11 Most Ethnically Diverse Cities in America

Numerous ethnicities are truly noticeable once you get to these 11 most ethnically diverse cities in America. As the world slowly comes to accept diversity in different aspects of life, we also see the impact of territories becoming a convergence zone of different ethnicities. Some of the most diverse cities in America often have a shared history between different ethnicities that translated into their diversification today. Though problems still persist for some regions in the country, we can find that racial equality is given a better chance for these cities that have come to accept this coexistence.

Contrary to popular belief, there are actually some cities in America where different ethnicities are more profound. This is due to a number of factors like history and globalization. You’ll find that the spreading of ethnicities is not only noticeable in America but in other countries as well. This is true for The 14 Most Ethnically Diverse Cities in the World. Diversity can affect a lot of things like policies, culture, and perception. We may continue to see these changes in other cities as well, not included in this list. There are even theories floating around that at some point in time there will be people that will have a highly diverse ancestral line.

This list was compiled and ranked by Insider Monkey based on a Diversity Index computation of the 2010 census from the US. The next complete census will be done at around 2020. Diversity was computed by measuring how much other races where present in the total population of the city in comparison to the majority race.  The percentages we see here are good estimates of how widespread diversity is in each city. Let’s find out more about the 11 most ethnically diverse cities in America:

11. New York

Diversity Index: 34%

Being the most populated and one of the most popular cities in America, it’s no surprise that diversity here is at a decent amount. One of the reasons for this high percentage is because New York has been a city that welcomes a lot of immigrants. However taking into account the entire racial profile of the city, it seems there isn’t really much diversity compared to the other cities in this list.

10. San Diego

Diversity Index: 36%

You’ll have around a 3-4 in 10 chance to encounter multiple races on a daily basis if you’re ever living in San Diego. Numerous individual surveys and reports have stated that these numbers have increased. We’ll have to wait for the Census Bureau to report in their next findings.

9. Boston

Diversity Index: 46%

The diversity in Boston has contributed to the city making it one of the most culturally rich cities in America. Historically, Boston has had its share of difficulties having a high amount of reported inequality among races. This is why Boston is now one of the forerunners in terms of racial justice.

8. San Francisco

Diversity Index: 51%

San Francisco is not only diverse in ethnicity, but in different aspects as well. With the city being the hub for culture, music, arts, technology and other fields you’ll find no shortage of variety and differences with each area. San Francisco has been awarded previously as America’s Best City.

7. Milwaukee

Diversity Index: 55.1%

Milwaukee is the most populated city in Wisconsin, having more than 10% of the total population in the metropolitan area alone. Diversification is well known in the city and there is almost an equal amount of White and African American citizens living here.

6. Sacramento

Diversity Index: 55.3%

Another city in this list that once claimed the title of the most diverse; Sacramento has been at the top of lists for most years and most studies. Even interracial relationships have become the norm here.

There are more cities to examine as we continue this list of 11 most ethnically diverse cities in America.

5. Chicago

Diversity Index: 55%

Chicago is known to have different neighborhoods that reflect the diversity of the city as a whole. One trip to a different street may show you a different culture altogether. Many believe that Chicago is one of the many melting pots of culture in America.

4. Houston

Diversity Index: 56%

Houston was once the most diverse city in the country. A lot has changed in the last few years and many other cities have found themselves surpassing Houston. The good thing about Houston is that racial segregation has lowered with people from different countries and ethnicities accepting one another.

3. San Jose

Diversity Index: 57%

A lot of the most diverse cities in America come from California. This is no surprise considering the history the state. San Jose is also a city that previously held the title as the most diverse in the country.

2. Long Beach

Diversity Index: 58%

Long Beach often finds itself among the top in different lists and rankings for ethnic diversity. This is very noticeable if you’ve ever been to Long Beach or have seen pictures of crowds in the city. Diversity here has become well accepted.

1. Oakland

Diversity Index: 65%

With a very significant difference in percentage, Oakland stands out as the most diverse city in America. This is surprising considering the small population the city has compared to larger metropolis areas.

This has been the list of 11 most ethnically diverse cities in America. These are definitely good cities to live in if you want the diversity.