National, State and Local Level for Johnston County, North Carolina

United States

Hispanics are the fastest growing US minority group in the country, growing 58% between 1980-2000, from 22.4 million to 35.3 million. (U.S. Census Bureau 2000 Report.)

Hispanics are the largest minority in the country, at 12.5% of the total US population. (U.S. Census Bureau 2000 Report.)

North Carolina

According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2000 Census figures, North Carolina’s population is 4.4% Hispanic/Latino. Nearly all speak Spanish at home, and 3/5 speak English “less than very well.”

The Triangle is 1st in the nation in terms of “hypergrowth” of the Hispanic population, with a growth of 1,180% from  1980-2000. (Center on Urban and Metropolitan Policy,  July 2002.)

Johnston County, North Carolina

Johnston County’s Hispanic population was estimated by the Census Bureau to be around 10,000 people in 2000. However, a report by FaithAction International House (a non-profit organization in Greensboro, NC) estimates the population in 2003 to be closer to 13,300. Other media estimates push the total up to nearly 18,000 for 2004.

Johnston County is ninth in the state in terms of total Hispanic population. However, in terms of percentage, Johnston County percentage of Hispanics compared to the general population is 60% more than North Carolina’s average (7.7% compared to 4.4%.) (U.S. Census Bureau 2000 Report.)

Hispanics provide labor for agriculture, construction, and manufacturing. Over 95% of migrant workers in NC agriculture are Hispanics, as are 50% of workers in meat processing plants. This also has salvaged an aging workforce in the Johnston County area, which allows Johnston County to retain its agricultural importance in the region.

Hispanic buying and spending power is projected to increase from 9 billion dollars in 2002 to 23 billion dollars in 2007. This means increased profits for local business and increased tax revenues. In fact, the average Hispanic household’s income is $55,000 per year.

Latino Outreach Consulting of NC can help your agency or business develop an implement an effective Hispanic outreach or marketing plan. Contact us for more information.