10 U.S. Cities With the Largest Immigrant Populations
Immigration continues to shape daily life across the United States, from housing demand to restaurant scenes to neighborhood business districts. Using U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates released in September 2024, this list looks at 10 major U.S. cities with the largest immigrant populations by the number of foreign-born residents. The figures below refer to city populations, not metro areas, so the rankings can look different from broader regional lists.
New York City, New York
New York City remains the country’s largest immigrant hub by total numbers. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey 1-year estimates, about 3 million foreign-born residents lived in New York City, the highest total of any U.S. city.
That scale shows up across all five boroughs, with Queens and Brooklyn long known for large immigrant communities. City planning and school systems reflect that mix, and NYC Public Schools has said students in the system speak more than 180 languages.
For travelers, that means entire corridors shaped by migration, from Jackson Heights in Queens to Sunset Park in Brooklyn. The city’s cultural identity is tied directly to those population numbers, and the Census data confirms that no other U.S. city comes close in raw total.
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles ranks near the top nationally with one of the biggest foreign-born populations in the country. Census Bureau estimates for 2023 put the city’s immigrant population at roughly 1.5 million, making LA a clear No. 2 by total city count.
The city’s immigrant footprint is spread across neighborhoods including Koreatown, Westlake, and the San Fernando Valley. Los Angeles city and county agencies have long reported that multilingual services are essential because of the area’s large communities from Latin America and Asia.
For residents and visitors, the result is visible in everyday life, especially food, retail, and local festivals. LA Tourism has regularly highlighted the city’s global dining scene, and the Census numbers help explain why that identity remains so central.
Houston, Texas
Houston has become one of the country’s biggest immigrant destinations over the past few decades. The 2023 American Community Survey estimates show roughly 700,000 foreign-born residents in the city, placing Houston firmly among the top tier by total immigrant population.
The city’s growth has been tied to energy, health care, construction, and port-related jobs in the Houston area. Kinder Institute and local planning reports have repeatedly noted that immigration has been a major driver of Houston’s population and workforce expansion.
That demographic shift is especially visible in southwest Houston and along major commercial strips with international markets and restaurants. For travelers, Houston’s diversity often shows up less in tourist branding and more in neighborhood business districts that reflect decades of new arrivals.
Miami, Florida
Miami stands out not only for size but also for concentration. Census Bureau estimates for 2023 show about 480,000 foreign-born residents in the city, and immigrants make up well over half of Miami’s total population, one of the highest shares in the nation.
That number reflects Miami’s long role as a gateway for people from Cuba, Venezuela, Colombia, Haiti, and many other countries. Miami-Dade County and local economic reports have repeatedly tied the region’s international business identity to those migration patterns.
In practical terms, Spanish is a daily language across much of the city, and international travel links are a major part of local life. Miami’s airport, cruise business, and hospitality economy all connect closely to its foreign-born population base.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago remains one of the largest immigrant cities in the Midwest and the country overall. The Census Bureau’s 2023 estimates put the city’s foreign-born population at roughly 560,000, keeping Chicago in the national top group by total number.
Immigrant communities have deep roots in neighborhoods such as Albany Park, Little Village, and Rogers Park. City of Chicago materials and local research centers have documented how recent migration from Latin America, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Africa has reshaped several parts of the city.
For locals and visitors, that influence appears in food corridors, faith communities, and small business districts. Chicago’s immigrant population is smaller than New York’s or Los Angeles’ in raw total, but it remains one of the most important urban gateways in the central U.S.
San Jose, California
San Jose has a smaller population than some cities on this list, but it has a very large immigrant base. The 2023 American Community Survey estimates show roughly 330,000 foreign-born residents, with immigrants accounting for around 40 percent of the city’s population.
The city’s numbers reflect decades of migration connected to Silicon Valley jobs, family networks, and refugee resettlement, especially from Vietnam. San Jose has one of the largest Vietnamese communities in the United States, a fact frequently cited by city and regional organizations.
That makes the local cultural landscape especially distinct, from East San Jose business corridors to community festivals. For travelers, San Jose’s immigrant story is often experienced through everyday neighborhood commerce rather than large headline attractions.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco continues to rank high despite its smaller overall population. Census Bureau estimates for 2023 place the city’s foreign-born population at about 285,000, and immigrants make up roughly one-third of all residents within city limits.
Asian immigration has been especially central to San Francisco’s history, with major communities tied to China, the Philippines, and India. The city’s official demographic profiles have also noted strong Latin American and European immigrant populations over time.
For the public, those numbers help explain the depth of neighborhoods such as Chinatown, the Mission, and the Richmond District. San Francisco’s immigrant population remains a major factor in local business life, transit use, and the city’s cultural profile.
Dallas, Texas
Dallas has one of the largest foreign-born populations among major U.S. cities. The 2023 American Community Survey estimates show roughly 590,000 immigrants in the city, reflecting sustained growth tied to North Texas job creation and long-running migration patterns.
Local and regional reports have linked that growth to construction, logistics, technology, and service-sector work. Dallas also benefits from its position inside a fast-growing metro area where immigrant communities have expanded across both city neighborhoods and nearby suburbs.
For readers thinking about what that means on the ground, the answer is visible in shopping districts, schools, and dining options. The city’s immigrant population is a major part of how Dallas has grown over the past two decades.
San Diego, California
San Diego combines a large immigrant population with a border-region identity that shapes daily life. Census Bureau estimates for 2023 show about 390,000 foreign-born residents in the city, placing San Diego among the biggest immigrant cities by total count.
Its location next to Mexico has long influenced commerce, family ties, and cross-border movement. Local universities and civic agencies have also noted strong communities from the Philippines, China, India, and Vietnam, adding to the city’s international profile.
That mix shows up in neighborhoods, local events, and business corridors well beyond the waterfront and beach areas. For visitors, San Diego’s immigrant influence is not a side story. It is part of the city’s basic character and economy.
San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio rounds out this list with a sizable foreign-born population in one of Texas’ fastest-growing big cities. The 2023 American Community Survey estimates show roughly 250,000 immigrant residents, a total that keeps San Antonio in the national top 10.
Much of that growth is tied to the city’s strong connections to Mexico and broader Latin American migration. Local economic development groups have also pointed to health care, military-related work, and service industries as part of the city’s draw for new residents.
For travelers, that translates into a city where cultural exchange is built into everyday life, from markets to festivals to neighborhood restaurants. Census data shows San Antonio’s immigrant population is smaller than Houston’s or Dallas’, but still nationally significant.
