Latino Heritage Month is celebrated annually from September 15 to October 15, honoring the significant contributions, rich culture, and vibrant heritage of Latinos in the United States. At C.A.R., we proudly celebrate the achievements of the Latino community, whose growing economic influence continues to shape the nation’s future.
The 2024 Latino Donor Collaborative (LDC) U.S. Latino GDP Report revealed that U.S. Latinos generated an impressive $3.6 trillion in GDP in 2022, ranking as the world’s fifth-largest economy. This remarkable economic power has directly influenced the growth of homeownership, with Latinos responsible for 25.6% of the nation’s homeownership increase. The National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) reported that the national Hispanic homeownership rate reached a milestone of 49.5% in 2023.
Despite challenges such as rising interest rates, a low housing inventory, and affordability issues, the Latino community demonstrated resilience. In 2023, Latinos achieved a net gain of 377,000 owner-households—the largest single-year increase since 2005. Even with obstacles like high home prices and strong investor competition, Latino homebuyers adapted by relocating to more affordable regions, using co-borrowers for financing, and leveraging programs like C.A.R.’s HAF Closing Cost Grant to achieve homeownership. Click here to access C.A.R.’s HAF Closing Cost Grant
As Latinos continue to drive GDP growth, they are vital to the future of homeownership.
In California, 45.9% of Latino households are homeowners—a figure that underscores progress but still trails behind the 64.4% homeownership rate for white, non-Hispanic households. Given that Latinos represent 40.4% of California’s population, there
is a pressing need to bridge this gap and support equitable access to
homeownership, especially as Latinos continue to fill critical
workforce gaps and drive economic momentum.
As Latinos continue to be key drivers of GDP growth, they are equally essential to the future of homeownership. In California, 45.9% of Latino households are homeowners—a figure that, while significant, still trails behind the 64.4% rate for white, non-Hispanic households. With Latinos representing 40.4% of California’s population, it’s crucial to address this gap and promote equitable access to homeownership. Latinos continue to fill essential workforce roles and drive the state’s economic momentum.
With Latino economic power on the rise, it’s more important than ever to invest in Latino talent, education, business opportunities, and homeownership. During Latino Heritage Month, we encourage you to actively support Latino homeownership and celebrate the contributions of this dynamic community. C.A.R.’s Latino Professional Network (LPN) is a vital community of California REALTORS® dedicated to expanding business opportunities, fostering leadership, and advocating for increased homeownership access through policy, resources, and education. LPN meets virtually throughout the year, offering a platform to empower Latino professionals in real estate. Sign up for more information on LPN here.
Join the conversation on the LPN Facebook page and meet fellow LPN members at
the All Voices Soirée during the REimagine! Conference & Expo in Long Beach on September 25 at 6:30 p.m. . Don’t miss the chance to pick up some LPN swag at the C.A.R. Diversity Programs area during the Expo!
As we look ahead, it’s clear that Latinos are essential to the future prosperity of
California and the nation. By working together, we can make homeownership
an achievable dream for all Californians.
