It’s hardly a secret that Allen County is home to a lively and vibrant community of Latino-Americans. For more than 100 years, individuals and families have traveled to Fort Wayne from all over Latin America – Mexico, Central and South America – in search of jobs, better educations, healthier lives and bright futures for their children.

Now, the latest American Community Survey report from the U.S. Census Bureau estimates that Allen County’s Latino population outpaced the population of Black people in 2024 for the first time. Latinos are now the largest minority group in the county, with 9.5% of the local population compared to nearly 9.2% for Black residents.

Latino community leaders point out that Latino residents are younger on average with a more robust birthrate than their counterpa

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