2010 Census Shows Hispanics Are Second-Largest Group

The results of the 2010 census reveal a changing mix of ethnicities in the United States. Each ethnicity gained in total population, but the Hispanic and Asian populations grew most dramatically. The rapidly growing Hispanic population now accounts for the second-largest group, with approximately 16 percent of the total population.

The Hispanic population increased by 43 percent to just over 50 million people. The group has a younger average age than other populations and is therefore expected to increase in size even more rapidly in the years to come. Some border states are expected to have a majority of Hispanics within the next decade. The states with the highest Hispanic populations are California (15 million), Texas (11.4 million), and New York (11.3 million). These three states also lead the nation in overall minority population.

With the increase in the Hispanic population, states are facing new challenges in educating and employing those who speak only Spanish. Education is one of the most important ways of equalizing socioeconomic differences. As a result, efforts to ensure that Spanish speakers have equal opportunities to learn have become increasingly urgent. Jobs available to non-English speakers are usually lower-paying.

Image credit:  Hill Street Studios/Blend Images/Corbis

Related Links

• Hispanic Population Exceeds 50 Million
  This CNN news article gives an overview and analysis of the 2010 census data for the Hispanic population of the United States. (Source: CNN, March 24, 2011)
• Overview of Race and Hispanic Origin: 2010
  This report from the Census Bureau provides findings in both tabular and narrative formats explaining the statistics gathered on the Hispanic population. (Source: U.S. Census Bureau, March 2011)
• Interactive: Mapping the Census
  The Washington Post provides an interactive map of statistics on race and Hispanic Origin that allows you to see data for your neighborhood or community. (Source: Washington Post; accessed May 5, 2011)