Introduction
Diversity can be seen everywhere in the United States, from bustling urban centers to small rural towns, and its contributions to American society are both extensive and varied. Data published by the U.S. Census Bureau outlines the racial breakdown of the United States as of 2021: 75.8% White, 18.9% Hispanic or Latino, 13.6% Black or African American, 6.1% Asian, 1.3% Native American and Alaskan Native, 0.3% Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, and 2.9% two or more races combined. Since 2000, there has been a rapid increase in multi-ethnic Americans due to interracial marriage or adoption; this number currently stands at nearly 20 million people.
The diversity present in today’s United States can be attributed to its rich history as a nation made up of immigrants coming from all corners of the world, particularly those seeking freedom from oppressive regimes or better economic opportunities for themselves and their families. In recent years there has been an influx of refugees coming from countries such as Syria, Sudan, the Democratic of the Congo, and more as they seek refuge in America.
Diversity is also reflected within various faith communities across America. Religious pluralism sees Christians existing alongside other religions including Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and others. There are also rising numbers of those who do not identify with any particular religion which contributes to even more religious diversity within U.S. society.
# | State | Diversity Index | Percentage of White Population | Percentage of Black Population | Hispanic and Latino Population |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Hawaii | 76% | 23% | 2% | 138,923 |
2 | California | 69.7% | 41% | 6% | 15,579,652 |
3 | Nevada | 68.8% | 51% | 10% | 890,257 |
4 | Maryland | 67.3% | 49% | 29% | 729,745 |
5 | District of Columbia | 67.2% | 40% | 41% | 77,652 |
6 | Texas | 67% | 50% | 12% | 11,441,717 |
7 | New Jersey | 65.8% | 55% | 13% | 2,002,575 |
8 | New York | 65.8% | 55% | 15% | 3,948,032 |
9 | Florida | 64.1% | 58% | 15% | 5,697,240 |
10 | Georgia | 64.1% | 52% | 31% | 1,123,457 |
11 | New Mexico | 63% | 51% | 2% | 1,010,811 |
12 | Alaska | 62.8% | 59% | 3% | 49,824 |
13 | Arizona | 61.5% | 60% | 5% | 2,192,253 |
14 | Virginia | 60.5% | 60% | 19% | 908,749 |
15 | Illinois | 60.3% | 61% | 14% | 2,337,410 |
16 | Delaware | 59.6% | 68% | 33% | 104,290 |
17 | Oklahoma | 59.5% | 64% | 7% | 471,931 |
18 | Louisiana | 58.6% | 57% | 31% | 322,549 |
19 | North Carolina | 57.9% | 62% | 21% | 1,118,596 |
20 | Mississippi | 55.9% | 56% | 37% | 105,220 |
21 | Washington | 55.9% | 67% | 4% | 1,059,213 |
22 | Connecticut | 55.7% | 66% | 11% | 623,293 |
23 | South Carolina | 54.6% | 63% | 25% | 352,838 |
24 | Alabama | 53.1% | 64% | 26% | 264,047 |
25 | Colorado | 52.3% | 71% | 4% | 1,263,390 |
26 | Massachusetts | 51.6% | 70% | 7% | 887,685 |
27 | Arkansas | 49.8% | 70% | 15% | 256,847 |
28 | Rhode Island | 49.4% | 71% | 6% | 182,101 |
29 | Tennessee | 46.6% | 72% | 16% | 479,187 |
30 | Oregon | 46.1% | 75% | 2% | 588,757 |
31 | Kansas | 45.4% | 76% | 6% | 382,603 |
32 | Michigan | 45.2% | 74% | 14% | 564,422 |
33 | Pennsylvania | 44% | 75% | 11% | 1,049,615 |
34 | Indiana | 41.3% | 77% | 10% | 554,191 |
35 | Missouri | 40.8% | 77% | 11% | 303,068 |
36 | Nebraska | 40.8% | 78% | 5% | 234,715 |
37 | Utah | 40.7% | 79% | 1% | 492,912 |
38 | Minnesota | 40.5% | 78% | 7% | 345,640 |
39 | Ohio | 40.4% | 77% | 13% | 521,308 |
40 | Wisconsin | 37% | 80% | 6% | 447,290 |
41 | Idaho | 35.9% | 82% | 1% | 239,407 |
42 | South Dakota | 35.6% | 81% | 2% | 38,741 |
43 | Kentucky | 32.8% | 82% | 8% | 207,854 |
44 | North Dakota | 32.6% | 83% | 3% | 33,412 |
45 | Wyoming | 32.4% | 85% | 1% | 59,046 |
46 | Iowa | 30.8% | 84% | 4% | 215,986 |
47 | Montana | 30.1% | 85% | 1% | 45,199 |
48 | New Hampshire | 23.6% | 88% | 1% | 59,454 |
49 | Vermont | 20.2% | 90% | 1% | 15,504 |
50 | West Virginia | 20.2% | 90% | 4% | 34,827 |
51 | Maine | 18.5% | 91% | 2% | 26,609 |
Most Diverse States in the U.S.
The most diverse state in the United States is Hawaii, where Pacific Islanders and various other ethnicities and races live together. California, the second most diverse state, has the nation’s largest Hispanic and Latino population. Nevada, the third most diverse state, has an ethnic and racial diversity of 68.8%. Maryland, the fourth most diverse state, has one of the highest African American populations in the U.S. at 29%. Texas, the fifth, has the second-largest Hispanic and Latino community in the nation. The sixth most diverse state in the country, with a percentage of 65.8%, is New Jersey. New York follows as the seventh most diverse state and also has the fourth-largest Hispanic and Latino population in the U.S. The state of Florida is the eighth most diverse state and has the third-largest Hispanic and Latino community in the country. Georgia, the ninth most diverse, has the ninth-largest African American community in the U.S. The last most diverse state is New Mexico with 63% of the state being ethnically and racially diverse.
10 Most Diverse States:
- Hawaii – 76%
- California – 69.7%
- Nevada – 68.8%
- Maryland – 67.3%
- Texas – 67%
- New Jersey – 65.8%
- New York – 65.8%
- Florida – 64.1%
- Georgia – 64.1%
- New Mexico – 63%
Diversity Index by State
Alabama
Diversity Index
53.1%
Ranked in the US
#24
Percentage of White Population
64%
Ranked in the US
#31
Percentage of Black Population
26%
Ranked in the US
#7
Ranked in the US
#32
With 53.1% of its population being members of minority racial or ethnic groups, Alabama ranks twenty-fourth in the country for its diversity rate. These minority groups include Hispanics, African Americans, Native Americans, and Asians among others. The state is home to Native American tribes such as the Cherokee and Choctaw, which were the first settlers of Alabama. Similarly, African Americans comprise nearly one-quarter of Alabama's population with a long history in the state dating back to Reconstruction after the Civil War. Since then, other immigrant groups from Asia, Latin America, and Europe have moved to Alabama contributing to its increasing diversity rate. Today all citizens living in Alabama are able to enjoy cultural richness through art, cuisine, music, and language making it a truly vibrant destination for all who live there.
Alaska
Diversity Index
62.8%
Ranked in the US
#12
Percentage of White Population
59%
Ranked in the US
#38
Percentage of Black Population
3%
Ranked in the US
#39
Ranked in the US
#45
Arizona
Diversity Index
61.5%
Ranked in the US
#13
Percentage of White Population
60%
Ranked in the US
#36
Percentage of Black Population
5%
Ranked in the US
#33
2,192,253
Ranked in the US
#6
Arkansas
Diversity Index
49.8%
Ranked in the US
#27
Percentage of White Population
70%
Ranked in the US
#26
Percentage of Black Population
15%
Ranked in the US
#12
Ranked in the US
#33
California
Diversity Index
69.7%
Ranked in the US
#2
Percentage of White Population
41%
Ranked in the US
#49
Percentage of Black Population
6%
Ranked in the US
#29
15,579,652
Ranked in the US
#1
California has a population of 39 million people, with a racial and ethnic diversity percentage of 69.75%, ranking second in the United States. The makeup of California is 41% White, 6% African American, and a large Hispanic or Latino community of 15,579,652, ranking the largest Hispanic or Latino population in the country. With such a large and diverse population, not only does this state offers plenty of cultures, but it also offers countless opportunities for businesses and jobs. This state has one of the most successful economies in the nation due to its ability to attract so many talented people from all over the world.
Colorado
Diversity Index
52.3%
Ranked in the US
#25
Percentage of White Population
71%
Ranked in the US
#24
Percentage of Black Population
4%
Ranked in the US
#35
1,263,390
Ranked in the US
#8
Connecticut
Diversity Index
55.7%
Ranked in the US
#22
Percentage of White Population
66%
Ranked in the US
#30
Percentage of Black Population
11%
Ranked in the US
#20
Ranked in the US
#18
Delaware
Diversity Index
59.6%
Ranked in the US
#16
Percentage of White Population
68%
Ranked in the US
#28
Percentage of Black Population
33%
Ranked in the US
#3
Ranked in the US
#41
District of Columbia
Diversity Index
67.2%
Ranked in the US
#5
Percentage of White Population
40%
Ranked in the US
#50
Percentage of Black Population
41%
Ranked in the US
#1
Ranked in the US
#42
Florida
Diversity Index
64.1%
Ranked in the US
#9
Percentage of White Population
58%
Ranked in the US
#39
Percentage of Black Population
15%
Ranked in the US
#13
5,697,240
Ranked in the US
#3
Florida has a racial and ethnic diversity of 64.1% and ranks the ninth most diverse state in the country. The state's racial and ethnic makeup is 58% White, 15% African American, and a large Hispanic or Latino population of 5,697,240, the third largest Hispanic or Latino community in the U.S. Many are attracted to Florida for its infamous low taxes, job opportunities, and light business regulations in comparison to other states.
Georgia
Diversity Index
64.1%
Ranked in the US
#10
Percentage of White Population
52%
Ranked in the US
#44
Percentage of Black Population
31%
Ranked in the US
#4
1,123,457
Ranked in the US
#9
Georgia is a multicultural stronghold with a racial and ethnic diversity of 64.1%, ranking the state as the tenth most diverse. The state has a large Hispanic or Latino population of 1,123,457 and ranks as the ninth-largest Hispanic or Latino community in the country. The state's other racial and ethnic groups include White at 54% and African Americans at 31%, the fourth largest African American community in the United States. The state’s economy is growing, with 17 fortune 500 companies located in the state and having affordable housing, making the state appealing to many.
Hawaii
Diversity Index
76%
Ranked in the US
#1
Percentage of White Population
23%
Ranked in the US
#51
Percentage of Black Population
2%
Ranked in the US
#41
Ranked in the US
#39
Hawaii is the most highly diverse state in the U.S. at 76%, due to its unique blend of cultures from Asia, Europe, Polynesia, and North America. It boasts one of the highest percentages of Asians in any U.S. state as well as Pacific Islanders. The state also has a White population of 23%, an African American population of 2%, and a Hispanic or Latino community of 138,923. Also worth noting is that Hawaii was named “the least segregated state in America” due to its low levels of racial segregation compared to states like Florida and Texas which have higher rates by comparison.
Idaho
Diversity Index
35.9%
Ranked in the US
#41
Percentage of White Population
82%
Ranked in the US
#9
Percentage of Black Population
1%
Ranked in the US
#46
Ranked in the US
#34
Illinois
Diversity Index
60.3%
Ranked in the US
#15
Percentage of White Population
61%
Ranked in the US
#35
Percentage of Black Population
14%
Ranked in the US
#15
2,337,410
Ranked in the US
#5
Indiana
Diversity Index
41.3%
Ranked in the US
#34
Percentage of White Population
77%
Ranked in the US
#16
Percentage of Black Population
10%
Ranked in the US
#23
Ranked in the US
#21
Iowa
Diversity Index
30.8%
Ranked in the US
#46
Percentage of White Population
84%
Ranked in the US
#7
Percentage of Black Population
4%
Ranked in the US
#36
Ranked in the US
#36
Kansas
Diversity Index
45.4%
Ranked in the US
#31
Percentage of White Population
76%
Ranked in the US
#19
Percentage of Black Population
6%
Ranked in the US
#30
Ranked in the US
#27
Kentucky
Diversity Index
32.8%
Ranked in the US
#43
Percentage of White Population
82%
Ranked in the US
#10
Percentage of Black Population
8%
Ranked in the US
#25
Ranked in the US
#37
Louisiana
Diversity Index
58.6%
Ranked in the US
#18
Percentage of White Population
57%
Ranked in the US
#40
Percentage of Black Population
31%
Ranked in the US
#5
Ranked in the US
#30
Maine
Diversity Index
18.5%
Ranked in the US
#51
Percentage of White Population
91%
Ranked in the US
#1
Percentage of Black Population
2%
Ranked in the US
#42
Ranked in the US
#50
Maryland
Diversity Index
67.3%
Ranked in the US
#4
Percentage of White Population
49%
Ranked in the US
#48
Percentage of Black Population
29%
Ranked in the US
#6
Ranked in the US
#17
Maryland is another state that ranks high in terms of diversity, at 67.3% the fourth most racially and ethnically diverse state in the U.S. The state’s racial and ethnic makeup is 49% White, 29% African American, the sixth largest African American population in the country, and a Hispanic or Latino population of 729,745. With a metropolitan area larger than Washington D.C Maryland offers many opportunities for people from all backgrounds and cultures to interact with each other and have access to various amenities.
Massachusetts
Diversity Index
51.6%
Ranked in the US
#26
Percentage of White Population
70%
Ranked in the US
#27
Percentage of Black Population
7%
Ranked in the US
#26
Ranked in the US
#16
Michigan
Diversity Index
45.2%
Ranked in the US
#32
Percentage of White Population
74%
Ranked in the US
#22
Percentage of Black Population
14%
Ranked in the US
#16
Ranked in the US
#20
Minnesota
Diversity Index
40.5%
Ranked in the US
#38
Percentage of White Population
78%
Ranked in the US
#14
Percentage of Black Population
7%
Ranked in the US
#27
Ranked in the US
#29
Mississippi
Diversity Index
55.9%
Ranked in the US
#20
Percentage of White Population
56%
Ranked in the US
#41
Percentage of Black Population
37%
Ranked in the US
#2
Ranked in the US
#40
Missouri
Diversity Index
40.8%
Ranked in the US
#35
Percentage of White Population
77%
Ranked in the US
#17
Percentage of Black Population
11%
Ranked in the US
#21
Ranked in the US
#31
Montana
Diversity Index
30.1%
Ranked in the US
#47
Percentage of White Population
85%
Ranked in the US
#5
Percentage of Black Population
1%
Ranked in the US
#47
Ranked in the US
#46
Nebraska
Diversity Index
40.8%
Ranked in the US
#36
Percentage of White Population
78%
Ranked in the US
#15
Percentage of Black Population
5%
Ranked in the US
#34
Ranked in the US
#35
Nevada
Diversity Index
68.8%
Ranked in the US
#3
Percentage of White Population
51%
Ranked in the US
#45
Percentage of Black Population
10%
Ranked in the US
#24
Ranked in the US
#15
Nevada is a state known for its immense diversity of culture and geography. It is considered one of the most diverse states in the U.S. with a racial and ethnic diversity of 68.8%, the third in the country. The state has a White population of 51%, an African American population of 10%, and a Hispanic or Latino population of 890,257. The state has a great job market and one of the highest job growth rates in the U.S. at 7.1%.
New Hampshire
Diversity Index
23.6%
Ranked in the US
#48
Percentage of White Population
88%
Ranked in the US
#4
Percentage of Black Population
1%
Ranked in the US
#48
Ranked in the US
#43
New Jersey
Diversity Index
65.8%
Ranked in the US
#7
Percentage of White Population
55%
Ranked in the US
#42
Percentage of Black Population
13%
Ranked in the US
#17
2,002,575
Ranked in the US
#7
New Jersey is renowned for its vibrant cultural landscape and diverse populations. This densely populated state houses immigrants from numerous countries making it one of the most racial and ethnically diverse states in America at 65.8%, ranking seventh in the U.S. The state has a White population of 55%, an African American population of 13%, and a Hispanic or Latino population of 2,002,575 the seventh highest in the country. New Jersey boasts the sixth-best job growth rate in the U.S. But many are also leaving the state due to expensive living costs.
New Mexico
Diversity Index
63%
Ranked in the US
#11
Percentage of White Population
51%
Ranked in the US
#46
Percentage of Black Population
2%
Ranked in the US
#43
1,010,811
Ranked in the US
#13
New Mexico is a U.S. state that is celebrated for its cultural diversity as well as being one of the most culturally rich places in the nation. This southwestern state has a large Hispanic or Latino population of 1,010,811 and ranks the thirteenth highest in the country. New Mexico also has a White population of 51% and an African American population of 2%. The state has a good job market, with a job growth rate of 4.9% the ninth highest in the nation. New Mexico also has a vibrant history and culture along with beautiful landscapes and mild temperatures, making it a well-desired place to live.
New York
Diversity Index
65.8%
Ranked in the US
#8
Percentage of White Population
55%
Ranked in the US
#43
Percentage of Black Population
15%
Ranked in the US
#14
3,948,032
Ranked in the US
#4
New York has a large level of racial and ethnic diversity of 65.8%, the eighth highest in the U.S. The state has a White population of 55%, an African American population of 15%, and a Hispanic or Latino population of 3,948,032, the fourth largest in the country. This state has long been known as one of the most diverse places in the world due to its bustling cities like New York City which draw in people from all over the globe who come here seeking business opportunities. As a result of this diversity, the state continues to be one of the main hubs for entertainment industries such as television and music production as well as countless other industries throughout America.
North Carolina
Diversity Index
57.9%
Ranked in the US
#19
Percentage of White Population
62%
Ranked in the US
#34
Percentage of Black Population
21%
Ranked in the US
#9
1,118,596
Ranked in the US
#10
North Dakota
Diversity Index
32.6%
Ranked in the US
#44
Percentage of White Population
83%
Ranked in the US
#8
Percentage of Black Population
3%
Ranked in the US
#40
Ranked in the US
#49
Ohio
Diversity Index
40.4%
Ranked in the US
#39
Percentage of White Population
77%
Ranked in the US
#18
Percentage of Black Population
13%
Ranked in the US
#18
Ranked in the US
#22
Oklahoma
Diversity Index
59.5%
Ranked in the US
#17
Percentage of White Population
64%
Ranked in the US
#32
Percentage of Black Population
7%
Ranked in the US
#28
Ranked in the US
#25
Oregon
Diversity Index
46.1%
Ranked in the US
#30
Percentage of White Population
75%
Ranked in the US
#20
Percentage of Black Population
2%
Ranked in the US
#44
Ranked in the US
#19
Pennsylvania
Diversity Index
44%
Ranked in the US
#33
Percentage of White Population
75%
Ranked in the US
#21
Percentage of Black Population
11%
Ranked in the US
#22
1,049,615
Ranked in the US
#12
Rhode Island
Diversity Index
49.4%
Ranked in the US
#28
Percentage of White Population
71%
Ranked in the US
#25
Percentage of Black Population
6%
Ranked in the US
#31
Ranked in the US
#38
South Carolina
Diversity Index
54.6%
Ranked in the US
#23
Percentage of White Population
63%
Ranked in the US
#33
Percentage of Black Population
25%
Ranked in the US
#8
Ranked in the US
#28
South Dakota
Diversity Index
35.6%
Ranked in the US
#42
Percentage of White Population
81%
Ranked in the US
#11
Percentage of Black Population
2%
Ranked in the US
#45
Ranked in the US
#47
Tennessee
Diversity Index
46.6%
Ranked in the US
#29
Percentage of White Population
72%
Ranked in the US
#23
Percentage of Black Population
16%
Ranked in the US
#11
Ranked in the US
#24
Texas
Diversity Index
67%
Ranked in the US
#6
Percentage of White Population
50%
Ranked in the US
#47
Percentage of Black Population
12%
Ranked in the US
#19
11,441,717
Ranked in the US
#2
Texas is a racially and ethnically rich state, ranking as the sixth most diverse in the United State at 67%. The state's makeup is 50% White, 12% African American, and one of the largest Hispanic or Latino populations in the country at 11,441,717, ranking second. This state has become increasingly diverse over recent years due to its large metropolitan areas such as Houston which attract immigrants looking for better opportunities than those found in their home countries. It is also home to numerous universities which draw students from around the globe thus creating an atmosphere that is even more culturally diverse.
Utah
Diversity Index
40.7%
Ranked in the US
#37
Percentage of White Population
79%
Ranked in the US
#13
Percentage of Black Population
1%
Ranked in the US
#49
Ranked in the US
#23
Vermont
Diversity Index
20.2%
Ranked in the US
#49
Percentage of White Population
90%
Ranked in the US
#2
Percentage of Black Population
1%
Ranked in the US
#50
Ranked in the US
#51
Virginia
Diversity Index
60.5%
Ranked in the US
#14
Percentage of White Population
60%
Ranked in the US
#37
Percentage of Black Population
19%
Ranked in the US
#10
Ranked in the US
#14
Washington
Diversity Index
55.9%
Ranked in the US
#21
Percentage of White Population
67%
Ranked in the US
#29
Percentage of Black Population
4%
Ranked in the US
#37
1,059,213
Ranked in the US
#11
West Virginia
Diversity Index
20.2%
Ranked in the US
#50
Percentage of White Population
90%
Ranked in the US
#3
Percentage of Black Population
4%
Ranked in the US
#38
Ranked in the US
#48
Wisconsin
Diversity Index
37%
Ranked in the US
#40
Percentage of White Population
80%
Ranked in the US
#12
Percentage of Black Population
6%
Ranked in the US
#32
Ranked in the US
#26
Wyoming
Diversity Index
32.4%
Ranked in the US
#45
Percentage of White Population
85%
Ranked in the US
#6
Percentage of Black Population
1%
Ranked in the US
#51
Ranked in the US
#44
FAQs
Which U.S. state is the most diverse?
The most diverse state in the U.S. is Hawaii at 76%.
What is the least diverse U.S. state?
The least diverse state in the U.S. is Maine at 18.5%.
What are the 3 most diverse states?
The three most diverse states are Hawaii at 76%, California at 69.7%, and Nevada at 68.8%.
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