Tulsans in that age group are more likely to be poor, less likely to have married and are more racially and ethnically diverse as a group compared to their prior generation counterparts.

Tulsan John Leonard, 23, said he hopes to become fluent in Spanish after he graduates from college with a pastoral degree and a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He said communicating with people in their own language builds trust.

“I think life is about helping other people, and you can help a lot better if you can communicate with them better,” Leonard said.

Hispanics account for much of the increase in the minority population here and nationwide.

In 2000, about 11 percent of Tulsa’s young adult population was Hispanic. Today, that figure is about 18 percent.

Leonard said he started attending college away from home but moved back in with his parents for economic reasons.

“I’m saving so much money, and I’m going to college, like a couple miles from my parents’ house,” he said.