According to research from the U.S. Census, the top 10 states with the largest Hispanic populations are—California, Texas, Florida, New York, Arizona, Illinois, New Jersey, Colorado, New Mexico, and Georgia. Most attorneys believe that if you’re outside of these states, serving Hispanic clients should not be of interest. However, many areas across the country have booming Hispanic populations, yet many attorneys are unaware.
Recent U.S. Census Bureau data (June 2024) shows that the Hispanic population is growing rapidly, not just in traditionally Hispanic states but also in emerging areas across the country. Between 2022 and 2023, the Hispanic population accounted for 71% of total U.S. growth, increasing by over 1.16 million people. This growth wasn’t limited to the big states. North Dakota, for example, saw a 6.7% increase in its Hispanic population. Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania experienced a 13% increase—the fastest growth among counties with Hispanic populations over 10,000.
In many places, Hispanic growth is outpacing non-Hispanic growth. States like Michigan, Maryland, and even Vermont are seeing their Hispanic populations rise while non-Hispanic numbers decline. The Boston-Cambridge-Newton zone grew its Hispanic population by 16,664 between 2022 and 2023, underscoring the growing influence of Hispanic communities outside the usual hotspots.
The takeaway for attorneys? Wherever you practice, Hispanic communities are becoming more significant, and understanding their needs is crucial. Don’t overlook the impact of emerging Hispanic populations—they are shaping the future of your potential client base.