1. The aggregate net worth of the U.S. Hispanic population reached $534 billion in 2000, up over 30% in two years. This growth was 5% faster (albeit off a smaller base) than that of non-Hispanic whites over the same time period. Net worth, of course, is a much better measure of wealth than income.

While the biggest increase in net worth came increased home ownership, other traditional savings vehicles showed increases as well. Interest earning accounts rose 20%, 401K and thrift savings plans were up 50%.

2. Hispanic-owned businesses, one of the fastest growing segments measured, rose to 2 million in 2004, up 82% from 1997. Total annual sales of Hispanic-owned firms are expected to rise 70% by 2010 to $465 billion.

3. While immigration has been the biggest factor in the growth of the U.S. Hispanic population over the past 30 years, trends are changing. Second generation Hispanics—the U.S.-born children of immigrants—are emerging as the largest component of the population. By 2010, about 11% of the total U.S. population ages 5 to 19 will be second generation Hispanics.

4. Native born Hispanics are increasingly likely to be high school graduates. In 1980, only 44.5% of U.S. Hispanics were high school graduates. by 2000, the percentage had risen to 57%. As the number of native born Hispanics rises proportionately to foreign-born, education attainment will increase as well; in 2003, over 80% of native-born Hispanics had a high school degree or higher, compared to just over half for foreign-born Hispanics.

5. Increased education means higher disposable income. In 1979, about 60% of Hispanic households with incomes between $40,000 and $140,000 had educational attainment at the high school graduate level or higher; twenty years later, that number had risen to 76%.

The U.S. Hispanic population, still young, will continue to experience above-average gains in disposable income and net worth for the foreseeable future. Consequently, the business opportunities in this demographic should continue to expand significantly.