Research and Reports

The Latino population explosion has dramatically changed the complexion of the United States and has had an extraordinary social, economic, cultural and political impact on American society, and there is no apparent end in sight. The median age for Hispanics was 26.7 in 2003, the lowest of all groups, compared with 35.9 for the overall U.S. population. Currently (2004), 34.1% of Hispanics are younger than 18 years of age, compared with 25.1% of the total U.S. population.


By 2040 the U.S. Hispanic population is expected to reach or exceed 100 million when one in four persons will be Hispanic. And, experts predict that by the end of the 21st century the U.S. population will be 40% white, 33% Hispanic, 13% African American, and 13% Asian.

Latinos Today

Today, Latinos are the largest ethnic/racial minority population group in America, and are the largest ethnic/racial minority in 41 of the nation's 100 largest cities. Accounting for 81% of the population growth in the nation's 100 largest cities, Latinos are also now in position to form viable electoral coalitions with non-Latino voters and help shape the future of the nation's largest urban centers. Eighty percent of the Hispanic population is concentrated in 10 states. Hispanics comprise at least 5% of the population in 30 states. Hispanics are currently holding elected office in 38 states.

Setting the Record Straight

It is important for Latino leaders to work within their respective spheres of influence to set the record straight when it comes to having a proper understanding of the Latino community, and USHLI gathers the kind of information necessary for them to be able to do so.For instance:

  1. Myth — Latinos are politically apathetic.
    Fact — Latinos are registering to vote at a rate six times greater than the general population and turning out to vote at a rate five times greater than the general population.
  2. Myth —Beyond providing laborers, Latinos contribute very little to society.
    Fact —Latinos are creating new businesses at a rate three times faster than the general population, generating over 200 billion dollars per year in revenue.
  3. Myth —Most Latinos are poor.
    Fact —Latino purchasing power is now 700 billion dollars per year and growing at an average rate of one billion dollars per week, four billion dollars per month, 50 billion dollars per year.