The Almanac of Latino Politics

America is on an irreversible course of becoming an all-minority nation by 2042, when no ethnic or racial group will comprise a majority of the population. Latinos have become the driving force in bringing about this dramatic and historic transformation of the nation’s complexion.

Since 2000, Latinos have become the largest minority population and the growth has continued consistently (see Table 1.1B). During the past decade (2010-2020), the Latino population increased by 12 million, accounting for 51.10% of the nation’s total population growth (see Table 1.1A). A major significance of Latino population growth is the impact on the nation’s political landscape at all levels of government when combined with the increase among Blacks and Asians.

Recently released data expands on the phenomenal growth of the Latino population and its implications on every aspect of American life going forward. While the Latino population now comprises 19% of the U.S. population, 26% of and all U.S. children under 18 years of age are Latino. The single age having the largest number of Latinos are children who are only 11 years of age. Among non-Latinos, the number is 58 years of age. There is a lifetime of demographic difference between Latinos and non-Latinos.