The Somali population in the United States has grown steadily over the past three decades. According to the 2020 U.S. Census, 221,043 people identified as Somali (alone or in combination). The 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) reported 169,799 people of Somali ancestry, including 92,401 residents born in Somalia. However, community-led estimates suggest that the figure is much higher, indicating that between 250,000 and 300,000 Somalis reside in the U.S. today.
The largest Somali communities are in Minnesota, Ohio, and Washington State, followed by significant populations in Maine, California, Virginia, and Georgia. This article examines the geographic distribution of Somali Americans, their migration history, and the contributions they make to the U.S.
Somali Population in the United States (2020 Census)
Somalis in Minnesota
Minnesota is the largest hub for Somali Americans, home to over 86,000 people of Somali descent. Minneapolis and St. Paul together host the bulk of this population. The Cedar-Riverside neighbourhood, often referred to as Little Mogadishu, is the heart of the Somali community.
Somali Minnesotans have established thriving businesses, cultural organizations, and made significant contributions to political representation. In 2018, Ilhan Omar was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, becoming the first Somali American in Congress.
Somalis in Ohio
The Columbus metro area is the second-largest Somali hub in the U.S., with 50,000 to 60,000 Somali residents. The community began growing in the 1990s and has transformed entire neighbourhoods with Somali-owned shops, restaurants, and mosques.
Organizations such as the Somali Community Association of Ohio (SCAO) and SomaliCAN provide support for education, youth programs, and legal services. Columbus also hosts Somali Independence Day celebrations that attract thousands of people each year.
Somalis in Washington State
The Seattle-Tacoma region is home to over 30,000 Somali Americans. Many live in South Seattle, Tukwila, Kent, and SeaTac. Somali-owned cafés, halal markets, and cultural centers are a regular part of the community.
The Somali Health Board and Somali Community Services of Seattle play an important role in addressing health disparities and supporting refugee families.
Somalis in Maine
Maine has one of the highest concentrations of Somalis per capita in the U.S., with 6,000 to 12,000 residents. The cities of Lewiston and Portland are the main centers.
Somalis have revitalized downtown Lewiston, opening grocery stores, restaurants, and community centers. In 2021, Deqa Dhalac was elected mayor of South Portland, becoming the first Somali-born mayor in the United States.
Somalis in California
San Diego is the primary Somali hub in California, with an estimated 6,500 to 15,000 residents. Somali refugees first arrived in the 1990s, and the community has since established strong institutions, including the Somali Family Service of San Diego and the Somali Bantu Association of America.
Other Communities
Virginia / Washington D.C. metro: 3,000–5,000 Somali residents in Arlington, Alexandria, and Fairfax.
Georgia (Atlanta/Clarkston): 2,000–4,000 Somalis in the diverse refugee hub of Clarkston.
North Dakota: About 1,700 Somalis, mostly in Fargo and Grand Forks.
Boston and New York: Smaller but active Somali communities with cultural organizations and mosques.
Challenges and Growth
Like many refugee groups, Somali Americans face challenges including poverty, low educational attainment, and language barriers. In Minnesota, the median Somali household income is about $38,000, and nearly 40% live below the poverty line.
At the same time, Somali Americans are highly entrepreneurial. In Minneapolis alone, Somalis own hundreds of businesses, from grocery stores and malls to trucking companies. In Columbus, Somali shops line busy corridors, adding to the city’s economy and cultural life.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Somali Population in the U.S.
How many Somalis live in the United States?
Between 169,000 and 221,000, depending on the data source. Community estimates suggest up to 300,000.
Which state has the largest Somali community?
Minnesota has over 86,000 Somali residents.
Which city has the most Somalis?
Minneapolis–St. Paul is the largest Somali hub in the U.S., followed by Columbus, Ohio, and Seattle, Washington.
When did Somali immigration to the U.S. begin?
Small groups arrived in the 1920s and 1970s, but the largest wave came in the 1990s due to Somalia’s civil war.
What contributions have Somali Americans made?
They have created businesses, revitalized neighbourhoods, served in public office, and contributed to U.S. cultural diversity.
