Introduction
This fact sheet represents a range of statistics and information about the Latine population in New York State and New York City.
The Latine community in New York State and New York City is a multi-racial and multi-ethnic group hailing from all across the world. Our office has chosen to utilize the term “Latine” because it represents evolving language that more accurately reflects the range of backgrounds and gender identities encompassed by the diverse and sprawling Latin Diaspora. We hope that by utilizing the term Latine all people who identify as Latino, Latina, Hispanic, Trans, and Latin American will be able to see themselves.
While Latines can’t be boiled down to one single identity, it’s clear that the Latine people have made invaluable contributions to the cultural and economic vitality of the city and state. This snapshot, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, was created to highlight just that. By sharing these statistics, our office is showcasing where the Latine community currently stands, so together we can work towards a more inclusive and prosperous New York for all.
Key Terms
- Hispanic refers to those with origins in Spain, and Spanish-language-speaking Latin America.
- Latino and Latina refers to those with origins in all Latin American countries, regardless of whether the person speaks Spanish.
- Latine is a gender-neutral alternative for Latino/a. It is a gender-neutral, pan-ethnic alternative to an explicitly gendered Spanish language.
- Race or Racial identity describes the physical features that a group of persons might have in common. The word race on a form refers to the group or groups that you may identify with as having similar physical traits that are regarded as common among people of a shared ancestry.
- Racial Equity is a process of eliminating racial disparities so everyone can have the same outcomes. It is the practice of changing policies, procedures, systems, and structures by prioritizing measurable change in the lives of people of color and other marginalized populations.
- Racial Justice is a vision of a society where racial hierarchies no longer exist. Where all people have the dignity, resources, power, and self-determination to fully thrive.
Population and Economics
Chart 1
Chart 1a
Source: 2022 one-year American Community Survey (ACS) U.S. Census Bureau. New York City. (New York City, ACS 1-year survey. 2022) and Selected Demographic and Socio-economic Characteristics by Disability Status (Disability Status In New York City, 2017 – 2021)
The NYC Latina population is 1,246,753 (28.8% of the total NYC female population – 4,328,541) and the NYC Latino population is 1,176,450 (29.3% of total NYC male population – 4,007,356).
Chart 2
Source: 2018-2022 five-year American Community Survey (ACS). New York City U.S. Census Bureau (New York City, ACS 5-year survey. 2018-2022)
Representation of Latine New Yorkers in Government
The New York City workforce is comprised of about 300,000 individuals, of whom 22% are Latine.
Chart 3
Source: NYC Government Workforce Profile Report. New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services FY 2022 (FY 2022 NYC Government Workforce Profile Report)
Unfortunately, Latine city workers lag behind many of their counterparts, especially Latina women. Latina women in municipal government jobs are still only earning $0.68 for every dollar earned by white men, highlighting the ongoing disparities in pay equity that exist within the workforce.
Chart 4
Source: Pay Disparities In The NYC Municipal Workforce, An Analysis of Employee Pay & Demographic Data New York City Council Data Team April 2024 (Pay Equity Law Data.2021)
Housing and Homeownership
The homeownership rates for Latine individuals in New York City is at 18%. Given that 82% of Latine individuals in New York City are renters, there is a pressing need for more data to understand the specific barriers they face in achieving homeownership.
Chart 5
NYC Latine Homeowners’ Median Home Value
$570,000
Source: 2017-2021 five-year American Community Survey (ACS) New York City. U.S. Census Bureau (New York City, ACS 5-year survey. 2017-2021)
Education
When people say “Education is the key” the data on household net worth by education level couldn’t illustrate this correlation more. Latine individuals with a bachelor’s degree have a significantly higher median household net worth of $78,986 compared to those with a high school diploma which is just over $6,000.
Chart 6
Source: New York State Education Department Student Information Repository System (SIRS). New York City Public School Enrollment 2022 -2023 School Year (NYSED. 2022-2023)
Chart 7
Source: New York City Graduation Rates Class of 2023, 2019 Cohort. March 2024 (NYC Public Schools. 2024)
Chart 8
Source: 2022 Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) U.S. Census Bureau (SIPP. 2022)
Health
Chart 9
Source: NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Bureau of Vital Statistics, Summary of Vital Statistics 2021
The New York City Latine population is overrepresented in many morbidity and mortality statistics. This data underscores the need for targeted healthcare interventions to improve health outcomes for the Latine community.
Chart 10
Source: NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Bureau of Vital Statistics, Summary of Vital Statistics 2021
Conclusion
The data presented in this fact sheet highlights the pressing need for initiatives that promote racial equity and racial justice for the Latine community in NYC. This need is not only a moral imperative but also an economic one. By addressing disparities, we can work towards a more just and inclusive society where all individuals have equal opportunities for success. It is crucial that we continue to strive for policies and practices that uplift and empower the Latine population, fostering a more equitable and prosperous future for everyone.