The 10 Most Multicultural Cities In America

The United States has long been celebrated for its cultural and ethnic diversity, and indeed with its historic growth in the 19th and 20th centuries, many immigrant groups helped shape the face of America. Still, discussions about immigration reform and assimilation continue to dominate much of the political discourse in the country. What is certain, however, is that as the nation continues to grow, so does the diversity of its populace. Based on data from WalletHub, this article looks at the country's most culturally diverse cities. Over 500 of the largest cities of the country were compared across 3 main indicators of ethnic diversity (birthplace, language, and ethnicity/race) to derive the ethnic diversity score. 

1. Jersey City, New Jersey - 72.69

Considered one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the world, Jersey City has an Ethnic Diversity score of 72.69, according to WalletHub. This mid-size town of 292,449 residents has a Birthplace Diversity score of 164 and has been an important port of entry for immigration for many years. Indeed in Jersey City, 25% of its population is of Asian ethnicity, 25% is Black, 27% is Latino, and 27% is White, making for a most visibly diverse populace. 

2. Germantown, Maryland - 72.54

Germantown is only slightly behind Jersey City with an Ethnic Diversity score of 72.54. With just over 91,000 residents, Germantown is home to a wide range of cultures and immigrant groups and boasts a Birthplace Diversity score of 81. Approximately 22% identify as Black, while 20% is of Asian descent. Hispanic comprise around 18%, while the White population sits at around 36%. In addition, the town records a linguistic diversity score of 5, according to WalletHub's data. 

3. Gaithersburg, Maryland - 72.50

Just a nine-kilometer drive from Germantown, Gaithersburg also scores very highly for its multiculturalism and has an Ethnic Diversity score of 72.5, according to WalletHub. The home of a population of just under 70,000, Gaithersburg's demographics include 32% White, 17% Asian, 17 % Black, and Hispanic at 24%. With a Birthplace Diversity Score of 73, Gaithersburg also scores a 4 for linguistic diversity. 

4. Silver Spring, Maryland - 69.65

Only 25 minutes from Washington DC, Silver Spring, this suburb, or "Edge City," has a population of just over 81,000. The third Maryland city on this list, Silver Spring, has the highest Ethnoracial Diversity of the three, scoring 11. In addition to a Linguistic Diversity score of 15, the town's overall Ethnic Diversity Score is 69.65, according to the data collected by WalletHub. Here, 33% identify as White, 28% as Black, 20% is Latino, and nearly 8% is Asian, while a total of 37% of Silver Spring residents were born outside of the United States.

5. Spring Valley, Nevada - 69.62

Located only three kilometers from Las Vegas, the unincorporated town of Spring Valley has a total population of nearly 216,000. With a Linguistic Diversity score of 24 and an Ethnic Diversity Score of 69.62, Spring Valley is the only Nevada locale in the top ten list of most multicultural cities. Including 18% of the populace who identify as Asian, 21% as Hispanic, and 10% as Black, as part of the greater Las Vegas metropolitan area, Spring Valley is an authentic view of the changing demographic makeup of America.

6. New York City, New York - 69.45

New York City has always been a place of attraction for people of varying cultural, linguistic, ethnic, and social backgrounds. With its allure of the big city and the promise of the esteemed "American Dream," New York's place as a multicultural haven has enriched its reputation at home and abroad. According to WalletHub's data, the "Big Apple" has an Ethnic Diversity score of 69.45 and a Birthplace Diversity score of 261. And of the top ten cities on the list of most multicultural, New York is by far the largest with the highest concentration of residents. 

7. Kent, Washington - 68.91

Kent forms part of the Seattle metropolitan area and has a population of just 135,000 residents. The city scores 68.91 for Ethnic Diversity and 120 for Birthplace Diversity. Kent's demographics include 12% Black, 17% Hispanic, and 16% Asian. In addition, this mid-sized city has a score of 14 for Linguistic Diversity. 

8. San Jose, California - 68.57

Northern California's largest city and the center of the famed Silicon Valley, San Jose, has experienced exponential growth in the last several decades. Today it is the home of over 1 million residents and has an astonishing score of 277 for Birthplace Diversity. With an Ethnic Diversity score of 68.57, San Jose's demographics include Asian at 32%, Hispanic at 33% (of which 28% are Mexican), and Black at just under 4%. 

9. Oakland, California - 68.50

Forming part of the San Francisco Bay Area, Oakland's population numbers some 440,646 inhabitants. One of two California cities in the top ten most multicultural cities, Oakland has an Ethnic Diversity score of 68.5 and a Birthplace Diversity Score of 205, according to WalletHub. The city's demographics include 24% Black, 16% Asian, and 27% Latino. In addition, Oakland has a Linguistic Diversity score of 30.

10. Rockville, Maryland - 68.05

Montgomery County's county seat, Rockville, ranks 10th on this list with a ethnic diversity score of 68.05. The city is known for its thriving software and biotech sectors and also the numerous federal government institutions. The city has a large population of Asian ethnicity (over 20%) who are employed in the numerous industries active in the city. 

Following great periods of growth over the last two centuries, the multicultural makeup of America has indeed become one of the country's most striking features. But beyond the traditional melting pot model, the many ethnicities, languages, and cultural backgrounds of the United States continue to make it a place of great learning and opportunity. The cities on this list then reflect the great diversity that is taking form from sea to sea. 

The 30 Most Culturally Diverse Cities In The United States