Oregon

History

The presence of Latinos in and around Oregon dates back to colonial times. In 1821, Mexico declared its independence from Spain and established its northern border along what is the current-day border between California and Oregon. Since then, migration to Oregon has continued. For example, a 1951 law renewed the Bracero Program, which existed in many U.S. states, to allow the hiring of Mexican workers in labor emergencies, thus setting the path for Mexicans and Mexican Americans to become the main source of farm labor. The presence of Latinos and Chicanos throughout the state has remained strong. The Chicano Movement of the 1970s played a major role in the state and many organizations to support the Chicano/Latino community have been created over time.

Source: Oregon Historical Society 2007

 

Latino Population in the State

According to data collected by the U.S. Census Bureau in 2000, there were 275,314 Latinos in the state of Oregon. In 2005, the number of Latinos in Oregon was 353,433. Thus, the Latino population increased by 28.4 percent between 2000 and 2005, and by 2005 Latinos made up 9.9 % of the total state population.

Sources: American Fact Finder, "Oregon Fact Sheet" 2000, U.S. Census Survey 2005

Latino Population's Language Profile

In Oregon, 217,614 people reported speaking Spanish at home. Of the total population that speak Spanish, 46.4% reports speaking English "very well."

Source: American Fact Finder, "Oregon, Ability to Speak English: 2000"

Latino Education Background

In 2000, 6,105 Oregon Latinos, or 48.82 percent of the Latinos aged 25 and over, had finished high school. In addition, 12,050 Latinos or 9.62 percent of the Latino population aged 25 and over, had a Bachelor's degree or higher.

Source: American Fact Finder: Oregon, "Census 2000 Demographic Profile Highlights: Selected Population Group: Hispanic or Latino of any race"