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

88% of Somali-headed households in Minnesota are renter households.
88 %

495,000 foreign-born Minnesotans

9 %
Cultural community Sort descending Population
African American 266,996
Burmese 17,123
Cambodian 11,984
Chinese 41,717
Colombian 9,431
Cuban 9,406
Ecuadorian 18,271
Ethiopian 40,324
Filipino 25,203
Guatemalan 17,172
Hmong 99,912
Indian 51,909
Japanese 13,391
Kenyan 20,967
Korean 27,204
Lao (non-Hmong) 15,191
Lebanese 6,959
Liberian 20,720
Mexican 229,576
Minnesota 5,713,716
Native American 162,216
Nigerian 18,141
Puerto Rican 21,802
Salvadoran 17,571
Somali 79,449
Thai 6,738
Ukrainian 22,570
Vietnamese 33,891
White non-Hispanic 4,382,534

Sources:

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