Laredo Named Top City for Hispanic Entrepreneurs

WalletHub ranked Laredo as the tenth-best city for Hispanic business owners in a recent study of 182 U.S. locations.

Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Hispanic

Screen-print poster illustration of a desert succulent growing from stone-colored blocks, representing Laredo's business growth. — Laredo has been ranked the tenth-best city in the United States for Hispanic entrepreneurs, marking the highest placement for a city outside of Florida. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Laredo has secured the tenth spot in WalletHub's latest rankings of the best cities for Hispanic entrepreneurs. It stands as the highest-ranked city on the list located outside of Florida.

Why it matters

The ranking highlights Laredo's significant community infrastructure, including a leading share of Hispanic-owned businesses. This recognition underscores the citys unique economic landscape for minority business growth.

Laredo tied for first nationwide with 61.82% of businesses being Hispanic-owned and placed second for the share of Hispanic residents at 95.07%. The city also reported a 5.5% Hispanic unemployment rate.

The players

WalletHub

This personal finance website provides financial data, tools, and rankings to help consumers and business owners make informed decisions.

Laredo

Laredo is a major city in Texas known for its significant Hispanic population and its role as a key border crossing and trade hub.

The details

The analysis evaluated 182 cities across 23 metrics, weighting Hispanic business-friendliness at 60% and purchasing power at 40%. While Laredo excelled in business ownership and housing tenure, it ranked 181st in industry variety.

October 3, 2026: WalletHub published the city rankings report.

Culture Shift

This ranking reflects a broader shift in American entrepreneurship as cities beyond traditional hubs gain recognition for supporting minority-owned business ecosystems. It highlights how local community demographics are increasingly central to regional economic success stories.

The recognition may signal a more supportive environment for local entrepreneurs seeking resources, small-business loans, or community networking. Residents may see a continued focus on fostering minority-owned startups given the high existing share of such businesses.

The takeaway

Laredo's high ranking demonstrates the potential for cities with strong local demographics to cultivate successful entrepreneurial hubs. Aspiring business owners should leverage these community-specific strengths to access local support and growth opportunities.