The United States offers a vibrant and diverse cultural tapestry, woven into every corner of the nation. An integral part of this rich tableau is the Asian-American community, a heterogeneous group with roots stretching back to numerous countries across Asia. From the early settlement of Manilamen in Louisiana to the large waves of immigration after 1965, Asian-Americans have forged an indelible mark on the shaping and evolution of the America we know today. In the 2020 U.S. Census, a notable 24 million people identified as Asian American, making up 7.2% of the total population. This article examines the distribution of this population across the 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia.
Key findings from the data include:
Heading the list from our data set is California, boasting an impressive total Asian population of 6.8 million. This makes California the state with the largest concentration of Asian-Americans by far, a testament to its rich history of immigration and cultural diversity.
Second on the list is the state of New York, home to approximately 1.9 million Asian-Americans. New York City, in particular, has a prominent Asian presence made evident by neighborhoods such as Chinatown, Koreatown, and Little India which emphasize the state's cultural wealth.
Landing third is Texas, with a significant Asian population of around 1.7 million. Texas' growing economy and multicultural cities make it a sought-after destination for immigrants.
New Jersey ranks fourth, hosting approximately 949,000 Asian-Americans. Asian influence can be seen in cities such as Jersey City with its bustling "Little India" neighborhood. Washington fills the fifth spot, harboring approximately 854,600 Asian-Americans, underlining the trend of higher Asian-American presence on the West Coast.
Illinois and Hawaii feature next with sizable Asian populations of around 828,800 and 803,300 respectively, followed by Florida and Virginia, each with a population of over 690,000. Wrapping up our top 10 list is Massachusetts, home to roughly 538,400 Asian-Americans.
States with Most Asian Population: