This report presents data on the proportion of people aged 5 and over who spoke a language other than English at home, based on the 2009 American Community Survey (ACS). Data are presented at the national and state levels. Data in the state maps are reported for Hispanic origin and racial groups with a population of at least 65,000.

These data come from a three-part question. Part one asks, “Does this person speak a language other than English at home?” Part two asks, “What is this language?” Part three asks, “How well does this person speak English (very well; well; not well; not at all)?” The information presented in this report utilizes data from part one of the language question.

Data on language ability has become increasingly important as the U.S. population has become more ethnically diverse. Government and private sector service providers use data on language ability to help meet the communication needs of different communities by tailoring services to schools, hospitals, and other providers. These data are also used to monitor and enforce the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

This report highlights information about language for selected Hispanic origin and race groups. The U.S. Census Bureau collects race and ethnicity data in accordance with guidelines provided by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB). These data are based on self-identification. The question on Hispanic origin asks respondents if they are of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin. The question on race asks respondents to report the race or races they consider themselves to be. People who identify their origin as Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish may be of any race.