Hispanic/Latino people across Colorado are feeling the squeeze as economic pressures mount. A new statewide survey reveals growing concerns about housing affordability, health care access, mental health and public safety.

In its sixth consecutive year, the 2025 Colorado Health Foundation’s Pulse Poll surveyed 2,333 adult Coloradans—including a robust sample of 487 Hispanics/Latinos—to ensure meaningful representation. Conducted between April 19 and May 18, 2025, through bilingual (English and Spanish) phone and online interviews, the poll utilized a bipartisan research team and a dual-mode outreach approach for statistically reliable results.

The findings paint a stark picture of the lived reality behind the data

As the cost of living climbs, many in Hispanic/Latino communities are caught in a cycle of financial stress and limited support. Rising rents, unequal tax burdens and difficulty accessing health care are weighing heavily on families. The emotional toll is growing, too, with mental health emerging as a top concern.
The findings point to a clear call for action. Hispanic/Latino Coloradans are looking for real, lasting solutions to address the challenges they face every day.

"The Hispanic/Latino community is calling for bold investments that uplift their families and drive lasting progress for all Coloradans," said Maribel Cifuentes, Portfolio Director for the Colorado Health Foundation.

Cost of Living Crisis: The State’s #1 Concern

Affordability remains the biggest issue for all Coloradans, with 9 out of 10 (89%) characterizing the rising cost of living as an extremely or very serious problem, higher than any other concern. Similarly, 90% of Hispanic/Latinos express the same concern, showing just how deeply the affordability crisis is still hitting across communities. It's also a 5% jump from 2024, highlighting growing pressure on Hispanic/Latino households.

Financial instability is another major stressor. More than half of Hispanic/Latino Coloradans (53%) say they’re either just getting by or falling behind, far higher than the average (38%) and nearly double the rate among Asian Americans (30%). That figure has increased by 9 points, a striking increase in just 12 months.

The impact is especially severe among low-income Hispanic/Latino families—92% say they’re struggling to keep up, despite the state’s economic growth. 98% of those with children 19 years of age and older report extremely or very serious problems with the rising cost of living, as do non-college-educated men (73%), the unemployed (88%) and those without health insurance (82%). The problem is also sharply felt in specific regions, including Colorado’s 6th and 8th Congressional districts and counties like Adams and Arapahoe, where 98% of Hispanics/Latinos report serious concern.

Job insecurity adds to the strain. One in four Hispanic/Latino workers saw their hours or wages cut over the past year, compared to just 16% of white workers. Another 10% reported losing their jobs entirely. More than 70% of Hispanic/Latino repliers say they’re worried they won’t be able to afford to stay in Colorado.

Finances

This year, financial stress among Hispanic/Latinos in Colorado has increased. Two-in-five (40%) say they’re in worse financial shape than they were just a year ago—on par with Coloradans overall. Only 17 percent view their financial picture as rosier than a year ago. 

A similar proportion—43% of Hispanics/Latinos—report they’re “just getting by” financially. There are slight upticks in a couple of areas that demonstrate continued financial pressures. These financial pressures have repercussions on Colorado Latinos—they are significantly more likely than white Coloradans to indicate experiencing mental health strain attributable to financial concerns (40% point to financial concerns, compared to 22% of white Coloradans).

Housing Instability Forces Tough Choices

Housing affordability remains a pressing concern across Colorado—but it’s hitting Hispanic and Latino communities especially hard. Nearly 9 in 10 Hispanics/Latinos (87%) say they’re deeply worried about rising housing costs. That concern intensifies among those earning less than $50,000 a year, with a striking 93% expressing serious concern. These numbers reflect not just economic strain but a growing urgency for solutions that resonate with lived experience.

Long-term housing stability looks uncertain to many. Nearly three-quarters of Hispanics/Latinos (72%) worry they won’t be able to afford to stay in Colorado. The concern is even higher among Hispanic/Latino renters (78%), the uninsured (81%), and lower-income households earning less than $30,000 (83%).

More than one-third of Hispanic/Latino households (39%) fear they may need to downsize, relocate, or could even lose their home within the next year. For Hispanic/Latino renters, the picture is even more troubling, as half (50%) voice this same concern.

To make ends meet:

• One in four Coloradans (25%) cut back on essentials like food or health care to cover housing costs. Among Hispanics/Latinos, that number climbs to 35%, with 31% forced to rely on high-interest credit.
• A quarter of all Coloradans reported working multiple jobs to stay afloat. For Hispanics/Latinos, it’s higher—31% say they’ve taken on extra work.

Over a third of Hispanic/Latino renters (37%) say that they avoided asking landlords to address problems out of fear of rent increases or eviction. This is even more pronounced among retired Hispanic/Latino women, caregivers and those already struggling financially.

Food Insecurity Hits Hispanic/Latino Families Hard

For many Hispanic/Latino families in Colorado, food insecurity is a daily concern. About 41% of those Hispanic/Latino families say they’re worried they won’t be able to afford enough food in the coming year—a rate much higher than the statewide average of 29%. More than four in five Hispanic/Latinos with incomes of $30,000 and under share this fear (83%).

The consequences are severe. Of those Coloradans facing food insecurity, 78% have skipped meals due to financial pressure. Among Hispanic/Latinos, concern about hunger rose to 48%, 7 points higher than other groups. 

Hispanics/Latinos are the only subgroup among which concern about affording food has remained fairly high. Concern about not being able to afford food is on par with a year ago, as 41% of Hispanics/Latinos now say they are very or somewhat worried about being able to afford food for themselves or their family. In the past year, 18% of Hispanic/Latinos say they have skipped at least one meal because they simply couldn’t afford to eat.

Health Care Delays Signal Broader Inequities and Mental Health Struggles

Rising costs could also be taking a toll on the health of Colorado’s Hispanic/Latino communities. Fully 35% of Hispanic/Latinos said they’ve delayed medical care. That’s higher than the rate among Black Coloradans (24%) and 5 percentage points above the overall state average. The numbers are even worse for the Hispanics/Latinos who are renters at 45% and who have delayed medical care.

Health care affordability remains one of the biggest concerns for Hispanics/Latinos—78% say it's a major issue, one of the highest rates across any group. Among uninsured Hispanics/Latinos, 61% report struggling to access the care they need.

Dental care is another area where many are falling behind. Forty percent of Hispanic/Latinos said they’ve put off dental visits, 7 points higher than the state average. The rate jumps to 55% for low-income Hispanic/Latinos earning less than $30,000 annually and 58% among Hispanic/Latino renters.

These challenges extend beyond physical health. More than half (53%) of Hispanic/Latinos identified reproductive rights as one of the most pressing issues facing Colorado, 10 points higher than the state average.

Among Hispanic/Latinos residing in Pueblo County, 80% reported mental health as an extremely or very serious problem. 

Mental Health Concerns and Financial Pressures Intersect

For many Hispanics/Latinos in Colorado, mental health and money problems go hand in hand. About 40% of Hispanics/Latinos say their mental health challenges are closely tied to financial stress, and 68% of those who had their hours reduced at work (or their salary) name financial issues as a cause of mental strain. Political uncertainty adds another layer—23% of Hispanics/Latinos say national and local politics are making their mental health worse.

Overall, 59% of Hispanic/Latino answerers report struggling with anxiety, depression, loneliness, or stress. That’s higher than among Black Coloradans (42%), but lower than among Asian Americans (71%).

Financial barriers keep many from getting help. About 33% of Hispanics/Latinos with mental health struggles said they’ve postponed care, often due to cost or limited access. More broadly, 65% of Hispanic/Latinos say mental health is an extremely or very serious problem, six points higher than the state average.

More than half of Hispanics/Latinos report they are just getting by or really struggling financially (53%), and 82% of Hispanics/Latinos without health insurance are struggling financially.

Concerns About Drug and Alcohol Abuse on the Rise

Concerns around drug and alcohol abuse are growing slightly in Colorado. More than half of Coloradans (52%) say drug and alcohol abuse is an extremely or serious problem. Among Hispanic/Latino individuals, the number jumps to 64%—the highest rate among racial and ethnic groups and 12 points above the state average.

The crisis is especially severe in places like Pueblo and Morgan counties, where 90% of Hispanic/Latinos identify drug overdoses as an extremely or serious problem. The numbers are even more alarming for those earning under $30,000 a year—83% say it is a very serious problem. Sixty-six percent of total Hispanic/Latino respondents said drug overdoses are an extremely or very serious problem in Colorado. In Larimer and Weld counties, 89% of poll respondents said the same.

For those individuals who have experienced mental strain, 71% reported drug overdoses as an extremely or very serious issue facing Colorado.

Public Safety and Crime Worries Intensify

Safety concerns are growing in Hispanic/Latino communities across Colorado. Nearly one-third of Hispanic/Latino people (29%) say crime is a problem in their neighborhood, and broader fears around public safety are rising.

Hispanics/Latinos express higher-than-average concerns about several issues: 65% say crime is an extremely or very serious problem in Colorado, 66% say the same about drug overdoses, and 76% characterize homelessness as an extremely or serious problem.

Trust in law enforcement also varies. Concerns about police misconduct are more common among Hispanics/Latinos (41%) compared to 29% for all Coloradans. Gun violence is another top concern, with 45% of Hispanics/Latinos identifying it as an extremely or very serious issue.

Racial bias and discrimination are part of the picture, too. Almost two in five (39%)  Hispanic/Latinos say it's an extremely or very serious concern, 12 points higher than the state average.

Views on Immigration and Politics Reveal Deep Divides

One of the most noticeable shifts in Hispanic/Latino opinion is around illegal immigration, which has gained more attention this year. Nearly half of Hispanics/Latinos (49%) now view it as a very or extremely serious issue, a decrease from last year’s 59% for Hispanics and Latinos. At the same time, 46% of Hispanics/Latinos believe immigrant mistreatment is an extremely or very serious concern, higher than the rest of the state at 37%, revealing the complex and often conflicting perspectives within the community. That number is 9 points higher than average, with the exception of Black Coloradans at 67% saying it is an extremely or very serious problem.

Politics and government in general also rank high on the list of concerns. One in four Hispanic/Latinos said state and national politics are among the most difficult challenges Colorado is facing today.

Political stress is another major issue—23% of those experiencing mental health strain say the current political climate is contributing to it. This impact is especially strong in vulnerable groups. Among LGBTQ+ Hispanics/Latinos, 58% say that mistreatment of immigrants is an extremely/very serious concern.

Tax Burden and Public Service Priorities

Many Hispanics/Latinos in Colorado feel the state’s tax system is a burden. About 63% say their household pays too much in state and local taxes. Conversely, 63% believe large corporations pay too little in taxes and 52% say the same about high-income people.

There’s also a strong perception that lower-income Coloradans are overtaxed. Sixty percent of Hispanics/Latinos believe those with lower incomes bear too much of the tax burden. Middle-class taxation raises similar concerns, with 56% saying middle-income families pay too much. That view is shared by 60% of Asian Americans and 56% of Black Coloradans.

Despite these frustrations, Hispanics/Latinos still strongly support investing in public services: 

• 81% say funding for public safety is extremely or very important use of their tax dollars (in line with statewide sentiment)
• 75% view stimulating jobs and the economy as extremely or very important
• 75% characterize  mental health services as an extremely or very important use of tax dollars
• 73% say the same about physical health care
• 70% view housing as extremely or very important as well 

Civic engagement

Despite the many challenges they face, Hispanics/Latinos in Colorado still view several actions as effective ways to improve their community. Forty-four percent believe that publicly supporting social causes can drive real change in their community. Another 40% see direct engagement with policymakers as an effective way to make a difference. That view is shared by 49% of unregistered Hispanic/Latino voters, suggesting a growing awareness of civic influence even among those not yet formally participating in elections.

That said, confidence in traditional political advocacy remains low. Only 28% of Hispanic/Latinos say that publicly expressing their support for political candidates is effective at improving their community, reflecting skepticism about whether this kind of support leads to meaningful change.

A Call for Action: Policymakers Must Address the Overlapping Crises

Colorado’s Hispanic/Latino community—a growing and essential part of the state’s economy—is calling for bold, practical policy solutions. Top concerns include affordability, health care access, public safety and economic opportunity, especially for those hit hardest by rising costs and shifting social conditions.

“Colorado’s Hispanic and Latino community is dealing with a mix of tough, connected challenges—rising costs, gaps in healthcare, mental health stress and worries about safety. Affordability stands out as the top concern, with 72% saying they’re unsure they can afford to stay in Colorado long-term. Many also feel the weight of financial pressure and political uncertainty. These struggles make one thing clear: the community needs real, workable solutions that create more stability and open up opportunity.” Maribel Cifuentes, Portfolio Director for the Colorado Health Foundation, stated.

Overall, the data paints a clear picture of the Hispanic/Latino community in Colorado as one that continues to struggle with several challenges, particularly related to financial pressures. Those are taking a toll on mental health and on their perception of whether they can even stay in Colorado. Like many Coloradans, they do not regard many actions as being very effective in improving their community, either, but view a range of challenges as worth an investment of tax dollars to help find solutions.  

Interviews are available with research experts, Colorado Health Foundation leaders, community organizations and individuals directly affected by these issues. 

About Pulse Poll 2025

Between April 19 and May 18, 2025, a comprehensive statewide survey—the sixth consecutive year of the Colorado Pulse Poll—was conducted by bipartisan research firms FM3 Research (Democratic) and New Bridge Strategy (Republican). The study engaged 2,333 adult Coloradans through a dual-mode approach of phone and online interviews, ensuring inclusive representation with targeted oversamples of Black/African American respondents, American Indian/Alaska Native communities, Morgan County residents, and 473 Hispanic/Latino Coloradans. Participants were contacted via telephone calls, email and text invitations, and interviews were conducted in both English and Spanish. With a margin of sampling error of ±3.07% at the 95% confidence level, the findings present a statistically robust and diverse snapshot of public opinion across the state.

About Pulse

At The Colorado Health Foundation, we believe in listening first. Each year, we ensure Coloradans’ voices are heard on crucial issues like affordable housing, health care and mental well-being. By gathering data rooted in Coloradans’ experiences and perspectives, Pulse provides valuable insights to inform policy decisions that will have a lasting impact on the well-being of Colorado's communities for years to come. For more information, visit www.copulsepoll.org. 

About The Colorado Health Foundation

The Colorado Health Foundation is a statewide philanthropic organization that champions the overall health and well-being of every Coloradan by advocating for and investing in solutions and policies that drive health equity and racial justice. Every day, the Foundation collaborates with organizations and communities across the state to break down the many systemic inequities that stand in the way of health. Learn more at www.coloradohealth.org.