Nevada Latino Population Skyrockets
WASHINGTON, Feb. 25, 2011 -- The Latino population in the state of Nevada experienced exceptional growth since 2000, growing an unprecedented 82% in the last decade, according to a National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund analysis of newly released Census 2010 data.
Between 2000 and 2010, while the state's overall population grew 35% from 2.0 million to 2.7 million, the Latino population increased from 393,970 to 716,501.
Latino residents account for nearly half (46%) of overall population growth in Nevada over the last ten years, and now represent 27% of the state's residents. Nevada has gained one congressional seat since 2000.
"This remarkable growth in the Latino population means that it is time to make sure it results in an opportunity for full and fair representation for the Latino community as the redistricting process gets underway," said NALEO President Sylvia R. Garcia.
Many of Nevada's ten largest cities also have significant Latino populations, including Las Vegas, where nearly a third (32%) of its residents is Latino. More than half (57%) of Nevada's Latinos live in the state's ten largest cities.
The Census 2010 data also reveal that 39% of all Nevadans under 18 are Latinos.
"Latino youth are Nevada's future leaders and are part of the state's future economic well-being," added Garcia. "State policy makers must advance the economic and civic progress of Latinos for the betterment of all Nevadans."