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

38% of Mexican Minnesotans live in greater Minnesota.
38 %

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

94% of Hmong Minnesotans live in the Twin Cities metro area.
94 %

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

90% of Somali-headed households in Minnesota are renter households.
90 %
Cultural community Sort descending Population
African American 241,559
Burmese 14,781
Cambodian 10,630
Chinese 41,673
Colombian 7,802
Cuban 8,009
Ecuadorian 12,265
Ethiopian 34,142
Filipino 23,270
Guatemalan 11,425
Hmong 88,251
Indian 55,349
Japanese 12,861
Kenyan 16,798
Korean 28,037
Lao (non-Hmong) 15,933
Lebanese 7,167
Liberian 19,350
Mexican 214,234
Minnesota 5,600,166
Native American 167,371
Nigerian 11,680
Puerto Rican 17,987
Salvadoran 14,441
Somali 82,890
Thai 5,538
Ukrainian 19,166
Vietnamese 32,752
White non-Hispanic 4,424,396