 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Despite these fluctuations, the median household income in the United States for 2023 was about $112,800.

In summary, Hispanic Americans have a higher life expectancy than White Americans, and they represent a significant and growing proportion of the U.S. population. This population faces unique social and economic challenges, and their health outcomes are influenced by various factors, including access to healthcare and socioeconomic status.

Frequently asked questions

As of 2022, Hispanics make up 19.1% of the total population in the United States, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This makes them the nation's largest racial or ethnic minority.

The largest national origin groups of Hispanic and Latino Americans, in order of population size, are: Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Salvadoran, Dominican, Brazilian, Colombian, Guatemalan, Honduran, Ecuadorian, Peruvian, Venezuelan, and Nicaraguan.

On the 2020 United States census, 20.3% of Hispanics selected "White" as their race. This was a large drop from the 2010 census, in which 53.0% of Hispanics identified as "White".

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