Discover the Most Diverse Cities Across America

Where is diversity increasing the most in the United States?

To uncover the areas of greatest diversity growth in the United States, we analyzed Census Bureau data focusing on four crucial factors across 300 of the largest cities. Our examination included:

• Racial distribution: how the population of a city is divided into different racial groups.
• Multiracial identity: the percentage of the population that identifies with two or more race groups.
• Bilingual identity: The proportion of individuals who speak one or more languages besides English and report speaking English “very well,” as defined by the Census Bureau.
• Foreign-born: the percentage of the population that was not born in the U.S.

In both 2010 and 2019, points were assigned across various categories, with the differences in scores ultimately determining the rankings of the cities. For a deeper understanding of the process, you can explore the detailed methodology outlined below.

Key takeaways

• High Point, NC was the most increasingly diverse city in the U.S., with a 13-point increase between 2010 and 2019. 
• El Paso, TX was the least increasingly diverse city, which saw a decrease of seven points between 2010 and 2019.
• Hayward, CA; Vallejo, CA, and Paterson, NJ have the highest racial distributions in the country.

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The most increasingly diverse cities in the U.S.

Our research revealed that four of the five cities experiencing the fastest growth in diversity are located in the South, with two of them in Florida. Interestingly, the fifth city is situated in the Pacific Northwest.

1. High Point, NC

High Point, located in North Carolina’s Piedmont Triad region alongside Greensboro to the northwest and Winston-Salem to the east, is the state’s ninth-largest city. Renowned as the “Furniture Capital of the World,” it boasts a rich history in furniture manufacturing and design.

In 2019, High Point achieved a score of 32 out of a possible 50 points, marking an impressive increase of 13 points from its score of 19 in 2010. This score reflects performance across four distinct categories, with points allocated as follows:

• Racial Distribution: In 2019, the white population fell below 50%, decreasing from 54% in 2010, leading to a more balanced racial distribution. This shift increased the racial diversity score from 14 points in 2010 to 18 points in 2019.
• Multiracial Population Growth: In 2019, over 3% of the population identified as multiracial, up from just 1% in 2010. This increase boosts the city’s score in this category from one to five points.
• Foreign-Born Population: In 2019, 13% of High Point residents were foreign-born, up from 12% in 2010, raising the city’s diversity score from 3 to 5.
• Bilingualism increased from 6% in 2010 to 10% in 2019, boosting the score from 1 to 4 points.

2. Irving, TX

Similar to High Point, Irving is nestled within a vibrant urban landscape that includes three major cities. As the smallest of the trio, it sits conveniently between Dallas and Fort Worth. Renowned for its robust economy, Irving boasts a thriving business environment and is home to several Fortune 500 companies, including industry giant ExxonMobil.

In 2019, Irving achieved an impressive score of 39 out of 50, marking a notable rise of 13 points from its 26-point score in 2010. A key highlight of this growth is the enhanced racial distribution, accompanied by a significant surge in bilingual speakers. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

• Racial Distribution: In 2019, the white population in Irving constituted less than 50%, a decrease from 61% in 2010. This shift contributed to an increase in Irving’s diversity score from 10 points in 2010 to 18 points in 2019.
• Multiracial Population Growth: In 2019, 3% of Irving residents identified as multiracial, an increase from 2% in 2010. This rise contributed three points to the city’s demographic profile, compared to one point a decade earlier.
• Foreign-born Population: The foreign-born demographic in Irving rose from 33% in 2010 to 38% in 2019, maintaining a consistent point value of nine in this category for both years.
• Bilingual Growth: Irving’s bilingual population increased from 25% to 35% between 2010 and 2019, resulting in a score rise from six to nine points.

3. Kent, WA

Kent mirrors the characteristics of High Point and Irving as the smallest among three major cities nestled between Seattle and Tacoma. Boasting a population of 126,000 across 34 square miles, Kent is a vibrant melting pot where more than 130 languages are spoken, reflecting its rich cultural diversity.

Similar to High Point and Irving, Kent experienced an impressive 13-point increase in its score from 2010 to 2019, rising from 27 to 40 on our scale. The most significant gains, both in points and percentage, were observed in the racial distribution category. Specifically:

• Racial Distribution: In 2019, the white population in Kent comprised less than 50%, a decrease from nearly 62% in 2010. This shift towards a more diverse racial composition resulted in an 18-point increase for Kent, nearly doubling the 10 points recorded in 2010.
• Multiracial Population Growth: In 2019, 7% of residents identified as multiracial, an increase from 6% in 2010. This rise boosted the score from 5 points in 2010 to 8 points in 2019.
• Foreign-born Population Growth: Kent’s foreign-born population rose over 5% from 2010 to 2019, increasing from 26% to 32%. Correspondingly, its diversity score improved from 5 to 9 points during the same period.
• Bilingualism rose from 16% in 2010 to 22% in 2019, yet this increase did not affect the point value, which remained at five for both years.

4. Davie, FL

Nestled in Broward County, approximately 24 miles north of Miami, Davie sits just inland from the vibrant Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood region. This thriving city is home to around 110,320 residents, making it comparable in size to High Point and Kent.

With a notable 12-point rise on our scale, it closely trailed the top three cities. In 2019, it achieved a score of 28 out of 50, a significant improvement from just 16 in 2010, with growth evident in all four assessed categories.

• Racial distribution: In 2019, the white population in Davie constituted 73%, a decline from over 80% in 2010, resulting in a point value increase to eight points.
• **Multiracial Population Growth: Between 2010 and 2019, the multiracial demographic nearly doubled from 2% to 3%, raising its score from 1 to 5 points.**
• Foreign-born residents in Davie rose from 24% in 2010 to nearly 30% in 2019, resulting in a score increase from five to seven points during the same period.
• Bilingual Population Growth: In 2019, 26% of residents were bilingual, a rise from 22% in 2010, resulting in an eight-point increase in bilingualism, compared to six points in 2010.

5. Clearwater, FL

Nestled in the northwest corner of Florida’s peninsula, Clearwater is a vibrant Gulf Coast city renowned for its rich wildlife and abundant outdoor adventures. As the smallest of the three closely linked cities in the Tampa-St. Petersburg area, Clearwater offers a unique charm that sets it apart while still being part of a dynamic region.

Clearwaterrose has made significant strides on our diversity scale, earning an impressive score of 11. This marks a notable increase from 12 points in 2010 to 23 points in 2019. The improvement includes a five-point gain in three categories and an eight-point boost in another. Here’s the detailed breakdown:

• Racial distribution: In 2019, the white population represented 80% of the total, a decrease from 84% in 2010. This shift resulted in an increase in its score from four points in 2010 to eight points in 2019.
• Multiracial Population Growth: Between 2010 and 2019, the multiracial population surged from 2% to 4%, with its score rising from one to five points.
• Foreign-born Population: In 2019, the city’s foreign-born population increased by less than 1%, maintaining a steady 17%. This figure remained unchanged from 2010, with consistent metrics of five points for both years.
• Bilingualism: In 2010, 9% of residents were bilingual, rising to 13% by 2019, resulting in a score increase from 2 to 5.

Where diversity is increasing at the slowest rate

Cities that saw the smallest increases in diversity were often not very diverse to start with. Take Oxnard, CA, for instance: in 2010, white residents comprised 56% of the population, and by 2019, that figure had risen to over 75%.

Between 2010 and 2019, the five lowest-ranking cities experienced notable declines in their scores, with some plummeting by as much as seven points. Let’s break down the details.

1. El Paso, TX

Nestled in western Texas, El Paso stands out as the largest metroplex globally. However, it may come as a surprise that it ranks as the city with the slowest increase in diversity among its peers. In 2019, El Paso scored 21 points on diversity metrics, a decline from 28 points in 2010.

• Racial distribution: In 2019, the white population represented over 80% of the city’s demographics, an increase from 78% in 2010. This resulted in a score of four points, a decrease from eight points in 2010.
• Multiracial Population: In 2010, only 2% of the population identified as multiracial, increasing to 3% in 2019. Despite this growth, the city’s score remained unchanged, earning it three points.
• Foreign-born population decreased from 26% in 2010 to 23% in 2019, resulting in a score decline from seven to five.
• Bilingualism declined from 45% in 2010 to 40% in 2019 among residents, resulting in a score of nine.

2. Oxnard, CA

Just a short 60 miles northwest of Los Angeles, Oxnard stands out as one of California’s hidden gems, celebrated for its stunning beaches and vibrant outdoor activities. In 2019, it scored 31 out of 50 points for diversity, reflecting a slight decline of six points since 2010.

• Racial Distribution: In 2019, white individuals comprised 76% of the population, marking a significant 20% increase since 2010. This shift contributed to an eight-point change in racial distribution, a decrease from 14 points in 2010.
• Multiracial Population in Oxnard: In 2010, 4% of Oxnard’s population identified as multiracial, which decreased to 3% by 2019.
• Foreign-born: 35% was foreign-born in 2019, compared to 38% in 2010.
• Bilingualism: In 2010, 34% of residents were bilingual, rising to 36% by 2019. Despite this increase, the city’s score for bilingualism remained unchanged at nine.

3. Lancaster, CA

Renowned for its stunning poppy blooms each spring, Lancaster is located just an hour’s drive from Los Angeles in the picturesque Antelope Valley. In terms of diversity, the city received a score of 23 out of 50 in 2019, a decrease from its previous score of 29 in 2010.

• Racial Distribution: In 2010, whites comprised 58% of the population, earning the city a score of 14 points. By 2019, this percentage rose to 62%, resulting in a lower score of 10.
• Multiracial Population: In 2019, only 5% of the population identified as multiracial, a rise from 3% in 2010. Despite this growth, the increase did not significantly impact the overall population metrics.
• Foreign-born: 14% of Lancaster’s population was foreign-born in 2010, compared to 11% of the population in 2019.
• Bilingual: In 2019, 15% of the population was bilingual, down from 15.2% in 2010.

4. Pasadena, TX

Nestled just outside of Houston, Pasadena boasts a rich array of attractions, from lively rodeos and vibrant strawberry festivals to serene nature centers. However, its reputation for diversity leaves much to be desired. In fact, in 2019, Pasadena scored only 19 out of 50 points in diversity metrics, reflecting a decline from 24 points in 2010.

• Racial Distribution: In 2010, whites comprised 66% of the population, rising to 89% by 2019, resulting in a significant decline in the city’s racial distribution score to four.
• Multiracial Population Trends: In 2019, 98% of the population identified as a single race, a slight decrease from 100% in 2010.
• Foreign-Born Population: In 2010, 26% of Pasadena residents were foreign-born, rising slightly to 26.6% by 2019, maintaining a steady demographic trend with a seven-point increase in both years.
• Bilingualism declined among residents from 24% in 2010 to 20% in 2019, reducing the bilingual score from six to five.

5. San Buenaventura (Ventura), CA

Ventura, previously called San Buenaventura, is a charming city just an hour from Los Angeles, celebrated for its vibrant history. One of its highlights is the Mission Basilica San Buenaventura, established in 1782, which once served as the heart of the community. Outdoor enthusiasts can also explore the nearby Channel Islands for activities like camping, hiking, and whale watching. Despite its many attractions, Ventura’s appeal diminished in recent years, scoring only 19 out of 50 in 2019, a decline from 23 in 2010.

• Racial Distribution: In 2019, the white population comprised 85% of the total, rising from 71% in 2010. This increase resulted in a score reduction from eight to four.
• Multiracial Population Growth: In 2010, 5% of the population identified as multiracial, rising to 10% by 2019. Despite this growth, the overall score remained unchanged at five.
• Foreign-Born Population: Ventura’s foreign-born residents saw a slight increase from 14.1% in 2010 to 14.2% in 2019, maintaining a consistent five-point percentage throughout both years.
• Bilingual Growth: The bilingual population increased from 15% in 2010 to 18% in 2019, despite no significant change in the foreign-born population. However, this growth was insufficient to alter the overall score, which stayed at five.

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Cities with the highest racial distribution

Diversity is crucial, but understanding racial distribution is equally vital. This involves looking at how a city’s population breaks down into various racial groups, such as White, Black, Asian, and others. We conducted an analysis of racial distribution across different cities to identify where it is most pronounced and where significant changes have occurred over time.

In 2019, Northern California was home to two of the three cities with the most diverse racial compositions: Hayward and Vallejo, with Paterson, NJ rounding out the list. Here’s a closer look at the racial demographics for each of these vibrant cities:

Hayward, CA

• 35.1% white
• 9.6% Black or African American
• 0.8% American Indian and Alaska Native
• 27.2% Asian
• 2.2% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
• 18% other race

Paterson, NJ

• 30.3% white
• 26.1% Black or African American
• 0.1% American Indian and Alaska Native
• 4.6% Asian
• 0% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
• 35.1% other race

Vallejo, CA

• 35.3% white
• 20.3% Black or African American
• 0.4% American Indian and Alaska Native
• 23.8% Asian
• 1.1% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
• 12.2% other race

Cities with the biggest change in racial distribution

We pinpointed cities that experienced the most significant shifts in racial distribution from 2010 to 2019. Notably, two of these cities have already appeared on our list showcasing the largest overall increases in diversity:

1. Irving, TX
   • The most represented race (white) made up 48% of the population in 2019, down from 61% in 2010.
2. Kent, WA
   • The most represented race (white) made up 47% of the population in 2019, down from 62% in 2010.
3. In West Valley City, UT, the white population decreased from 79% in 2010 to 59% in 2019.
4. Warren, MI
   • The most represented race (white) made up 68% of the population in 2019, down from 82% in 2010.

Diversity is increasingly flourishing across the United States, leading to greater exposure to a variety of cultures and languages. Our survey revealed that even in areas experiencing gradual growth, diversity is still on the rise, with this trend evident in cities throughout nearly all geographic regions.

Mastering a widely spoken second language like Spanish can significantly enhance your ability to connect with others in a diverse urban environment. Enrolling in online Spanish classes is an excellent way to boost your listening, speaking, and writing abilities, making communication more effective and enjoyable.

Methodology: Our study examined shifts in population diversity among the 321 largest U.S. cities, each with populations exceeding 100,000, from 2010 to 2019. Utilizing data from the U.S. Census Bureau, we focused on four key factors to assess diversity: racial distribution, multiracial identities, bilingual identities, and the foreign-born population.

• **Racial Distribution (20 Points):** This metric evaluates the racial diversity within a city. A low score is assigned if a single racial group constitutes over 80% of the population, indicating limited diversity. Conversely, a high score reflects a balanced racial distribution with no majority group, where multiple races each represent 20-30% of the population. Among the 321 cities analyzed, only 18% (57 cities) had no racial group exceeding 50% of the population. This factor was weighted more heavily than others, recognizing it as a key indicator of community diversity.
• Multiracial Identity (10 possible points): This represents the percentage of the population that identifies with two or more race groups.
• Bilingual Identity (10 Points): This metric indicates the percentage of the population that speaks one or more languages besides English and reports speaking English “very well,” according to U.S. Census Bureau definitions.
• Foreign-born (10 possible points): We measured the percentage of the population that was not born in the U.S.