How are Latinx Communities Affected by COVID-19

The U.S. map shows how COVID is affecting Latinx communities across the United States, by state. The colors indicate the level of disparity that Latinx/Hispanic communities are experiencing compared to the overall population.

What is disparity?

Disparity simply means the difference between two things. At HIP, we wanted to create a map of the United States that would visualize the disparity, or difference, in how Latinx and Hispanic communities are being affected relative to the total population. While Latinx and Hispanic people are dying at a higher rate nationwide, we wanted to understand what that disparity looks like in each state.

Why are we measuring disparity?

Our aim is measure how Latinx communities are doing in the U.S. and to bring their stories to the forefront. Using disparity data, we can pinpoint areas that need more help and direct resources to them.

What does the data not explain?

This data shows the current state of disparity based on available data. However, it is a snapshot of what’s available and is not a predictor of what this disparity could look like. The data itself does not explain why these disparities exist - to get the complete picture, please read the Impact section and click the video links on the map. The articles and videos provide additional context that help explain the full story that the data cannot capture. The data also does not indicate the likelihood that a member of the Latinx/Hispanic community could or would test positive for COVID. It just indicates how many have contracted and/or died from COVID

What does the legend mean? What does it mean for Latinx communities to be better or worse?

We are measuring the COVID disparity for Hispanic/Latinx communities in relation to the average of a given state. By comparing rates on COVID cases and deaths, we can determine whether a Latinx person is contracting or dying from COVID at a higher or lower rate compared to the average person.

Orange: if the Latinx rate is at least 33% more than the average, then Latinx communities are doing worse.
Green: If it’s at least 33% less than the average, then Latinx communities are doing better.
White: If it’s within 33% of the average, then there’s no major difference, and we say it’s the “same”.
Grey: None or not enough data available - in states where some data is available, but not enough to fairly determine whether or not a disparity exists. We’ve set this threshold at 50%. If a state isn’t reporting at least 50% of their case or death data by race and/or ethnicity, we don’t represent the data on this map.

What do the video links show?

We’ve also provided links to stories on-the-ground from HIP’s partner organizations in the United States. These stories educate and show how people are dealing with health, economic and systemic disparities exacerbated by the coronavirus.