Metros with the Most Hispanic-Owned Startups

As Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15th to October 15th) approaches, a new analysis of US Census Bureau data by TruckInfo.net highlights the significant contributions of Hispanic entrepreneurs to the U.S. economy, while also revealing a stark underrepresentation in new business formation. 

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Despite comprising nearly 19% of the U.S. population, Hispanic entrepreneurs own just 10.9% of all startups. This discrepancy underscores both the challenges and the untapped potential within the Hispanic community. However, in certain industries and metropolitan areas, Hispanic entrepreneurs are making an outsized impact.

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Transportation & Warehousing Leads the Way for Hispanic Entrepreneurs

Transportation and warehousing is the leading industry for Hispanic-owned startups, with 17.7% of all businesses in the sector being Hispanic-owned. This is nearly twice the national average across industries and outpaces other sectors like construction and food services.

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A Closer Look: Hispanic Entrepreneurs in the Nation’s Largest Metros

Though underrepresented nationally, Hispanic-owned startups are particularly concentrated in specific metropolitan areas, many of which are located in California, Texas, and Florida. These regions boast vibrant Hispanic communities and a strong entrepreneurial presence.

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Below is a ranking of the top 10 large metros with the highest concentration of Hispanic-owned startups.

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10. Albuquerque, NM

• Startups that are Hispanic-owned: 33.6%
• Hispanic-owned startups: 690
• Most common industry: Construction
• Hispanic population (%): 50%

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9. Visalia, CA

• Startups that are Hispanic-owned: 33.8%
• Hispanic-owned startups: 265
• Most common industry: Transportation and warehousing
• Hispanic population (%): 67%

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8. Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL

• Startups that are Hispanic-owned: 34.1%
• Hispanic-owned startups: 11,055
• Most common industry: Professional, scientific, and technical services
• Hispanic population (%): 46.4%

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7. Yakima, WA

• Startups that are Hispanic-owned: 34.3%
• Hispanic-owned startups: 203
• Most common industry: Construction
• Hispanic population (%): 52.6%

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6. Las Cruces, NM

• Startups that are Hispanic-owned: 38.4%
• Hispanic-owned startups: 163
• Most common industry: Construction
• Hispanic population (%): 69.1%

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5. Odessa, TX

• Startups that are Hispanic-owned: 46.9%
• Hispanic-owned startups: 173
• Most common industry: Transportation and warehousing
• Hispanic population (%): 65.7%

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4. Brownsville-Harlingen, TX

• Startups that are Hispanic-owned: 57.7%
• Hispanic-owned startups: 356
• Most common industry: Health care and social assistance
• Hispanic population (%): 89.8%

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3. El Paso, TX

• Startups that are Hispanic-owned: 61.5%
• Hispanic-owned startups: 1,309
• Most common industry: Construction
• Hispanic population (%): 82.9%

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2. Laredo, TX

• Startups that are Hispanic-owned: 62.5%
• Hispanic-owned startups: 469
• Most common industry: Transportation and warehousing
• Hispanic population (%): 95.3%

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1. Eagle Pass, TX

• Startups that are Hispanic-owned: 85.7%
• Hispanic-owned startups: 60
• Most common industry: Finance and insurance
• Hispanic population (%): 97.2%

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Underrepresentation in the Startup Landscape

While Hispanic-owned startups are making significant gains in specific sectors and metros, they remain underrepresented nationally. Hispanic entrepreneurs own just 10.9% of all startups, compared to their nearly 19% share of the U.S. population.

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Full Data & Methodology

Data was sourced from the US Census Bureau’s 2022 release. Startups were defined as firms with fewer than two years in business. 

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