Fact Check: The U.S. population includes an estimated 65.2 million Latinos, nearly a quarter of whom call California home.

Fact Check: "The U.S. population includes an estimated 65.2 million Latinos, nearly a quarter of whom call California home."

What We Know

As of July 1, 2023, the Hispanic population in the United States is estimated to be approximately 65.2 million, making it the largest racial or ethnic minority group in the country, constituting about 19.5% of the total population (Hispanic Heritage Month: 2024). California is noted for having a significant Hispanic population, with estimates indicating that 40.4% of the state's residents identify as Latino (Hispanic/Latino Health | Office of Minority Health). This percentage translates to roughly 16.8 million Latinos living in California, which is indeed nearly a quarter of the total Hispanic population in the U.S.

Analysis

The claim that the U.S. population includes 65.2 million Latinos is supported by multiple reliable sources, including the U.S. Census Bureau, which is the primary source of demographic data in the United States. The Census Bureau's data indicates that the Hispanic population has grown significantly, accounting for 71% of the overall growth of the U.S. population between 2022 and 2023 (Differences in Growth Between the Hispanic and Non-).

The assertion that nearly a quarter of Latinos reside in California is also corroborated by the data, which shows that California's Latino population is approximately 16.8 million, representing a substantial portion of the total Hispanic population in the U.S. The statistics from the Office of Minority Health further validate this claim, detailing the demographic breakdown of Hispanics across various states (Hispanic/Latino Health | Office of Minority Health).

Both sources are credible and derived from government data, which is typically subject to rigorous methodologies and standards. The U.S. Census Bureau is widely regarded as a reliable source for demographic statistics, and its findings are used by researchers, policymakers, and media alike.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that the U.S. population includes an estimated 65.2 million Latinos, with nearly a quarter residing in California, is accurate based on current demographic data from the U.S. Census Bureau and corroborating sources. The statistics reflect a significant and growing Hispanic presence in the United States, particularly in California.

Sources

1. Hispanic Heritage Month: 2024
2. Differences in Growth Between the Hispanic and Non-
3. Hispanic/Latino Health | Office of Minority Health
4. Employed persons by detailed industry, sex, race, and ...
5. National and State Level Estimates of WIC Eligibility and ...
6. Demographics of the United States
7. Who is Hispanic?
8. California's Population