Overview > Hispanics in North Carolina

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, North Carolina's Hispanic population grew 394 percent since 1990. According to census figures, Hispanics account for 4.7 percent of the state's population. The figures showed that 378,963 Hispanics live in the state.

The rapid growth of the state's Hispanic population outpaced its growth nationwide, where the Hispanic population increased almost 60 percent to 35.3 million - making Hispanics the largest minority group in the United States.

The Census shows three North Carolina counties have the largest Hispanic populations: Mecklenburg, Wake and Cumberland.

WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA

For Western North Carolina, Henderson County is ground zero for the influx of Hispanic residents. U.S. Census Bureau estimates show the county's Hispanic population has grown 165 percent during the last 10 years, from 846 residents to 2,238 residents.

The region's 17 counties have seen the addition of about 5,700 Hispanic residents, according to Census Bureau estimates, for a 147 percent increase.

HISPANIC BUYING POWER IN NORTH CAROLINA

1990 2001 Change
$834 (million) $2,962 (million) 255%

HISPANIC BUSINESS IN NORTH CAROLINA: 7,300