Latinos and Hispanics have a long history in what is now the United States. Long before the 13 colonies were founded, Spanish settlements were already thriving in places like St. Augustine, Florida (1565), and Santa Fe, New Mexico (1610). The U.S. southwest was part of Mexico until 1848, and millions of Americans living in those areas are descendants of the original inhabitants.
Today, Hispanic and Latino Americans are the second-largest ethnic group in the United States after non-Hispanic whites. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, as of 2022, over 63.7 million people—nearly 19% of the total U.S. population—identify as Hispanic or Latino. That’s a dramatic increase from 1990, when just 22.4 million (or about 9%) identified as such.
The Hispanic population has grown faster than any other major demographic group in the U.S., both in raw numbers and as a share of the total population. This growth is not just due to immigration. In fact, the majority of Hispanic population growth now comes from births within the U.S., not new arrivals.
Let’s look at how this growing community has reshaped the geographic and demographic landscape of the country over time—with the help of maps.
Hispanic Population by County, Percent (1990–2022)
In 1990, high Hispanic concentrations were mostly confined to the Southwest—especially southern Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and parts of California. But over the next three decades, Hispanic communities expanded rapidly across the Southeast, Midwest, and even into the Northeast.
Today, many counties in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Illinois report significant Hispanic populations. Some of these areas had virtually no Hispanic presence just a generation ago. This movement reflects job opportunities, especially in construction, agriculture, and service industries, and growing communities attracting family networks.
As expected, many of these majority-Hispanic counties are located along the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. But over time, some parts of southern Colorado, southern Florida, and central Washington State have joined the list.
This kind of demographic shift can influence local culture, politics, schools, signage, and even urban planning. It also highlights how Hispanic identity is braided into the core of American regional identity in many places—far beyond what some people might assume.
Absence of Hispanic Population by County (1990–2020)
In 1990, many parts of the U.S. still had little to no Hispanic population—especially across Appalachia, the Midwest, and the far northern Great Plains. But by 2020, many of those previously “blank” counties began to fill in. Some areas remain exceptions, however—rural stretches of West Virginia, Kentucky, and parts of the Dakotas still have very small Hispanic populations.
These areas might lack economic opportunities that attract immigrants or may be less welcoming to newcomers. But even in these places, small Hispanic communities are emerging—sometimes starting with a single family or small workforce.
Who Are the Hispanic Americans? A Look at Ethnic Subgroups
It’s important to remember that Hispanic and Latino are umbrella terms. The U.S. Hispanic population is incredibly diverse. People who identify as Hispanic may trace their heritage to Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, El Salvador, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Colombia, and many other countries.
In most counties, the largest group is Mexican, but in southern Florida, Cubans are dominant. In parts of the Northeast, you’ll find Puerto Ricans and Dominicans, and in pockets of the D.C. area and along the East Coast, Salvadorans and Guatemalans make up large communities.
This map helps us understand that the “Hispanic” category is not monolithic. Different groups bring different dialects, cuisines, traditions, migration histories, and social dynamics. That diversity plays out geographically too.
Understanding where people live—and how those patterns change over time—gives us a deeper appreciation of how the United States continues to evolve. These maps provide a visual language for exploring demographics that go beyond raw numbers.
Have you noticed similar changes in your own town or region? What stands out most when you look at these maps? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts.
