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

40% of Mexican Minnesotans live in greater Minnesota.
40 %

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 256,704
Burmese 17,967
Cambodian 11,958
Chinese 43,792
Colombian 8,897
Cuban 10,602
Ecuadorian 16,991
Ethiopian 37,387
Filipino 24,251
Guatemalan 14,419
Hmong 94,455
Indian 51,728
Japanese 12,111
Kenyan 20,594
Korean 27,415
Lao (non-Hmong) 16,361
Lebanese 7,130
Liberian 21,342
Mexican 214,309
Minnesota 5,695,286
Native American 163,087
Nigerian 16,671
Puerto Rican 19,851
Salvadoran 15,732
Somali 82,436
Thai 5,388
Ukrainian 20,120
Vietnamese 33,008
White non-Hispanic 4,423,059

Sources:

Integrated Public Use Microdata Series from the U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey. (2018-2022).