Profile of the Puerto Rican Population in United States and Puerto Rico: 2008

Sonia Gisselle Collazo-Acevedo, U.S. Census Bureau
Camille Ryan, U.S. Census Bureau
Kurt J. Bauman, U.S. Census Bureau

The Puerto Rican population in the United States reached 4.2 million according to the 2008 American Community Survey, surpassing the 3.8 million in Puerto Rico. Despite the fact they represent the second largest Hispanic population in the U.S., recent literature lacks a comprehensive picture of characteristics of this population compared to other Hispanic groups. The main objective of this paper is to present an up-to-date profile of the Puerto Ricans living in the U.S. and in the island of Puerto Rico. We will use the 2008 American Community Survey and the Puerto Rico Community Survey. The paper will address three main issues. What are the basic characteristics of the populations such as educational attainment, language and other characteristics over time? How do the two populations compare with other groups like Hispanic groups, Blacks and Whites? What geographic and migration factors influence the difference between Puerto Ricans compared to other groups?