Editor’s Note: We updated this article for 2020. This is our sixth time ranking the most diverse states in America.

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If you were to draw a line down the middle of the contiguous United States, you’d find a surprising difference in the diversity of the populous.

So, we did draw that line, determine the diversity of every state in America, and came out surprised.

Here’s a look:



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The Southern States of the Union are, with some exceptions, a lot more diverse than the Northern States. The single most diverse state? That would be Hawaii, followed in a distant second by California. Using the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI), a standard measure of inequality, we ranked each state from most diverse to least diverse.

And the least diverse:

We found it interesting that Texas is such a staunchly Republican state given its level of diversity. Its diversity is a major reason why many pundits believe Texas will soon go blue.

But enough about politics, let’s take a dive into the science behind the maps and graphs.

For more reading about America, check out:

The 10 Most Diverse States In America For 2020

Source: Public domain

Population: 1,422,029

Rank Last Year: 1 (No Change)

HHI: 2,416

More On Hawaii: Photos | Rent

Hawaii takes the diversity cake. Look at these numbers: 37% Asian, 24% mixed, 21% white, 11% Hispanic, 10% Native Hawaiian or Islander and 2% black. There’s also a few Native Americans here too.

Hawaii is interestingly the third most economically diverse state, too – meaning there’s a big gap between the rich and the poor here. And 3% of people in Honolulu are Buddhist.

If you’ve ever been to Hawaii, you’d know, this is also a melting pot of cuisine. There’s poke, poi, pineapple, spam musubi, laulau, plate lunch, and of course, shaved ice.

Review Of by by Joe Malapitan I live in Hawaii…totally dark blue. I love it! I agree with pretty much with this. Something that a lot of people forget when they argue that states like Illinois, California, New York and New Jersey are bad places to live, well yeah there are some downsides to living in those states, but what there are a lot of too is opportunity. That’s something that’s missing in all of the states mentioned in this video. Review Where You Live

Population: 39,148,760

Rank Last Year: 2 (No Change)

HHI: 3,159

More On California: Photos | Rent

Of course, California is diverse. And at the rate things are currently going, California will be atop this list at some point soon.

California is currently 37% white, 39% Hispanic, 15% Asian, and 7% African American. When you look at this ethnic mix, you can understand why there are more various languages spoken in California households than any other place in America.

While most people assume California’s diversity stems from a hispanic population boom, in fact, it’s the Asian population that’s stemming a majority of the growth here. This chart shows that Asians have far surpassed California’s recent immigration swing. As such, California has the nation’s highest Chinese population, too.

Overall, as you can imagine, California has the most foriegn born residents. 27% of California’s population was born outside of the US.

In West Virginia, that number is 1%.

Population: 2,922,849

Rank Last Year: 3 (No Change)

HHI: 3,446

More On Nevada: Photos | Rent

What makes Nevada such a diverse place? It’s less than half white for starters. (Hispanics make up nearly a third of the population, and African American and Asian populations are nearly 10%.)

The Las Vegas metro makes up a quarter of this state’s population. Due to the city’s international flair, it’s a big draw for people from all over the world. It has a large Phillipino population, and 5% of Vegas” population is of mixed descent.

Off we go as we catch a quick flight to our second most diverse state in America – California. We won a little bit of money while we were in Vegas, but we lost it all again. Same as it ever was.

Review Of by by TheGuru IsCooking I live in Nevada and most of those pictures he posted were of Sparks and we have the best tourists destinations around ) and the unemployment rate in Nevada is only at a 3% thank you. 4% better then a state you did not mention which is one of the worst hands down. Check your States and bias facts and then come see me. Review Where You Live

Population: 27,885,195

Rank Last Year: 4 (No Change)

HHI: 3,488

More On Texas: Photos | Rent

Here in Texas, it’s pretty much a white or Hispanic state. 40% are white, 40% are Hispanic, and the other 20% pretty much black or Asian). Of course, over time, Texas has become very hispanic. Over the last few years, the white birth rate in Texas has shrunk to 33%, and the hispanic birth rate has risen, and is now 47%.

But, across America, the birth rate for Hispanic women has fallen by 31 percent in the last ten years. That’s because now, 2 in 3 Hispanic women were born in the US.

Today’s American-born Hispanic women are less likely to be poor and more likely to be educated than their immigrant mothers and grandmothers, and are more often delaying childbearing so they can finish school and start careers. Hence, in many areas of America, the Hispanic population boom..is slowing.

Review Of by by Craig Paulsen I live in Texas I have a better quality of life here then in Cali Come on Review Where You Live

Population: 6,003,435

Rank Last Year: 5 (No Change)

HHI: 3,641

More On Maryland: Photos | Rent

So in New York, we picked up this awesome iwatch. Someone on the street said it’s real, so that’s good enough for us. Now? It’s time to take a quick flight to Maryland.

Maryland is the second least white state we’ve seen so far, after New Mexico. Here, half the population is white. About a third are African American, 10% are Hispanic, and 7% are Asian.

Baltimore is the big reason Maryland has such a high black population. Baltimore is 63% black, which makes it the 5th most african americanest city in the country. Going back to 1940, Baltimore was 80% white. That’s a big change.

Maryland also ranks 4th in terms of income diversity. There’s a lot of really rich and really poor people here.

Review Of by by Brandon Smith As a marylander the state is rich the D.C suburbs are rich but western Maryland is poor I’m talking p**s poor it’s farms factorys hills whores and liquor stores it’s the kinda area where if you touch a man’s cigarettes he will probably kill you and I know this cuz I’m from western Maryland……i do love my state though Review Where You Live

Population: 19,618,453

Rank Last Year: 6 (No Change)

HHI: 3,754

More On New York: Photos | Rent

Of course New York is one of the most diverse states. This chart shows just over half of the population is white, and its 20% Hispanic, 18% black, and nearly 10% Asian. Notice New York is also 2.6% mixed race, which is really high.

New York is home to the nation’s largest Dominican population, too.

But New York City alone is what really makes this state so diverse in many ways. Within New York City there are more racial, ethnic and cultural differences than anywhere else in the US.

Another interesting fact: 10% of New York City are either Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists or Jewish.

Review Of by by HomeSnacks User NYC is called the city that never sleeps for good reason- there is always something to do, no matter the time of day or night! There is amazing food, a good variety of sports teams, and just the feeling of being in the city is energizing. Ellis Island, Central Park, and Empire State Building would be my highlights. The only drawbacks I could see would be if you go during high tourist season, as any of these places would be crowded or have long lines. New York City is great to visit any time of year, and I would highly recommend avoiding high tourist times. Review Where You Live

Population: 8,881,845

Rank Last Year: 7 (No Change)

HHI: 3,766

More On New Jersey: Photos | Rent

Here in the Garden State, god planted a lot of different seeds. The racial breakdown is as such, which shows there are actually four major races here, since the Asian population stands at 10%.

New Jersey has America’s largest Italian population. There are also a lot of Jews in New Jersey. 6% of Jew Nersians are of the Jewish American population, good for the 3rd highest population in the US

Review Of by by Skyris I lived in New Jersey. You didn’t mention Trenton/Hamilton. Those are two of the least safe cities in the whole state, I know from experience. I lived in the town of Princeton, probably one of the best towns in the state, though. I’d seriously suggest living there, it’s safe and has great schools. Just don’t live in Trenton/Hamilton, Camden, or Newark. Review Where You Live

Population: 20,598,139

Rank Last Year: 9 (Up 1)

HHI: 3,835

More On Florida: Photos | Rent

So we scored some fried chicken and a ticket to paradise, as we pull into Miami International Airport, and Florida, our 9th most diverse state in the union.

While in Georgia, it was the black population that made it diverse, in Florida, it’s the hispanic and latino population which makes it so varied here. Florida is 53% white, 26% hispanic and 17% African American. That’s a racial stew.

Plus, Florida has the nation’s largest Cuban population, which make up 7% of the state’s total population. That’s a lot.

Because of Florida’s high elderly population, it ranks first in the US for generational diversity – meaning the gap between the young and old is the biggest in Florida. That makes for some interesting conversations, I’m sure.

Review Of by by Spencer Blum I happen to disagree with your Florida placement. Florida is among the best places to live in the country. However, remember this, The more north you go, the more south it gets. I live in South Florida, and I love it. The weather is hot and humid, but that’s how we like it. We have amazing beaches and one of the best cities in the world, Miami. Although we have hurricanes here, most areas are well prepared, or have many ways to add protection from the storm. Plus, I love typical thunderstorms, the sound/sight of lightning and thunder comforts me. Not to mention Orlando, the home of Disney! Also, amazing, fresh, Florida oranges. Alligators don’t bother us too much. Sure, we get them in lakes and even in our backyards and swimming pools. You are faster than the gator. Come to South Florida, and you will see how great it truly is. Review Where You Live

Source: Public domain

Population: 2,092,434

Rank Last Year: 8 (Down 1)

HHI: 3,860

More On New Mexico: Photos | Rent

Time to catch our flight while we listen to some amazing latin music we heard about while in Miami, as we zone out until we look outside and realize we’re in New Mexico, our 8th most diverse state.

New Mexico’s numbers look like this: 37% white, 42% Hispanic, 6% black and 10% Native American. Notice that New Mexico is also 1.8% Asian.

Other interesting factors: New Mexico is also the 6th gayest state in America, where .5% of the population is. gay.

It’s also the most Hispanic state in the union, and the 4th most Native American state, too. Very diverse down there New Mexico. Good for you guys, sticking together and making it work and all.

Review Of by by Thaddeus Kyle As a former resident of New Mexico for six years, I had a very pleasant time and now I live in Virginia and I sometimes miss the desolate wasteland that was the landscape of New Mexico, although I did live on an Air Force base, more specifically, Kirtland AFB itself, and I never knew that there were nuclear weapons just below me the entire time Review Where You Live

Population: 10,297,484

Rank Last Year: 10 (No Change)

HHI: 3,898

More On Georgia: Photos | Rent

As we come in for a landing, we realize where we are, and this is quite a surprise. We’re in Georgia. But when you look at the numbers, it makes sense. Here’s why: In the United States, the racial makeup is as follows: 60% white alone, 18% hispanic, 13% black, 6% asian, and 1% native american. And some other smaller races.

In Georgia, the racial composition is quite different. Here, the African American population is very high – at 32%. The White population here is 52% and hispanics make up almost 10%.

Now, let’s compare that to our least diverse state in America, Maine, where it’s 93% white. A real big difference.