“Growth of Hispanic Population in Southern Indiana: Data Shows Increase in Louisville Metropolitan Area”
The Hispanic population in Southern Indiana is on the rise, according to newly released data from the U.S. Census Bureau. The Louisville Metropolitan area, which includes Floyd and Clark counties in Southern Indiana, saw a 4.77% increase in the Hispanic population between 2022 and 2023. In contrast, the non-Hispanic population actually decreased by .01% during the same time period.
Lillian Rose, CEO/President of the nonprofit Hispanic Connection of Southern Indiana, has been working in the community to assist families with immigration issues. The organization provides a range of services including work visas, citizenship applications, green cards, and more. Rose noted that the organization has seen a significant increase in demand for their services since around 2019, with about 25 families seeking assistance each week.
Rose highlighted the challenges faced by immigrants from Latin America, particularly those trying to evade extortion from drug cartels. She mentioned that the organization works with immigrants from various countries including Mexico, Bolivia, Peru, Venezuela, and more. Despite the challenges, Rose expressed optimism about helping more people legalize their status in the United States.
The growing Hispanic community in Southern Indiana is also making an impact on the local economy, with many immigrants starting small businesses such as restaurants and grocery stores. Uric Dufrene, a professor of finance at Indiana University Southeast, emphasized the importance of population growth for the region’s economic strength and workforce development.
While Rose acknowledged occasional instances of racism, she also praised the generally accepting and friendly nature of Americans towards immigrants. She emphasized the importance of recognizing the contributions of immigrants to the nation, stating, “We are a nation of immigrants.” Overall, the increasing Hispanic population in Southern Indiana is not only reshaping the demographic landscape but also contributing to the region’s economic growth and cultural diversity.
