The California-Mexico Studies Center (CMSC) is excited to celebrate Latino Heritage Month 2016. At CMSC we celebrate the richness of Latino heritage year-round. But during this month, we take some extra time to honor our ancient and beautifully diverse roots, to reflect on the countless contributions we have made across the Americas and around the globe, and to express gratitude for our loving families and community.
In recognition of this important month, The United States Census Bureau has published a number of fascinating and essential statistics regarding the Latino population in the U.S.
We are pleased to share some of the statistics we find particularly relevant to the work done here at the CMSC. Take a look below, and be sure to check out the rest of the statistics as well as our website for more pertinent information and updates about the Latino population in the U.S.
United States Census Bureau Hispanic/Latino Population Statistics 2016
BACKGROUND:
In September 1968, Congress authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to proclaim National Hispanic Heritage Week, observed during the week that included Sept. 15 and Sept. 16. In 1989, Congress expanded the observance to a month-long celebration (Sept. 15-Oct. 15) of the culture and traditions of those who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South America and the Caribbean.
Sept. 15 is the starting point for the celebration because it is the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively.
56.6 million
The Hispanic/Latino population of the United States as of July 1, 2015, making people of Hispanic/Latino origin the nation's largest ethnic or racial minority.Hispanic/Latinos constituted 17.6 percent of the nation's total population.
1.2 million - Population Growth
The number of Hispanic/Latinos added to the nation's population between July 1, 2014, and July 1, 2015. This number is nearly half of the approximately 2.5 million people added to the nation's total population during this period.
2.2% - Percentage Increase
The percentage increase in the Hispanic/Latino population between 2014 and 2015.
119 million - Projection in 2060
The projected Hispanic/Latino population of the United States in 2060. According to this projection, the Hispanic/Latino population will constitute 28.6% of the nation's population by that date.
63.9% of Mexican Origin
The percentage of those of Hispanic or Latino origin in the United States who were of Mexican origin in 2014. Another 9.5% were Puerto Rican - 3.7% Cuban, 3.8% Salvadoran, 3.2% Dominican and 2.4% Guatemalan. The remainder was of some other Central American, South American or other Hispanic or Latino origin.
EDUCATION:
65.3% - High School Education
The percentage of Hispanics age 25 and older that had at least a high school education in 2014.
14.4% - Have a Bachelor's Degree or Higher
The percentage of the Hispanic population age 25 and older with a bachelor's degree or higher in 2014.
1.4 million - Advanced Degrees
The number of Hispanics age 25 and older with advanced degrees in 2014 (e.g., master's, professional, doctorate).
16.4%
The percentage of students (both undergraduate and graduate) enrolled in college in 2014 who were Hispanic.
24.0%
The percentage of elementary and high school students that were Hispanic in 2014.
VOTING:
8.4%
The percentage of voters in the 2012 presidential election who were Hispanic. Hispanics comprised 4.7 percent of voters in 1996.
Source:
7.3%
The percentage of voters in the 2014 congressional election who were Hispanic.
Source:
1.2 million
The number of Hispanics or Latinos age 18 and older who are veterans of the U.S. armed forces.
Source:
7.3%
The percentage of voters in the 2014 congressional election who were Hispanic.
Source:
1.2 million
The number of Hispanics or Latinos age 18 and older who are veterans of the U.S. armed forces.
FOREIGN-BORN:
35.0%
The percentage of the Hispanic population that was foreign-born in 2014.
64.3%
The percentage of the 10.3 million noncitizens under the age of 35 who were born in Latin America and the Caribbean and are living in the United States in 2010-2012.
CMSC has shared a selection of the statistics from the NiLP Report. To see all of the statistics and data sources, click here to see the full report.
