Demographic and Socioeconomic Characteristics of the Hispanic Population in the United States: 1950-1980

摘要

The Hispanic population is the second largest and fastest growing minority in the country. While the total U.S. population is expected to double between 1950 and 2000, the Hispanic population, it is estimated, will increase approximately five times. Between 1950 and 1980, the group tripled in size, growing from about 4 million to over 14 million. By 1990 it is expected to reach over 19 million; by the end of the century, it is likely to number close to 24 million. Eighty percent of the Hispanics now live in 9 states: Cal., Tex., NY, Fla., Ill., NJ, New Mex., Ariz., and Col. The following groups have been identified with the Hispanic population: the Mexican Americans; the Puerto Ricans; the Cubans; and those from Central and South America and from Spain. In 1950, the Hispanic population was primarily of Mexican origin, concentrated then, as now, in the Southwestern U.S. Since the 1950s, there have been growing concentrations of Puerto Ricans in the NY area; Cubans in Florida; and other Hispanics dispersed over several states. Various factors, such as fertility, age distribution, immigration and mortality, are likely to result in differential growth patterns for each of these groups.