- Key findings
- The most underrated U.S. cities for immigrants
- Where next? These cities are getting even better for immigrants
- Breaking down the features that make each city great
- Low unemployment rates
- High household income
- Large foreign-born populations
- High naturalization rate
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Which cities are considered the most underrated for immigrants?
- What criteria were used to evaluate the best midsize cities for immigrants?
- Which city showed the most improvement for immigrants over the past decade?
- What is the average median household income for foreign-born residents in the U.S.?
- How does the foreign-born population size impact a city’s immigrant-friendly environment?
Major coastal cities such as New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles attract a significant number of newcomers to the United States, while other major urban centers like Houston and Chicago also have substantial foreign-born communities. However, the hustle and bustle of these large cities often come at the expense of quality of life. As a result, an increasing number of individuals are choosing to leave the crowded streets behind for smaller cities like Austin, Texas; Portland, Maine; and Jacksonville, Florida, where they can enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle.
To uncover the top midsize cities in America for immigrants, we analyzed a decade’s worth of U.S. Census data. Our team developed a tailored scoring system that evaluates over 250 cities across four essential criteria related to immigrant opportunities. Keep reading to see how each city compares in terms of its welcoming environment and resources for newcomers.
Key findings
- The three most underrated cities for immigrants are Honolulu, Hawaii, Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura in California and Poughkeepsie-Newburgh-Middletown in New York.
- Florida boasts five of the top 25 midsize cities for immigrants.
- Portland, Oregon, Austin, Texas, and Stockton, California, are the most promising cities for immigrants.
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The most underrated U.S. cities for immigrants
To identify the most welcoming midsize cities in the United States for immigrants, we evaluated each location using key metrics: unemployment rates, median incomes for foreign-born residents, the size of the immigrant population, and naturalization rates.
Three metro areas deserve attention as excellent yet often overlooked choices for immigrants: Honolulu, HI; Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA; and Poughkeepsie-Newburgh-Middletown, NY. While the average score for cities is 25.92, these three regions achieved impressive scores of 34 or above, with Honolulu leading the pack at an impressive 39.75.
Where next? These cities are getting even better for immigrants
As cities evolve and diversify, some emerge as beacons of economic opportunity and thriving immigrant communities, showcasing the rich tapestry of cultures and innovations they bring.
To better understand the impact of immigration over the past decade, we developed a second index that evaluates each metropolitan statistical area (MSA). Cities that scored higher on this index have experienced significant growth in their foreign-born populations, rising median incomes, and declining unemployment rates.
The standout winner for the most improved area is the Portland, Maine region, which achieved an impressive score of 42.69 out of 50—significantly higher than the average score of 26.14. Following closely are the Austin, Texas area with a score of 37.66 and Stockton, California with 36.96, both showing notable improvements as well.
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Breaking down the features that make each city great
Now that we’ve gone through the best cities overall, let’s dive into the features that make certain places shine.
Low unemployment rates
Exciting job prospects attract individuals to new cities, and one key metric in our evaluation is the local unemployment rate. In our analysis of midsize cities, we found that the median unemployment rate for the foreign-born population stands at just 2.8%.
When you compare the unemployment rates, areas like Little Rock, Palm Bay, Myrtle Beach, and Jackson emerge as notable hotspots with lower joblessness. This indicates that immigrants settling in these regions may find greater opportunities for stable employment. Regardless of your industry, enrolling in business English courses or corporate English training can significantly enhance your communication skills, boosting your prospects in the job market.
High household income
We then examined the median household income for each Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). On average, foreign-born households earn $57,363. Notably, the Baltimore area boasts a median income that is 42% above this average, positioning it as an attractive choice for immigrants seeking better financial opportunities.
Large foreign-born populations
A vital factor that contributes to an immigrant-friendly city is the proportion of its foreign-born residents. A larger immigrant population typically fosters more welcoming, close-knit communities and vibrant cultural diversity, both of which are essential for a city’s prosperity. In our analysis, the median percentage of foreign-born individuals across the cities studied is 8% of the total population.
In contrast, more than a quarter of the residents in McAllen and El Paso, Texas, are foreign-born, with 26% and 24% respectively. These vibrant border towns not only offer an affordable cost of living but also celebrate rich multicultural communities.
High naturalization rate
Finally, we examined the naturalization rates among foreign-born residents in our selected cities. On average, the median naturalization rate stands at 49%, yet the top three cities boast impressive rates exceeding 66%. Notably, the Youngstown area surpasses the average, with a naturalization rate that is 21% higher.
Even if you don’t reside in one of the highlighted areas, you can discover a sense of community wherever you are. Regardless of your location in the U.S., participating in English tutoring can be a valuable way to foster local connections and enhance community engagement.
**Methodology:** Our analysis focused on metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) in the United States with populations ranging from 500,000 to 3,000,000. Utilizing the American Community Survey’s 5-year estimates from 2011 to 2021, we developed two index scores to assess the welcoming nature of each MSA for immigrants, both currently and in the future. We assigned weights to various factors based on their significance in determining hospitability.
- **Index 1: Top Underrated U.S. Cities for Immigrants**
– Unemployment Rate Among Foreign-Born Residents
– Median Income of Foreign-Born Individuals
– Foreign-Born Population Size as a Percentage of Total Population
– Naturalization Rates for Immigrants - ### Index 2: Top U.S. Cities for Immigrants
– **Unemployment Rate**: Trends in foreign-born unemployment
– **Median Household Income**: Changes in income for immigrant households
– **Population Growth**: Shifts in the foreign-born population size
Frequently Asked Questions
Which cities are considered the most underrated for immigrants?
The most underrated cities for immigrants are Honolulu, Hawaii; Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, California; and Poughkeepsie-Newburgh-Middletown, New York.
What criteria were used to evaluate the best midsize cities for immigrants?
The evaluation criteria included unemployment rates, median incomes for foreign-born residents, the size of the immigrant population, and naturalization rates.
Which city showed the most improvement for immigrants over the past decade?
The Portland, Maine region showed the most improvement for immigrants with a score of 42.69 out of 50.
What is the average median household income for foreign-born residents in the U.S.?
The average median household income for foreign-born residents is $57,363.
How does the foreign-born population size impact a city’s immigrant-friendly environment?
A larger foreign-born population typically fosters more welcoming communities and cultural diversity, which are essential for a city’s prosperity.
