The Latino Harvest Is Ready: The Church on Mission
In a continued observance of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Church of God Department of Hispanic Ministries offers the following report on the Hispanic Harvest in North America.
As we look to obey the calling of God to reach the lost and expand the work of the Kingdom in these difficult times, we must consider the demographic changes in North America. The Hispanic Regions of the Church of God are pursuing the harvest now more than ever and stepping up to the challenge of planting churches among the growing Latino communities in the US. This work belongs to all of us as a Church on a Mission. Take a moment to review these facts.
KEY FACTS ABOUT LATINOS IN THE USA
For many years, the Pew Research Center has been tracking key facts and figures on U.S. Latinos (click here for link). Here are some of the latest highlights:
The U.S. Hispanic population has grown significantly in the last decade, from 50.5 million in 2010 to 62.1 million in 2020. Hispanics accounted for 51% of entire U.S. population growth during that period.
Four out of five Latinos are U.S. citizens. As of 2019, 80% of Latinos living in the U.S. are citizens. The number includes people born in the U.S. and its territories, those born abroad to American parents and immigrants who have become naturalized citizens. Here is a website to see a quick summary of statistics related to Latinos in the USA: (click here)
The number of Latinos who identify as multiracial has also increased, from 3 million to more than 20 million. This is likely due in part to changes in the 2020 census form.
All fifty states and Washington, D.C., have seen growth in their Hispanic populations in the last decade. This is especially true for Florida, California, and Texas, which saw increases of more than 1 million between 2010 and 2020. North Dakota and South Dakota have seen the fastest growth in their Hispanic populations during this time, though they are still among the smallest in the country.
Newborns are driving much of this Hispanic population growth, as immigration declined between 2010 and 2019. This is a reversal of historical trends.
The share of Latinos in the U.S. who speak English proficiently is also growing. Some 72% of Latinos ages 5 and older spoke English proficiently as of 2019. Meanwhile, the share of Latinos who speak Spanish at home has declined.
The share of U.S. Hispanics with college experience has increased since 2010. The number of Latinos enrolled in college also increased from 2010 to 2019, from 2.9 million to 3.6 million.
People of Mexican origin made up almost 62% of the country’s overall Hispanic population as of 2019. The next largest group is those of Puerto Rican origin. The fastest population growth among U.S. Latinos has come among those with origins in Venezuela, Guatemala, and Honduras.
URGENT NEED
As we consider the urgency of the hour, let us continue to press on and reach out to all communities in our cities. God will bless our efforts to proclaim the good news to all people groups.
(Source: Department of Hispanic Ministries of the Church of God)
