Indian Americans: A Survey Data Snapshot

The United States was home to about 4.8 million Indian Americans as of 2022, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Indian Americans account for 20% of the United States’ Asian American population overall.

About two-thirds of Indian Americans (66%) are immigrants, while 34% are U.S.-born.

Around half of Indian Americans live in just four states: California (20%), Texas (12%), New Jersey (9%) and New York (7%).

The median income among Indian American households was $145,000 in 2022.

This is 45% higher than the median household income among Asian Americans overall ($100,000).

Despite making up only 1.5% of the U.S. population, Indian Americans are estimated to pay about 5-6% of the country’s income tax ($250-300 billion).

Their success is attributed to a strong work ethic, drive for excellence and a culture that emphasizes achievement.

Indian Americans most often describe themselves as either “Indian” (41%) or “Indian American” (21%). Another 10% usually call themselves “American,” 15% “Asian” or “Asian American” and 9% as “South Asian.”

About two-thirds of Indians in the United States (65%) say they would not move to India. This compares to 33% who say they would.

Indian Americans have founded or co-founded 72 out of 358 unicorns (startups valued at over $1 billion) that emerged in the United States since 2018.

Indian immigrants represent about 20% of immigrant-founded unicorns in the United States, making them the most prolific immigrant founders in this category.

Indian-born CEOs and executives have risen to prominent positions in some of the world's most influential technology companies, such as Google, Microsoft and IBM.