Hispanics currently account for 18.1% of the population of the United States. They are the fastest-growing ethnic or racial minority group within the nation with 58.9 million individuals as of July 1, 2017. In fact, Hispanics make up half of the total population growth within the United States. With that being said, New Jersey has the 7th largest Hispanic population in the nation. This ethnic group accounts for the increase in the population of the state both in the 2000 and 2010 United States Census.

General Latino Information In New Jersey

The state of New Jersey is home to 730,000 Hispanics, which account for 19% of the state’s population. Out of the 730,000 Hispanics in New Jersey, 58% of the population are U.S.-born, while 42% are foreign-born. Hispanics other than Mexican account for 86% of the Hispanic population, while only 14% of the Hispanic population is of Mexican origin. Home languages other than English are widely spoken throughout the state by 80% of the Hispanic population.

Largest Hispanic Population In New Jersey

New Jersey is home to a diverse Hispanic population. As mentioned, Hispanics of any race make up 19% of the states total population. (*Note: These stats reflect the total population of New Jersey –8,791,894.)

There are a total of 176,611 Central Americans, accounting for 2.0% of the population. 

The largest groups of Central Americans are as follows:

• Guatemalan 48,869 0.6%
• Salvadoran 56,532 0.6%
• Honduran 36,556 0.4 %

There are a total of 325,179 South Americans, accounting for 3.7% of the population.

The largest groups of South Americans are as follows:

• Colombian 101,593 1.2%
• Peruvian 78,869 0.9%
• Ecuadoran 100,480 1.1%

Additional Hispanics Stats Include:

• Mexican 217,715 2.5%
• Puerto Rican 434,092 4.9%
• Cuban 83,362 0.9%
• Dominican 197,922 2.3%
• Spaniard 21,791 1.4%

Education Information In New Jersey

There are 347,000 Hispanic children enrolled in K-12 grade levels in New Jersey. The state ranks 9th highest in the United States for Hispanic school-aged children. Hispanics account for 24% of all K-12 students in New Jersey.

Education Resources for English Learners In New Jersey

English Learners in New Jersey can benefit from a variety of educational resources, for that reason school administrators, teachers, and parents should seek out the highest quality educational resources to use at school and at home. Bilingual books are an excellent resource for English Learners to use. Not only are they learning English, their new language, but they are also strengthening skills in their native language. Lectura Books offers an array of bilingual books for English Learners of all ages. These books feature topics and themes that immigrant and Hispanic students can relate to. Bilingual books also help parents learn English and become more involved in their children’s education.

Another fantastic approach to learning English is understanding phonics. Lectura Books has a series of phonics workbooks called Family Phonics™. This series of workbooks are ideal for children learning English in bilingual education programs. These workbooks help both parents and children obtain strong English vocabulary skills and proper pronunciation of words. Additionally, these workbooks promote parental involvement among English Learners because parents are working alongside their children.

Another very useful resource is the Latino Family Literacy Project. This organization offers professional development workshops and seminars for school administrators and teachers who work with Hispanic English Learners. The Project also offers webinars and other resources, such as age-appropriate programs, along with a very informative blog featuring the latest information, research, and advice for school administrators, teachers, and parents of English Language Learners.