More than 70.1 million Hispanics live in the United States today, forming a community that continues to grow in population and business ownership while preserving a cultural influence rooted in centuries of history.

The scale of the change becomes clear when looking back just 15 years: The 2010 Census counted 50.5 million Hispanics, nearly 20 million fewer than today.

This growth extends beyond California, Texas, and Florida. Sixteen states now have at least one million Hispanic residents, according to the latest Census Bureau estimates.

Hispanic Heritage Month 2026: 70 Million Latinos Shape the US – Infographic – MundoNow Nearly 500,000 Businesses Demonstrate Growing Latino Economic Power. Economic influence can also be measured through business ownership. Census Bureau data show approximately 496,000 Hispanic-owned companies with employees, generating about $730.3 billion in revenue.

In addition, approximately 5.3 million Hispanics operate their own businesses without employees, demonstrating the importance of millions of entrepreneurs to the US economy.

Homeownership is also increasing: Hispanic homeowner households reached a record 10.2 million in 2025, although substantial barriers to purchasing homes remain.

The history represented by Hispanic Heritage Month began long before today’s demographic figures.

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino notes that the Latino presence in the territory now forming the United States extends back centuries.

Wars and territorial changes also transformed communities already living on those lands into part of the United States.

San Antonio provides a current example. Its 2026 programming includes El Grito and mariachi, along with activities highlighting the stories of Tejanos and migrant workers, according to Texas Public Radio.

The commemoration began as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968, and Congress expanded it to a 30-day observance in 1988. It now runs from September 15 through October 15.

More than half a century after the observance began, those 70 million people represent far more than demographic growth: They are part of a centuries-old history and an economic and cultural force that continues transforming the United States.

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