The U.S. Census Bureau's standard racial and ethnic categories often fall short of reflecting how communities define themselves, and don't reflect the composition and quality of life of diverse Minnesotans throughout the state. We developed data profiles for 27 of the largest cultural communities in Minnesota, including African American, Chinese, Ethiopian, Filipino, Hmong, Indian, Korean, Mexican, Native American, Somali, Vietnamese, and more, based on a combination of self-reported race, ancestry, birthplace, and parental characteristics. We provide data on cultural communities to better reflect, understand and support these communities, and their specific strengths and needs.

Fast facts

Nearly 4 in 10 Mexican Minnesotans live outside of the Twin Cities

39% of Mexican Minnesotans live in greater Minnesota.
39 %

More than 9 in 10 Hmong Minnesotans live in the Twin Cities

95% of Hmong Minnesotans live in the Twin Cities metro area.
95 %

Nearly 9 in 10 Somali-headed households live in rental housing

89% of Somali-headed households in Minnesota are renter households.
89 %

499,000 foreign-born Minnesotans

9 %
Cultural community Sort descending Population
African American 243,669
Burmese 15,938
Cambodian 11,920
Chinese 43,721
Colombian 8,168
Cuban 10,002
Ecuadorian 15,589
Ethiopian 38,307
Filipino 23,307
Guatemalan 13,393
Hmong 94,310
Indian 53,651
Japanese 12,560
Kenyan 17,175
Korean 28,084
Lao (non-Hmong) 15,507
Lebanese 7,134
Liberian 21,397
Mexican 213,268
Minnesota 5,670,472
Native American 162,840
Nigerian 15,344
Puerto Rican 19,753
Salvadoran 15,146
Somali 86,610
Thai 5,740
Ukrainian 19,838
Vietnamese 32,150
White non-Hispanic 4,440,675

Sources:

Integrated Public Use Microdata Series from the U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey. (2017-2021).