National survey of over 1,200 U.S. Latinos reveals 76% say short-term hosting can supplement income and help families to build long-term financial independence

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A new national poll commissioned by the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC), in partnership with Airbnb, found that U.S. Latinos increasingly view hosting short-term rentals as a tool for retirement security and a pathway into financial independence. 68% say hosting can help supplement retirement income, increasing to 78% among adults 55 and older and 82% among homeowners 55 and older.

The report demonstrates that Latino adults increasingly view short-term hosting not as a passive side activity, but as a critical tool to save for retirement and achieve financial security. The findings identify that this is due to the fact that many Latino households lack access to credit and capital. Short-term hosting instead provides an opportunity to productively use an asset millions already own: their homes.

“For 47 years, our mission has been to open doors for Hispanic businesses and help entrepreneurs achieve the American Dream and it is clear that short-term hosting can become one of those doors,” said Ramiro A. Cavazos, USHCC President and CEO. “Our report reaffirms that the home can help families build generational wealth. It can help pay the bills, provide a pathway for small business ownership, and help older adults achieve retirement security.”

Key findings from the report:

• 84% of Latino adults say flexible income opportunities help families manage rising living costs.
• 76% say short-term hosting can be a practical way to supplement household income.
• 73% say hosting can help families make resourceful use of property they already own.
• 71% say hosting can help families use property to support multiple generations, rising to 81% among those living in multigenerational households.
• Among Latino adults who have hosted, almost two thirds say it helped pay household expenses and 1 in 2 say it made them feel more financially secure.

 Our findings reveal that Latinos overwhelmingly want to keep short-term rentals as an accessible pathway to opportunity. 91% agree hosts should pay their fair share of taxes and meet basic standards, and 79% say rules should be clear and easy to understand. The USHCC concludes that balanced short-term rental policies preserve accessible pathways to entrepreneurship and financial security for Latino adults, while empowering Latino families to build generational wealth  whereas disproportionate restrictions directly impede generational wealth creation for Latino families.

“This report brings new light to the entrepreneurial spirit that has for generations helped build this country and is a key pillar of Hispanic heritage. With these fresh findings, we understand that by hosting on Airbnb, Latinos generate vital income to navigate the current cost of living, save for retirement, and create a lasting family legacy,” said Jordi Torres Mallol, Airbnb Regional Director for the Americas. “We’re proud to have the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce as a thought and community partner in championing Latino communities.”

“We are in our mid-60s and we care for our 90-year-old mothers. Airbnb allows us to generate income while maintaining the flexibility that our family situation requires,” said Agustín Vizcarra, Airbnb host from Payson, Arizona.

Report Methodology

This report draws on a national bilingual survey of 1,516 U.S. adults, including 1,211 Latino adults and a 305 general-population comparison sample. The survey was self-administered online in English and Spanish and examined entrepreneurship, financial security, family and community values, flexible income, retirement, generational wealth, and attitudes toward local policy. Results were weighted separately to appropriate population benchmarks.

United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is America’s largest small business advocacy group, representing over 260 local chambers and business associations nationwide and partners with hundreds of major American corporations. Annually, more than $4.4 trillion GDP is contributed by U.S. Latinos, forming a vital economic force. The USHCC is dedicated to supporting 70 million Latinos nationwide. The USHCC actively promotes the economic growth, development, and interests of more than five million Hispanic-owned businesses.