Monthly Latino Employment Report Issued June 1, 2012
Latino Workers Contribute to Colorado’s Economy The 2010 Census national data show that Colorado ranks among the top ten states with the largest proportions of Latinos and the largest growth in the Latino population between 2000 and 2010. Today, Latinos play an integral role in Colorado’s labor market and economy and will continue to do so in the future.
National Latino Employment Statistics for May 2012 May was a disappointing month for job growth, with only 69,000 jobs added in May, following an average gain of 226,000 jobs per month in the first quarter of 2012. While overall unemployment was little changed at 8.2%, the Latino unemployment rate increased to 11% for the first time this year. One factor that likely contributed to the rise in Hispanic unemployment was the loss of 28,000 jobs in construction last month. Approximately 24% of the construction workforce is Hispanic.
Latino Workers in the Centennial State In 2011, there were 458,000 Latinos in Colorado’s labor force, making up 16.6% of the state’s total workforce. Latinos make significant contributions to Colorado’s industries, as seen in the tables below.
Table 1. Ten Colorado Industries with the Largest Latino Employment Industry Construction Accommodations and food services Health care and social assistance Retail trade Public administration
Employed Latinos 64,362 55,275 42,967 34,401 21,494
Source: National Council of La Raza (NCLR) calculation using U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Population Survey, 2011 March Supplement.
Table 2. Share of Latino Workers in Selected Colorado Subindustries Subindustry Bakeries Services to buildings and dwellings Landscaping services Private households Warehousing and storage Nursing care facilities Postal service Child day care services
Percent Latino 53% 48% 40% 35% 29% 27% 20% 18%
Source: National Council of La Raza (NCLR) calculation using U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 3-Year Estimates, 2008–2010, Public Use Microdata Sample.