Profile Of Second-Generation Immigrants In California

A new report examines the demographic characteristics of California's immigrants over three generations.

1 minute read

May 25, 2005, 1:00 PM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen


These demographic characteristics include: age distribution, racial and ethnic composition, poverty rate, income levels, education attainment rates, English proficiency, and civic participation (political participation/volunteerism). The report examines these demographic differences across and between ethnic groups and ages.

Selected findings:

  • More than 7 million Californians are second generation immigrants, compared to over 9 million who are first generation, and over 18 million who are third generation or greater.
  • For children, poverty rates are 28.7% for first generation immigrants, compared to 24.8% for second generation immigrants, and 13.2% for third or greater generation immigrants.
  • For second generation immigrants, 10% of Latinos, 48% of Asian/Pacific Islanders, and 71% of Whites only speak English.
  • For second generation Asian/Pacific Islanders, 52% had a college degree compared to 10% of second generation Latinos and 35% of second generation Whites.

    [Editor's note: The link below is to a 2MB PDF document.]

    Thanks to Paul Tepper, Weingart Center

  • Tuesday, May 24, 2005 in Public Policy Institute of California

    portrait of professional woman

    I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

    I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

    Mary G., Urban Planner

    Get top-rated, practical training

    Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

    Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

    A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

    April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

    Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

    Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

    As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

    April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

    Hot air balloons rise over Downtown Boise with the State Capitol building visible amidst the high rises.

    The Five Most-Changed American Cities

    A ranking of population change, home values, and jobs highlights the nation’s most dynamic and most stagnant regions.

    April 23, 2025 - GoodMigrations

    People biking along beach path with moored ship in San Diego, California.

    San Diego Adopts First Mobility Master Plan

    The plan provides a comprehensive framework for making San Diego’s transportation network more multimodal, accessible, and sustainable.

    May 2 - SD News

    Sleeping in Public

    Housing, Supportive Service Providers Brace for Federal Cuts

    Organizations that provide housing assistance are tightening their purse strings and making plans for maintaining operations if federal funding dries up.

    May 2 - KSL

    Conductor walks down platform next to Amtrak train at station in San Jose, California.

    Op-Ed: Why an Effective Passenger Rail Network Needs Government Involvement

    An outdated rail network that privileges freight won’t be fixed by privatizing Amtrak.

    May 2 - Streetsblog USA

    Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

    This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

    Planning for Universal Design

    Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.

    Senior Manager Operations, Urban Planning

    New York City School Construction Authority

    Building Inspector

    Village of Glen Ellyn

    Manager of Model Development

    Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO