Facts about Oregon's
Hispanic/Latino Community

Data from the 2000 Census showed 275,000 Hispanics living in Oregon. That's eight percent of Oregonians, and they live in every county in the state. The census results also show rapid growth of the Hispanic population between 1990 and 2000.

The projected growth rate between 1990 and 2000 was estimated to be 73 percent.

Percent Change 1990 to 2000 Hispanic or Latino Origin All Races US Census Bureau (pdf)*

Percent Change Age 18, 2000 Hispanic or Latino Origin All Races US Census Bureau (pdf)*

For more information see the American fact finder page at the U.S. Census Bureau.

According to a national study published by the Tomás Rivera Policy Institute, Washington, D.C., in March 2001, a substantial income gap remains between Hispanic households and U.S. households in general. That gap widened from about $12,000 in 1976 to more than $16,000 in 1998. At the same time, about 60 percent of white, non-Hispanic households had achieved middle-class status, but only 35 percent of Hispanic households had done the same.

Only 10.6 percent of Hispanics 25 or older have college degrees, compared to 25.6 percent of the overall U.S. population 25 or older.

Hispanics comprise 10 percent of Oregon's correctional-facility population, despite the fact that Hispanics make up eight percent of the state's population.

In addition to the large permanent population noted, there are many seasonal migrant workers and families who are vitally important to Oregon's agricultural industry. Oregon's Hispanic buying power increased from $890 million in 1990 to $2.6 billion in 2001. Oregon is ranked eighth in the nation in rate of growth of Hispanic buying power during that period. (University of Georgia, Selig Center)

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