AUSTIN, Texas — Today, Austin Community Foundation (ACF) released its new report, Advancing Latino Futures, which provides an in-depth look at recent progress, challenges, and emerging opportunities for Latino families and individuals living in Central Texas. The report examines key indicators of economic mobility for Latinos through four critical areas: early childhood education, health and wellness, job skills and entrepreneurship, and leadership development.
As the fastest-growing demographic in the region, Latinos are essential to shaping the future of Central Texas. However, the report underscores the persistent wealth gap, noting that Latino households experience nearly three times the liquid asset poverty rate of white households. Families in liquid asset poverty lack the necessary savings or assets to cover three months of basic living expenses in the event of unforeseen financial hardship, such as a job loss or medical emergency.
“Advancing Latino Futures underscores the vital importance of investing in Latino communities,” said Mike Nellis, CEO of Austin Community Foundation. “This report not only shows us where Latino communities have made strides but also highlights the lingering gaps in access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. By leveraging these insights, ACF can work alongside our donors and nonprofit partners to craft strategies that drive meaningful, lasting change for Latino families throughout our region.”
Key Findings from Advancing Latino Futures
Progress
- Emergent bilingual children in Central Texas are more likely to be kindergarten-ready than English-only speakers, highlighting the potential of Spanish-speaking youth.
- Latino post-secondary enrollment retention and graduation rates have improved, reflecting a positive trend in higher education attainment.
- The percentage of Latino households with zero net worth decreased from 27% to 18% over the past four years.
- Liquid asset poverty rates for Latinos have declined, and homeownership has increased since 2021.
Opportunities for improvement
- Fewer than 40% of low-income Latino children are kindergarten-ready across multiple assessments.
- The uninsured rate among Latinos remains high, underscoring the need to expand healthcare access and enrollment.
- While Latinos make up 31% of Austin’s labor force, only 9.1% of employer firms are Latino-owned, indicating room for growth in entrepreneurship.
- Latinos in Central Texas command $12.4 billion in spending power, a significant economic force that merits targeted investment and support.
Read the full report at austincf.org/latinofutures.
Data from this report will guide philanthropic investments of the Hispanic Impact Fund, a giving network established by Austin Community Foundation in 2017 as a key strategy to address the opportunity gap in Central Texas. By leveraging data-informed, community-led grantmaking, the Hispanic Impact Fund has awarded over $2 million to Latino-serving nonprofits.
“These new findings will help leaders of the Hispanic Impact Fund sharpen our efforts to break down barriers and build sustainable, inclusive growth for Latino families across Central Texas,” said, Alex Cantu, steering committee chair of the Hispanic Impact Fund. “Our goal is to invest in local solutions that strengthen our community and ensure every Latino in Central Texas has the opportunity to thrive.”
To learn more, visit austincf.org/hispanic-impact-fund.