News Summary
According to the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s 29th annual DATOS report, Arizona’s Hispanic community contributes $72 billion to the state’s economy. With Hispanics making up 32% of Arizona’s population, their economic role is vital, especially in areas like Maryvale. The report highlights challenges faced by this community, including access to funding for Latino-owned businesses and the need for economic mobility. As the U.S. Latino GDP is set to significantly grow, understanding this community’s contributions becomes increasingly important for local and national economies.
Arizona’s Hispanic community has become a vital economic force within the state, contributing an impressive $72 billion to Arizona’s economy, according to the recently released 29th annual DATOS report. This report, unveiled by the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on September 30, 2025, highlights the significant role of Hispanic residents, who now make up 32% of the state’s population—far surpassing the national average of 19.4%.
The DATOS report emphasizes the economic potential of the Hispanic community, especially in areas such as Maryvale, which is identified as a $4 billion economic zone. Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego noted that the economic impact of Hispanics is crucial for attracting national businesses, utilizing the report to showcase local opportunities for future investments. Notably, Maryvale also houses the second most popular Starbucks in the U.S., which has encouraged the establishment of additional coffee shops in the vicinity.
Governor Katie Hobbs described the DATOS report as vital for shining a light on the needs and gaps being faced by the Hispanic community in Arizona. Some of the significant issues identified in the report include unequal access to financial capital for entrepreneurs, pay disparities, and challenges related to student absenteeism. While Latino-owned businesses in the U.S. have seen a 44% growth between 2018 and 2023, non-Hispanic white-owned businesses have experienced a 3% decrease during the same period. Alarmingly, only 20% of Latino-owned businesses received funding, compared to 40% of their non-Hispanic white counterparts.
The DATOS report underlines the importance of understanding the impact of the Hispanic community at both local and national levels. More than 65 million Hispanics reside in the United States, collectively contributing $4.1 trillion to the national economy. In Arizona, Latinos represent 30% of the total population, 40% of the Phoenix metro area, and 50% of K-12 students, indicating their significance in the community and future workforce.
As the U.S. Latino GDP is projected to reach $3.6 trillion by 2024 with an annual growth rate of 4.6%, the economic contributions from the Hispanic community have become increasingly relevant. The DATOS report incorporated discussions led by keynote speakers Dr. Judith Robles and Dr. Mark Hugo López, who spoke on matters relating to immigration and the Hispanic community’s role in the U.S.
The event coincided with the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Sonora Global, aimed at enhancing cross-border economic collaboration between Arizona and Mexico. Dr. Monica Villalobos, president and CEO of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, emphasized that the DATOS report allows the community to articulate its own narrative and demonstrate its economic contributions.
Identifying essential elements crucial for economic mobility, the report discusses factors such as affordable housing, workforce participation, small business growth, and access to capital. The 2025 edition of DATOS explored data across 12 social determinants of healthy communities in association with the Vitalyst Health Foundation, providing a comprehensive view of the economic landscape.
As businesses increasingly recognize the significance of the Hispanic market, the chamber has engaged with corporate partners who utilize the report as a foundational tool for targeting marketing strategies. A collective understanding aimed at improving living conditions within Hispanic communities is seen as paramount for fostering long-term economic success.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- KTAR News
- California News
- ABC 15 News
- Wikipedia: Hispanic and Latino Americans
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hispanic
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
