Where Is The Biggest Somali Community In The USA?
Many people often wonder about the various cultural groups that make up the rich fabric of the United States. One community that has grown significantly and established a strong presence is the Somali population. When you think about where the largest group of Somalis might live in the USA, one particular state, you know, truly stands out as a major home for them.
It's a question that, frankly, sparks a lot of interest for those curious about population trends and community building. Knowing where a large group like this has settled can tell us quite a bit about migration patterns and how new communities establish themselves in different places. So, we're going to explore just that.
This article will look at the numbers and locations, giving you a pretty clear picture of where the largest Somali communities are found. We'll explore the key states and cities that have become important centers for Somalis in America, based on available information, and stuff.
Table of Contents
- Minnesota: The Primary Hub for Somalis
- Other Notable States with Somali Communities
- Key Cities Beyond Minnesota's Borders
- The Broader Somali Presence Across the USA
- Frequently Asked Questions
Minnesota: The Primary Hub for Somalis
When we talk about where the biggest Somali community in the USA is located, one state really stands out, and that's Minnesota. It's pretty clear, actually, that this midwestern state has become a major home for many Somalis. More Somalis, you know, live in Minnesota than any other state in the country, which is quite something.
This state, it seems, has truly embraced its Somali residents, offering a place where a strong community could grow and flourish. It's not just about the numbers, but also about the deep roots that have been established over time. This presence has shaped parts of the state in some interesting ways, too.
The information suggests that Minnesota has the nation's largest Somali American community. This is something that has been noted by various reports and surveys over the years, giving us a good idea of where this population has largely gathered. So, if you're looking for the heart of the Somali American experience, Minnesota is a good place to start, arguably.
Population Figures in the North Star State
The numbers for the Somali population in Minnesota show a significant presence. For instance, Minnesota has the largest Somali population in the United States with 64,354 Somalis, making up 1.12% of the state’s total population. That's a pretty substantial portion of the state's residents, when you think about it.
Different reports, as a matter of fact, have given various figures over time, showing the community's growth. As of 2016, there were around 74,000 Somalis recorded. By 2018, approximately 43,000 people born in Somalia lived there. Minnesota Compass, for example, reports a total of 86,610 Somali Americans reside in the state, which is noted as the largest population in the country. It's quite a range of figures, showing how these populations are measured, you know.
An estimated 37,048 residents of Minnesota were born in Somalia, further highlighting the significant number of first-generation immigrants. Census numbers, as of a certain point, placed the population at about 57,000, which is another data point in this interesting picture. These numbers, you see, help us understand the scale of the community here.
The overall picture, based on various reports, points to Minnesota having a very large Somali population. This consistent finding across different years and sources really solidifies its position as the top state for Somalis in the USA. It’s a place where, apparently, many have found a home.
The Twin Cities: A Welcoming Place
Within Minnesota, the concentration of the Somali community is particularly strong in certain urban areas. Minnesota is home to one of the largest Somali populations, especially in cities like Minneapolis and Saint Paul. These two cities, often called the Twin Cities, are, like, the central point for this community.
The Twin Cities are, in fact, home to the largest Somali population in the U.S. This community, you know, has helped build a dynamic and confident Muslim presence there. It's a place where many Somalis have grown up, and they just call themselves Americans, which is a really nice thing to hear.
Most Somalis in Minnesota live in the metro area, particularly in Minneapolis. This makes sense, as large cities often provide resources and opportunities that attract new residents. It's a place where people can find others with shared experiences, and that's, like, pretty important.
A sense of belonging and growth is clearly evident here. The journey of the Somali community in the USA is a powerful example of resilience and community building. From the early days of refugees arriving, these cities have seen the community grow and establish itself, offering a strong support network, more or less.
For instance, Moallin opened Hayat Clinic in 2024 to serve the Somali community in central Minnesota. He said he finds the work rewarding. This kind of initiative, you know, shows the community's commitment to supporting its members and building local services. It's a pretty clear sign of a thriving group.
Other Notable States with Somali Communities
While Minnesota clearly holds the top spot, it's not the only state where Somalis have established significant communities. There are other places across the country where you can find a notable Somali presence. These states, you know, offer different environments but still provide a home for many Somali families.
It's interesting to see how these communities have spread out, apparently, across different regions of the United States. This shows a broader pattern of settlement, not just a single point of concentration. So, while Minnesota is the biggest, there are other important areas, too.
Ohio, Texas, and California's Presence
Other states with notable Somali communities include Ohio, Texas, and California. These states represent different parts of the country, from the Midwest to the South and the West Coast. Each of them, you know, offers a unique setting for the Somali residents who live there.
Ohio, for example, has a very significant Somali population, especially in one of its major cities. Texas, with its vast area, also hosts a considerable number of Somalis, as does California, known for its diverse populations. It's pretty cool to see how widely distributed these communities are, in a way.
These states, you know, have provided opportunities for Somalis to build new lives and contribute to the local economy and culture. The presence of these communities enriches the overall diversity of these states. It's about more than just numbers; it's about people finding places to call home.
Key Cities Beyond Minnesota's Borders
Beyond the state level, certain cities outside of Minnesota also stand out as major hubs for Somali populations. While the Twin Cities are certainly the largest, other urban centers have attracted substantial numbers of Somalis, creating vibrant communities. These cities, you know, are important pieces of the puzzle when we look at the overall picture.
It's interesting how, in some respects, these cities have become magnets for specific immigrant groups. They often offer a mix of job opportunities, affordable living, and existing community networks that make them attractive. So, it's not just random, there's usually a reason, you know, for these concentrations.
Columbus, Ohio: A Significant Gathering
After Minneapolis, Columbus, Ohio, is home to the second largest Somali community in the United States. This is a pretty big deal, considering how many cities there are in the country. Columbus, Ohio, is home to an estimated 60,000 Somalis, with many concentrated in the Northland region of the city. That's a lot of people, clearly.
The fact that Columbus holds this position really highlights its importance as a center for Somali life in the USA. It shows that, you know, while Minnesota is the biggest, Ohio's capital city is also a very significant place for this community. It's a testament to the community's growth and organization there.
The concentration in the Northland region suggests that, like in Minneapolis, Somalis in Columbus have found specific neighborhoods where they can build strong community ties and support systems. This kind of local focus is often, you know, what helps a community thrive and grow. It's about creating a familiar space, basically.
Seattle and San Diego: West Coast Connections
Looking further west, Seattle, Washington, and San Diego, California, are also key cities with notable Somali populations. In terms of cities, the heaviest concentrations of Somalis in the US are found in the Twin Cities (Minneapolis and Saint Paul), followed by Columbus, Ohio, Seattle, and San Diego. This gives us a pretty good list of the main urban centers, you know.
Seattle, WA, is often listed as one of the top three cities for Somalis in the USA, in order of population. This makes it a really important hub on the West Coast. San Diego, too, plays a role in hosting a significant Somali community in California. These cities offer different climates and economies, but still attract Somali residents, apparently.
The presence of these communities on both coasts, and in the Midwest, shows the widespread nature of Somali settlement in the USA. It's not just confined to one area, which is pretty interesting. These cities, you know, provide diverse opportunities for the Somali diaspora. You can learn more about immigrant populations in the U.S. generally, if you're interested in that sort of thing.
The Broader Somali Presence Across the USA
Beyond the specific states and cities, it's worth looking at the overall numbers for Somalis living in the United States. These figures, you know, give us a sense of the total size of this community across the nation. It's a story of growth and establishment over several decades, more or less.
According to the American Community Survey (ACS) 2019, there were approximately 109,000 Somali Americans residing in the United States. This survey provides a good snapshot of the population at that time. Other estimates, like those from the U.N., suggest around 150,000 Somalis, both refugees and non-refugees, live in the United States. These numbers, you know, show a significant and growing group of people.
The journey of Somalis to the USA, from the early days of refugee arrivals, has led to a powerful example of resilience and community building. This is a story about people making new lives and contributing to their adopted country. It’s pretty inspiring, actually, when you think about it.
A Growing Community
The numbers, as we've seen, have changed over time, reflecting the ongoing growth and shifts within the Somali American population. For example, Minnesota is home to the country's largest population of Somali residents, which numbered 87,853 as of 2008. This figure, you know, gives us a historical point to compare with more recent data.
The continuous flow of information about top 10 states with the largest Somali community in the United States in 2025, or top 99 cities, or even top 96 cities with the highest percentage of Somali population in the United States in 2025, indicates an ongoing interest in understanding this community's distribution. It shows that people are, you know, really interested in where these groups are settling and growing.
The fact that new data points and lists are being compiled for future years, like 2025, suggests that the Somali community is still evolving and expanding its presence in various parts of the country. This ongoing development is, you know, a key aspect of understanding their story in America. It's a dynamic situation, basically.
Building a Sense of Belonging
The story of the Somali community in the USA is really about building a sense of belonging and growth. It's not just about where they live, but how they've created vibrant cultural and social networks. This includes opening businesses, establishing community centers, and contributing to the overall life of their cities and states. You can learn more about community development on our site, if you like.
The presence of a strong community, like the one in Minnesota, allows for cultural preservation and mutual support. This kind of environment, you know, helps new generations stay connected to their heritage while also becoming fully integrated into American society. It's a balancing act, but one that seems to be working out, pretty much.
The way these communities have grown and thrived in various locations, from the Twin Cities to Columbus and Seattle, shows a collective effort to create new homes. It's a powerful example of resilience and community building, as a matter of fact, that continues to unfold across the country. And, you know, this page has more information about related topics, too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions people ask about the Somali community in the USA:
Which state has the most Somalis?
Minnesota has the largest Somali population in the United States. This state, you know, is home to the biggest group of Somalis, with various reports showing significant numbers of residents.
What cities have large Somali populations besides Minneapolis?
After Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Columbus, Ohio, has the second largest Somali community. Other important cities include Seattle, Washington, and San Diego, California. These cities, you know, are key hubs for Somalis across the country.
Why is Minnesota a hub for Somalis?
Minnesota, especially the Twin Cities area, has become a major center for Somalis due to various factors that allowed for community growth and settlement. It's a place where, you know, many found a welcoming environment and opportunities to build new lives.
Top 10 States | Largest Somali Community | 2024 | Zip Atlas
Largest Somali Community in the United States by City in 2025 | Zip Atlas
Largest Somali Population In Us
