California's Largest Ethnic Group: Hispanic/Latino

According to the U.S. Census Bureau (2022 ACS), Hispanic or Latino residents constitute 39.4% of California's population (~15.7 million), making them the state's largest ethnic group.

Demographic Context

• Non-Hispanic White: 34.7%
• Asian: 15.5%
• Black: 5.4%
• Multiracial/Other: 5%

Nuance

• "Hispanic/Latino" is an ethnic category (any race); includes Mexican (83%), Salvadoran, Guatemalan, Puerto Rican, etc.
• Mexican origin dominates (~32% of state total)
• Majority in 24 of 58 counties; plurality in 10 more
• Since 2014: Latino > White (first time since 1850 statehood)

Implications

• Political: Latino electorate decisive statewide
• Economic: $600B+ purchasing power; workforce backbone (ag, construction, services, tech)
• Cultural: Spanish de facto second language; bilingual education, media, arts
• Policy: Immigration, housing, healthcare, education shaped by demographics

California is a majority-minority state (no group >50%); Latino plurality defines its 21st-century trajectory.