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