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

Sources:

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