Mexicans account for largest population in 40 states and Central and South American populations doubled in size.
Earlier this month, we told you about the recent Census data showing the population boom in the Latino Community. The figures showed that the Hispanic population grew by about 15 million between 2000 and 2010. Latinos now make up 16% of the population and 23% of the under-18 population. Perhaps the most interesting fact is that the Latino community overall grew at four times the nation’s 9.7% growth rate.
In a follow-up to that data today, the Census released a much anticipated brief, The Hispanic Population: 2010, which goes into greater detail about the makeup of the largest minority group in the country, including fascinating information about the regions in the country that have experienced the most growth. NCLR has always believed that growth in the Hispanic community is good for our country. Hispanics make up a young and vibrant group that contributes to our nation’s economy through hard work and entrepreneurship. They are active participants in our nation’s social and civic life as voters, members of the armed services, and community leaders. Today’s report also shows that this community has also become more ethnically and geographically diverse with each passing year.
Some highlights from the brief:
- The Hispanic population that identified as Mexican increased by 54%, growing from 20.6 million in 2000 to 31.8 million in 2010.
- The Mexican population had the largest numeric change of all the Latino origin groups, and accounted for 75% of all growth in the Hispanic population from 2000 to 2010.
- The Puerto Rican population grew by 36%, increasing from 3.4 million to 4.6 million.
- The Cuban population increased by 44%, growing from 1.2 million to 1.8 million.
- The Central and South American population both doubled in size. The Central American population grew by 137%, led by growth in the Honduran (191%), Guatemalan (180%), and Salvadoran (151%) populations. Salvadorans are the largest Central American group, at 1.6 million, and making up 3.3% of the total Hispanic population.
The breakdown of the Hispanic population by origin is:
- Mexican (63%)
- Puerto Rican (9.2%)
- Cuban (3.5%)
- Dominican (2.8%)
- Central American, excluding Mexican (7.9%)
- South American (5.5%)
- Spaniard (1.3%)
- All other Hispanic (6.8%)
NCLR has also developed some cool interactive maps that also reflect this data. There are two maps to choose from. The first map shows the percentage of the under-18 population that is Hispanic and the state-by-state growth of the under-18 population from 2000 to 2010. The second map shows a state-by-state breakdown of the overall population that is Hispanic. Click on the image below to get started.
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A sample of the map showing the population of the U.S. that is now Hispanic.