# Massachusetts Latinos Struggle with Economic Barriers

> Massachusetts Latinos face financial instability despite population growth, with low net wealth and limited career pathways.
- Title: Massachusetts Latinos Struggle with Economic Barriers
- Summary: Massachusetts Latinos face financial instability despite population growth, with low net wealth and limited career pathways. Massachusetts Latinos have the…
- Keywords: massachusetts, latino, net wealth, median age, college degrees, dunkin, boston federal reserve, gaston institute, massinc, latino equity fund, boston foundation, news
- Source: The Boston Globe — https://bostonglobe.com/2026/10/11/metro/massachusetts-latinos-financial-struggle-economy
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: massachusetts, latino, net wealth, median age, college degrees, dunkin, boston federal reserve, gaston institute, massinc, latino equity fund, boston foundation, news
## Katheryn Gravenhorst's Career Struggle
Katheryn Gravenhorst, 24, works as a Dunkin’ shift manager after graduating with a master’s in economics.

> I was trying to build my resume, but at the same time I was trying to survive.
## Latino Population Growth in Massachusetts
Massachusetts Latinos now number over 1 million residents, with more than half from Puerto Rico or the Dominican Republic.
## Low Net Wealth for Latino Families
Latino families in Massachusetts have a median net wealth of $1,200, with two-thirds unable to cover a $400 emergency expense.
## Educational Barriers for Latinos
Only one-quarter of Latinos in Massachusetts have bachelor’s degrees, making college a barrier to middle-class wages.
## Economic Disparities in Massachusetts
Latino families earn less than $63,000 annually on average, below Black, white, and Asian employees with similar education.
## Limited Job Opportunities for Latinos
92 percent of middle-class jobs require a college degree, but few Latinos have the credentials to qualify.
## Systemic Challenges for Latino Success
Latino families face systemic barriers including limited inheritance, difficulty accessing loans, and low expectations in schools.
## Sandra Gravenhorst's Story
Sandra Gravenhorst, 53, owns a home and runs a tax business after working at her cousin’s wire transfer business.

> I’m comfortable, thanks God.
## Claudia Osirio's Struggle
Claudia Osirio, 54, works as an assistant director at a social services nonprofit but earns only $20 an hour.
## Future Challenges for Latinos
Latino families in Massachusetts face rising costs and limited pathways to middle-class earnings without college degrees.
## Key takeaway

Massachusetts Latinos have the lowest net wealth in the state, with median family net worth at $1,200 and only one-third able to cover a $400 emergency expense.