ArkLaTex sees increase in Latino population

Over the past 10 years, the Latino population has doubled in Bossier City, and in Shreveport, the growth spurt is not far behind. According to the census, there were 2,232 Latino living in Bossier City. That number jumped to 4,955 in 2010. In Shreveport, the Latino population accounted for 3,100 people and in 2010, that number jumped to 4,990. More than half of that population is Mexican. 

Census data also illustrates that in comparison to other large cities around Louisiana, Shreveport comes in fourth place behind New Orleans (5.2 percent), Lafayette (3.8 percent), Baton Rouge (3.3 percent), Shreveport (2.5 percent), Alexandria (1.8 percent) and Monroe (1.1 percent), in terms of the percentage of its population that's of Hispanic origin. In comparison to its surrounding states, Louisiana also ranks fourth behind Texas (38 percent), Oklahoma (9.2 percent), Arkanas (6.6 percent) in terms of the percentage of its population of Hispanic origin. Only Mississippi is behind Louisiana, with 2.9 percent of its population claiming Hispanic heritage. 

Local Hispanic business leaders attribute the growth in the Latino population to abundant job opportunities and less restrictions placed on Hispanics such as there are in other states like Arizona. Many said the ArkLaTex is a great place to raise a family and has pleasant tropical weather. 

With a bustling soccer league (Shreveport/Bossier Adult Soccer League), several Mexican restaurants, and stores that cater to Latinos, many said they feel right at home. There's also several latin dance nights in the area, and a Mexican rodeo every year at the Louisiana State Fair.