The migration of Hispanics to Lincoln County has increased by over 70% in the past decade. County data according to the US Census shows that the Hispanic population has increased in the last fifteen years from 1.8% in 1999, to almost 9% of the total population in the year 2007. Several schools in Lincoln County, particularly in Newport, and Lincoln City have near or over 25% Hispanic youth. Many of the immigrants who move to Lincoln County do not read or write in the Spanish language. Education is not a cultural priority, and many of the adults have not completed more than a second or third grade education. Also, for many, Spanish is their second language, followed by their native Indian tongue of Nahuatl.

The HIV/AIDS epidemic has had disproportionate impact on Latinos. Although Latinos represent approximately 14% of the U.S. population, they account for 19% of AIDS cases reported in 2001.