The Top 10 U.S. Cities with the Largest Hispanic Populations

According to the 2020 census, out of the more than 349 million residents in the United States, 62 million identify as Latino, making up 18.6% of the total population. These numbers highlight the substantial presence of Latino communities across the country. California, Texas, Florida, New York, Arizona, and New Mexico have emerged as hubs for Hispanic communities, offering a rich and diverse cultural landscape. In this article, we explore the top 10 US cities with the highest Hispanic populations and the services and resources these cities offer to their Hispanic and Latino residents.

Next, we will answer the following questions:

1. Which US cities have the highest Hispanic population?
2. Are any of these cities designated as sanctuary cities?
3. What is the breakdown of the Hispanic population by nationality?
4. How did these cities become hubs for Hispanic communities?
5. How do these cities celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month?
6. Are there organizations serving Hispanic residents in these cities?

Which US cities have the highest Hispanic population?

Here is a chart ranking the top 10 US cities with the highest Latino populations, from highest to lowest:

Are any of these cities designated as sanctuary cities?

A sanctuary city is a place where local authorities limit their cooperation with federal immigration enforcement to create a more welcoming environment for undocumented immigrants, reducing their fear of deportation. Of these ten cities, only one has been designated as a sanctuary city. On June 9, 2023, the Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved a motion to declare Los Angeles a “sanctuary city” for immigrants. Texas and Arizona have banned sanctuary cities, and Florida does not have any designated sanctuary cities.

What is the breakdown of the Hispanic population by nationality?

According to the Pew Research Center, the breakdown of the Hispanic population in the United States by nationality reveals that Mexicans constitute the largest segment, accounting for 61.5% of all Hispanics in the US Puerto Ricans are the next significant group, making up 9.7% of the US Latino population. Additionally, there are several other Hispanic groups, including Cuban, Salvadoran, Dominican, Guatemalan, Colombian, and Honduran, each with a population of a million or more in 2019.

How did these cities become hubs for Hispanic communities?

The development of these cities as hubs for Hispanic communities is influenced by various factors:

• Geographic location: Cities like Los Angeles, San Antonio, El Paso, and Miami have historical ties to Hispanic culture due to their proximity to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. This geographic proximity naturally led to the establishment of Hispanic and Latino communities.
• Economic opportunities: Many of these cities have robust job markets and economic opportunities, attracting immigrants searching for better job prospects and a higher quality of life.
• Historical migration waves: Several cities have experienced significant migration waves from specific Hispanic countries. For instance, Miami has a strong Cuban presence due to waves of Cuban migration. These migration waves have profoundly shaped the cultural landscape of these cities, earning Miami the nickname “Little Havana.”
• Affordable living: Suburban areas surrounding Houston and Dallas offer a lower cost of living compared to other major US cities, making them attractive destinations for immigrants seeking affordability while maintaining a good quality of life.
• Family and community ties: Word-of-mouth recommendations and the presence of existing Hispanic communities play a crucial role. When people from the same nationality or region settle in a city and build close-knit communities, it encourages more individuals from that same background to join them. The support of established communities can ease the transition for newcomers.

How do these cities celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month?

During Hispanic Heritage Month, which spans from September 15 to October 15, several major cities across the United States with large Hispanic populations celebrate Hispanic culture in diverse ways. They host cultural festivals, parades, art exhibitions, culinary events, and music and dance performances. To discover and participate in these celebrations in your city, consider exploring local event listings, checking official city websites, and following the social media accounts of cultural organizations, city agencies, and Hispanic community centers.

Are there organizations serving Hispanic residents in these cities?

Los Angeles, California:

• The National Hispanic Media Coalition: Advocates for the advancement of Latinos in the media and entertainment industries.
• CHIRLA (Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights): Provides advocacy and support services for immigrant communities.
• Plaza de la Raza: Offers cultural programs and educational resources for the Hispanic community.
• Mexican American Opportunity Foundation (MAOF): Provides social services, education, and workforce development programs.

Houston, Texas:

• UnidosUS, previously known as NCLR (National Council of La Raza): Advocates for Hispanic rights and provides resources on education, immigration, and economic opportunities.
• Tejano Center for Community Concerns: Offers education, workforce development, and social services.
• Magnolia Multi-Service Center: Provides a variety of services to the community, including health and social services.

San Antonio, Texas:

• Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services: Provides free or low-cost immigration legal services and education to its community. 
• Southwest Workers’ Union: Advocates for workers’ rights and social justice in the Hispanic community.
• Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center: Promotes and preserves Hispanic culture through arts and education.
• The Ella Austin Community Center: Provides social services and youth programs.

Phoenix, Arizona:

• Friendly House: Offers immigration and social services to Hispanic and immigrant communities.
• Chicanos Por La Causa: Provides a wide range of services, including housing, education, and economic development.
• Puente Human Rights Movement: Advocates for immigrant rights and provides support to immigrant communities.

El Paso, Texas:

• Border Network for Human Rights: Advocates for immigrant and border communities and provides support for immigrants.
• Centro de Salud Familiar La Fe: Offers affordable healthcare and social services to the community.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and the availability of services and organizations can change.