This report is based on an analysis of the U.S. Census Bureau Summary Tape Files 1 and 4 (U.S. Census Bureau, 2000) and examines the Latino population size, trend, distribution, and projections. As of 2000, there were 35.3 million Latinos in the United States, representing 12.5 percent of the total population. Most Latinos in the United States were Mexican Americans. Nearly three-fifths of Latinos were of Mexican origin. The Latino population predominantly resides in the West and South. Nearly half of the Latino population in the Midwest lives in the state of Illinois. In 2000, about 7 percent of the Latino population in the United States resided in rural areas. The Latino population has increased considerably between 1990 and 2000, corresponding to a growth rate of 57.9%. In Michigan, the Latino population increased by 50.3% between 1990 and 2000. In 2000, there were 323,877 Latinos in Michigan, representing about 3.3% of the total population in Michigan. Nationally, the Latino population is projected to reach 24.4% of the population by the year 2050.

View PDF