Colorado’s Hispanic/Latino Communities Speak Out: A Call for Meaningful Affordability and Bold Action

In a state praised for its beauty and economic growth, many Hispanic/Latino families are struggling with financial stress, unstable housing, limited access to health care and the emotional weight that comes with it. The 2025 Pulse Poll delivers a stark verdict: living in Colorado is getting more expensive, and the social safety net is fraying fast.

This isn’t just about statistics. It’s about real lives—and the need for bold solutions and policies that bring health and well-being into reach for all Coloradans.

The Pulse of a Community Under Pressure

Now in its sixth year, the Pulse Poll surveyed more than 2,300 Coloradans, including 487 Hispanic/Latino adults. It was conducted in both English and Spanish and designed to capture a fair and balanced view. The results confirm what many already feel: economic pressures are rising, and Hispanic/Latino communities are carrying a heavier share of the burden.

90% of Hispanic/Latinos say the cost of living is a serious problem—up 5% from last year.
53% report they’re just getting by or falling behind, compared to 38% statewide.
More than 70% worry they won’t be able to afford to stay in Colorado.

These numbers reflect more than financial hardship. They tell the story of a community fighting to stay rooted in the place it calls home.

Housing: A Crisis of Stability

Housing affordability is the top concern for all Coloradans, with Hispanic/Latino families reporting it at a slightly higher rate.

87% are deeply concerned about housing costs.
72% fear they’ll be priced out of the state, with renters and uninsured individuals expressing even higher concern.
50% of Hispanic/Latino renters are unsure they can afford to keep up with their rent.

The data also reveals changes in behavior, showing a greater financial burden:

37% avoided asking landlords for repairs, likely out of fear of retaliation or rent hikes.
31% took on high-interest debt just to cover housing costs.
Renting from individuals or family members rose by 13% since 2024, showing a shift away from corporate landlords in search of trust and affordability.

These choices aren’t small adjustments. They’re survival strategies.

Hunger in the Shadows: Food Insecurity on the Rise

Food insecurity is another growing crisis. Nearly half of low-income Hispanic/Latinos worry they won’t be able to afford enough food in the coming year.

41% of Hispanic/Latino families fear they won’t have enough to eat—12 points higher than the state average.
18% of Hispanic/Latinos say they have skipped at least one meal because they simply couldn’t afford to eat.
Concern about hunger ticked up from 40% to 41%, making Hispanic/Latinos the only group to see an increase.

These numbers are about more than food. It speaks to the emotional weight of choosing between rent and groceries or medicine and meals.

The Cost of Survival: Mental Health and Financial Strain in Our Communities

Mental health struggles are rising across Colorado’s Hispanic/Latino communities, and they’re deeply tied to money, politics and social isolation.

59% of Hispanic/Latino participants reported experiencing anxiety, depression, loneliness, or stress—an eye-opening reflection of the mental health landscape in our communities.
40% say their mental health challenges stem directly from financial stress.
23% of Hispanics/Latinos say national and local politics are making their mental health worse.

The emotional toll is steep:

68% of those who had their hours reduced at work (or their salary) named financial issues as a cause of mental strain.
65% of Hispanic/Latino participants say mental health is an extremely or very serious problem—marking a six-point gap compared to the broader state population.

Access to care remains limited:

79% of Hispanics/Latinos who noted mental health as an extremely or very serious problem for the state also expressed deep concern about maintaining their insurance coverage over the next year.
59% say they’ve struggled with mental health strains.

The message is clear: mental health isn’t just an individual issue. Without comprehensive care, many Coloradans of color may experience worse health outcomes.

Mental Health, Substance Use and Public Safety

Mental health challenges often overlap with substance use and public safety concerns, creating a web of connected crises.

64% of Hispanic/Latinos say drug and alcohol abuse is a major issue—12 points above the state average.
In counties like Pueblo and Morgan, 90% call substance abuse a critical problem.
Among those earning under $30,000, 83% say they’re directly affected.

Concerns about public safety are rising at the same time:

65% say crime is a problem.
24% say crime in their neighborhood is a problem - 5 points higher than the rest of the state.
76% cite homelessness as a serious issue
45% worry about gun violence.
41% express concern about police misconduct.
40% say racial bias is a serious problem—13 points higher than the general population.

For many, safety is about more than crime. It’s about trust and the right to feel secure in their neighborhoods.

Politics, Immigration and the Fight for Representation

Political stress is another major factor shaping the Hispanic/Latino experience in Colorado.

Nearly half of Hispanics/Latinos—49%—view illegal immigration as a serious issue. For Hispanic/Latino respondents, this marks a 10-point drop in concern compared to last year’s sentiment.
46% of Hispanics/Latinos believe immigrant mistreatment is an extremely or very serious concern, higher than the rest of the state, which is at 37%.
58% of LGBTQ+ Hispanics/Latinos view mistreatment of immigrants as an extremely or very serious concern.

These numbers reflect a community navigating complex and often conflicting pressures while advocating for both protection and inclusion.

Tax Burden and Public Service Priorities

Many Hispanics/Latinos feel the state’s tax system doesn’t work for them.

63% say their household pays too much in state and local taxes.
63% believe large corporations don’t pay their fair share.
60% say lower-income families are overtaxed.
56% worry about middle-class taxation.

Even with these frustrations, there’s strong support for public investment:

81% support more funding for public safety
75% want stronger investment in job creation and economic development
75% call for better access to mental health services
73% back expanding physical health care access
70% support affordable housing initiatives

This is a community that believes in solutions—and is ready to invest in them.

Civic Engagement: Voices Rising

Despite the challenges, Hispanic/Latino Coloradans continue to actively engage with their communities:

44% believe publicly supporting social causes can drive real change—the highest rate among all subgroups.
40% see direct engagement with policymakers as effective.
Among unregistered Hispanic/Latino voters, 49% believe civic action matters.

But skepticism lingers: Only 28% see publicly supporting political candidates as effective, reflecting a lack of trust in traditional advocacy channels.

These numbers suggest a community ready to lead—if given the space, respect and resources to do so.

A Call for Action: Invest and Build for All

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

Affordability stands out as the most urgent issue, but the data shows a web of connected challenges: financial instability, health disparities, mental health strain and fears about safety. These aren’t separate problems. They overlap—and they demand a coordinated response.

72% of Hispanic/Latinos worry they won’t be able to afford living in Colorado long-term.
Many also report serious mental health strain tied to political and financial stress.

These struggles demand long-term solutions that deliver real financial relief and broaden access to opportunity. The message is clear: this is a community working hard to stay afloat, striving for stability and inclusion. What they’re asking for in return are investments that improve life not just for Hispanic/Latino Coloradans, but for all.