Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated each year from September 15 to October 15. It is an important oppotunity to celebrate the integral part the Hispanic/Latino community has had in growing and strengthening our democracy.

According to the National Council of Hispanic Employment Program Managers,

2024 Hispanic Heritage Month theme is: Pioneers of Change, Shaping the Future Together

What is the difference between Hispanic and Latino?

Hispanic and Latino are used interchangeably:

The term “Latino” describes those with cultural or ancestral ties to Latin America or the Caribbean. The term “Hispanic” is used to signal a connection to Spain or the Spanish language.

Latinos in PA

The Hispanic or Latino population in PA is approximately 1 million, accounting for about 8% of the state's total population.

Reading has one of the highest proportions of Hispanic or Latino residents in the state, with nearly 70% of the city’s population being Hispanic, predominantly Puerto Rican.

Workforce

Pennsylvania is proud to have a higher than average state labor force participation rate among Hispanic and Latino individuals. It is estimated at around 65-70%, compared to the overall state rate of approximately 62-63%. With this said, there are approximately 35,000 thriving Hispanic-owned businesses in Pennsylvania which contribute significantly to the local economy.

Education

Approximately 60% of Latino and Hispanic high school graduates in Pennsylvania enroll in postsecondary education.

Health

Hispanic and Latino populations in Pennsylvania are more likely to be uninsured compared to non-Hispanic whites. As of the latest data, approximately 18-20% of Hispanic and Latino adults are uninsured, compared to around 7-8% of the overall state population.

Voting

A significant portion of this population is of voting age, with estimates suggesting that around 6-7% of Pennsylvania's eligible voters are Hispanic or Latino.

Racial Equality

$153K: In 2019, the average Latino family had about $36,000 in wealth, compared to white families having $189,000, a difference of $153,000.