This report highlights the growing number, and increasing diversity, of Latinos in Massachusetts. In this state, as well as nationally, Latinos’ share of the population continues to increase, in contrast to the aging non-Latino white population. If Massachusetts were to keep all its congressional seats in the reapportionment that will follow the 2010 Census, it would be chiefly due to the growth in its Latino and Asian population.The Latino population is young, with a high rate of dependent children and a very low rate of dependent elders. Its work- force composition remains stable: Latinos continue to be over-represented in blue-collar and service-sector jobs and under-represented in white-collar jobs.Across all occupational sectors (including white-collar jobs), Latino workers earn less on average than those of other ethno-racial groups. Latinos also lag in regard to private medical insurance coverage and homeownership. Owning a home is a tangible mechanism for prosperity in many families and communities, a foundation to securing the dream.

The central policy question is how the growth of the Latino population affects the economic and sociopolitical fabric of Massachusetts.