The Latino population in the United States has reached approximately 68 million individuals, nearly doubling from around 35.3 million in the year 2000, according to a report from the Pew Research Center. Mark Lopez, director of race and ethnicity research at Pew, stated, “The country is very different than it was just 25 years ago. Latinos are now a much larger part of the story.” He emphasized that the Latino narrative is deeply woven into the fabric of American history, asserting, “There”s always been a presence of Latinos in the country, and today, they”re 1 in 5 .”
One of the most significant findings from the report is the dramatic population surge. The Latino demographic now constitutes over half of the total population growth in the U.S., which expanded by 58.7 million people during this period. This growth can be attributed to both immigration and natural births, although the dynamics have shifted over the years. In the 1980s and 1990s, immigration was the primary driver of this increase, while from 2000 until 2021, births became the predominant factor. However, between 2021 and 2024, there has been a noticeable rise in both legal and illegal immigration.
As of 2024, the median age of Latinos in the U.S. is approximately 31 years, making them the youngest among major racial or ethnic groups. In contrast, Black Americans have a median age of around 36, Asian Americans around 39, and white Americans around 43. Notably, the median age for U.S.-born Latinos is about 20, suggesting substantial future growth as this younger population matures and enters the workforce.
In terms of citizenship, 79% of Latinos in the U.S. are citizens, an increase of 8% since 2000. Among these citizens, two-thirds are native-born, while 13% are naturalized immigrants. Specifically, those of Mexican heritage represent the largest segment of the Latino population, with around 40 million individuals, accounting for 57% of the total Latino demographic. Many Mexicans reside in Western metropolitan areas, particularly in Los Angeles, where Latinos make up 74% of the population. In Riverside, a suburb, approximately 85% of residents are of Mexican descent.
California boasts the largest Latino population in the nation, with 16.1 million Latinos comprising 41% of the state”s residents. Texas follows closely, home to around 12.6 million Latinos, or 40% of its population. The report also highlights a growing trend of English proficiency among Latinos, with 71% of individuals aged five and older speaking English well, a 59% increase since 2000. Additionally, educational attainment among Latinos has improved, with 46% of those 25 and older having attended college, and 21% holding a bachelor”s degree.
This report underscores the evolving landscape of the Latino community in the United States, reflecting significant demographic changes that are set to shape the future of the nation.
