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 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

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

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

87% of Somali-headed households in Minnesota are renter households.
87 %
Cultural community Sort descending Population
African American 272,870
Burmese 19,372
Cambodian 11,521
Chinese 45,330
Colombian 9,853
Cuban 8,775
Ecuadorian 19,484
Ethiopian 45,159
Filipino 26,559
Guatemalan 17,306
Hmong 102,491
Honduran 9,409
Indian 51,618
Japanese 13,457
Kenyan 20,222
Korean 28,180
Lao (non-Hmong) 14,918
Lebanese 7,232
Liberian 22,571
Mexican 231,993
Minnesota 5,739,445
Native American 161,194
Nigerian 21,206
Puerto Rican 22,925
Salvadoran 17,444
Somali 85,533
Ukrainian 22,254
Vietnamese 32,841
White non-Hispanic 4,354,310

Sources:

Integrated Public Use Microdata Series from the U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey. (2019-2023).