Hispanics in

South Carolina

 

-According to the US Census Bureau, the Hispanic/Latino population comprises 5.6% of the State’s population. The Hispanic population includes a variety of ethnic groups, of which Mexicans are the largest.

 

-South Carolina is home to 272.791 Hispanics and is ranked among the top five states in Hispanic growth. The numbers show an over 350% increase from the Census in 2000.

 

-Entrepeneurship and small business are at the heart of the Hispanic community and contribute million of dollars to the state economy anually. Between 2012 and 2017, Hispanic-owned business in South Carolina, experienced the largest increase among all minority groups in the state.

 

-Hispanic entrepreneurship is strong in South Carolina. Immigrants who are foreign born exhibit higher rates of entrepreneurship than native born. Hispanic-owned small businesses are the fastest growing group of minority businesses in South Carolina.

 

-The impact of Hispanic households is felt in many parts of the country. In 2015, they held more than $2.8 billion dollars in spending power in a large majority of U.S. states. From the key groups of immigrants in our state, the Hispanic population was significantly higher than any other subgroup (Asian, Sub-Saharan African and Middle Eastern and North African) in income and second highest in taxes paid.

 

-Hispanic family is central to all things. It goes beyond the typical family dynamics and structure in many families in the United States. “La familia” is considered to be not just the nuclear and immediate family such as mother, father, brother and sister but extends to grandparents, aunts, uncles, godparents, friends and even close neighbors. Strong cultural values bring families together such as religion, language, food, and entertainment.

 

Source: State of Hispanics in South Carolina/2019 Snapshot

South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs