Final answer:
The statement that Latino Americans' average annual income is relatively close to the national average is false. Latinos are the fastest-growing minority and have political and demographic significance, but still face income disparities.
Step-by-step explanation:
All of the following statements about Latino Americans are true except that their average annual income is relatively close to the national average. While it is true that Latinos are the fastest-growing minority in the United States and have made significant political gains, particularly in the southwestern states, and that Hispanics are healthier and have a longer life expectancy than would be expected from their education and income level, their average income still lags behind that of non-Hispanic White Americans.
Latinos, as the largest minority group, have played an influential role in American society and continue to shape its demographic trends. The Hispanic Population in the United States has seen considerable growth due to high birth rates and immigration patterns, particularly from Spanish-speaking countries, making them one of the oldest ethnic groups in the nation. However, disparities in income and education levels persist when compared to the national average, highlighting ongoing challenges in achieving socioeconomic equality.