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Chinese Population in the U.S. — Overview & Key Facts
The Chinese American community is one of the largest and most historic Asian-origin populations in the United States. As of 2026, the estimated Chinese population in the U.S. is around 5.8 million people, with major concentrations in California, New York, Texas, and Washington. Large communities are also found in metro areas such as New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Jose.
Quick Highlights (2026 Snapshot)
Total Chinese population (2026 est.) — 5.8 million
Census 2020 Chinese population (alone or in combination) — 5,549,293 (1.67%)
Largest state by population — California
Highest concentration — Hawaii
Largest metro area — New York City
Fast-growing regions — Texas, Washington, Georgia
As per the United States Census Bureau 2020, the Chinese alone Population is 4,360,466 (1.32%) and the Chinese alone or in any combination is 5,549,293 (1.67%).
The Chinese American population in the U.S.
| Year | Population |
| 2000 | 2,865,000 |
| 2010 | 4,010,000 |
| 2015 | 4,948,000 |
| 2020 | 5,549,293 |
Insight:
The Chinese American population has almost doubled since 2000, driven by immigration, education-based migration, and second-generation growth, especially in California, New York, and Texas.
also read about Asian Americans
Chinese Population in the U.S. by State (2020)
California has the largest Chinese population, followed by New York and Texas. Hawaii has the highest share of Chinese residents relative to population due to its long-standing Chinese heritage communities.
| # | Chinese alone or in any combination | Pop 2020 |
| 1 | California | 1,973,252 |
| 2 | New York | 771,652 |
| 3 | Texas | 302,283 |
| 4 | Washington | 230,542 |
| 5 | Hawaii | 220,460 |
| 6 | Massachusetts | 212,657 |
| 7 | New Jersey | 192,473 |
| 8 | Illinois | 153,806 |
| 9 | Florida | 136,194 |
| 10 | Pennsylvania | 125,385 |
| 11 | Virginia | 103,157 |
| 12 | Maryland | 102,266 |
| 13 | Georgia | 83,898 |
| 14 | Nevada | 73,858 |
| 15 | Arizona | 71,506 |
| 16 | Michigan | 71,436 |
| 17 | Ohio | 70,330 |
| 18 | North Carolina | 68,900 |
| 19 | Oregon | 61,967 |
| 20 | Others State | 523,271 |
| United States | 5,549,293 |
State-level insight:
Growth is strongest in Sunbelt and tech-driven states such as Texas, Washington, Georgia, and Arizona, due to job opportunities and university hubs.
also read about Chinese population in Canada
Top U.S. Cities by Chinese population
The New York metro area has the largest Chinese population in the country, followed by Los Angeles and San Francisco. Major suburban Chinese communities are also growing in San Jose, Seattle, and Houston.
Let’s have a look at the top 10 US metro areas by the Chinese population
| # | City | Chinese population |
| 1 | New York | 865,000 |
| 2 | Los Angeles | 678,000 |
| 3 | San Francisco | 582,000 |
| 4 | San Jose, CA | 239,000 |
| 5 | Boston | 174,000 |
| 6 | Seattle | 166,000 |
| 7 | Washington | 135,000 |
| 8 | Chicago | 135,000 |
| 9 | Honolulu | 117,000 |
| 10 | Houston | 111,000 |
City-level insight:
The New York metro area has the largest Chinese population in the country, followed by Los Angeles and San Francisco. Major suburban Chinese communities are also growing in San Jose, Seattle, and Houston.
also read about Top Cities in US by population
About the Chinese American Community
Chinese Americans trace their roots to:
Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Singapore
Historic migration waves dating back to the 19th-century railroad and gold-rush era
Modern-era immigration driven by education, technology, and skilled employment
FAQs
Q1. Which U.S. state has the largest Chinese population?
California has the largest Chinese population, followed by New York and Texas.
Q2. Which city has the most Chinese Americans?
The New York metro area has the largest Chinese population in the United States.
Q3. Is the Chinese population in the U.S. growing?
Yes — growth continues in major metro, tech, and university regions.
Q4. Where are new Chinese communities emerging?
Texas, Washington, Georgia, Arizona, and Florida are seeing rising populations.
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