Hispanic/Latino Health

Hispanic/Latino people are of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin, regardless of race.

In 2024, more than 64.7 million people in the United States identified as Hispanics/Latinos (of any race), representing an estimated 19% of the total U.S. population. In 2024, the ten U.S. states/territories with the largest population of Hispanics/Latinos were:

1. Puerto Rico (99.0%)
2. New Mexico (48.4%)
3. California (40.2%)
4. Texas (39.7%)
5. Arizona (31.4%)
6. Nevada (29.6%)
7. Florida (27.4%)
8. Colorado (22.5%)
9. New Jersey (22.5%)
10. New York (19.8%)

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2023, the average estimated life expectancy at birth for Hispanics/Latinos was 81.3 years (84 years for females and 78.5 years for males), compared to 78.4 years for all races. In 2023, the five leading causes of death among Hispanics/Latinos were cancer, heart disease, unintentional injuries, stroke, and diabetes.

In 2024, 17% of Hispanic/Latino adults reported being in fair or poor health.

In 2024, an estimated 83% of Hispanics/Latinos had health insurance coverage, compared to 92% of the total U.S. population. About 17% of Hispanics/Latinos had no health insurance coverage, compared to 8% of the total U.S. population.

How does health insurance coverage impact overall health?
A lack of health insurance can prevent individuals from seeking out routine and preventive healthcare services. This could delay medical attention when needed or may require use of emergency services for meeting healthcare needs, which can be more expensive. People without insurance are less likely to have a primary care provider, and they may not be able to afford the healthcare services and medications they need.

In 2024, an estimated 68% of Hispanics/Latinos age 5 years and older spoke a language other than English at home, with about 28% reporting they speak English “less than very well.”

How does language fluency impact our overall health?
People with limited English proficiency may have trouble receiving, understanding, and following medical advice or instructions for their conditions. When a patient feels that they can’t communicate with a provider because of language or cultural barriers, it can lead to receiving inadequate health services or avoiding care altogether.

In 2024, an estimated 73% of Hispanics/Latinos age 25 years and older had a high school diploma or higher (72% for males and 75% for females), compared to nearly 90% of the total U.S. population. About 21% of Hispanics/Latinos had a bachelor's degree or higher (18% for males and 23% for females), compared to 14.7% of the total U.S. population.

How does education impact overall health?
Access to quality education plays a significant role in health outcomes. Education helps people understand health information and make informed decisions about their health and use of the healthcare system. People with lower educational attainment may have difficulty securing stable, well-paying jobs which can make it harder for them to afford and access health insurance and quality care.

In 2024, the estimated median 12-month household income for Hispanic/Latino households was $71,415 compared to $80,734 for all U.S. households. Nearly 17% of Hispanic/Latino families were experiencing poverty compared to nearly 13% of U.S. families. The unemployment rate for Hispanic/Latinos age 16 years and older was 6% compared to 5% for the total U.S. population.

How does economic stability impact overall health?
Economic stability includes key issues, such as poverty, employment, and housing stability. People living in poverty are less likely to have access to health care, healthy food, stable housing, and opportunities for physical activity. These disparities mean people living in poverty or experiencing economic instability are more likely to be diagnosed with and experience worse outcomes from preventable diseases.