* Definitions vary: What constitutes a "Spanish speaker" can be debated. Does it include native speakers, those who speak Spanish fluently, or those who understand some Spanish?
* Data collection limitations: Surveys and censuses can be imperfect in capturing language use accurately. Some people may not report speaking Spanish or might speak it only at home.
However, some estimates exist:
* The US Census Bureau: The 2020 Census reported that 41.4 million people in the United States spoke Spanish at home. This represented 13.2% of the total population.
* The Modern Language Association (MLA): The MLA estimates that 52.9 million people speak Spanish in the United States, including those who use it in their homes, schools, or workplaces.
Therefore, the estimated number of Spanish speakers in the US ranges from 41.4 million to 52.9 million. This makes Spanish the second most spoken language in the country, after English.