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The Korean American community has seen remarkable growth over the past two decades. In 2023, Pew Research estimated that about 2 million Koreans were living in the United States, making them the fifth largest Asian-origin group and accounting for around 8% of the total Asian population. The U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS) placed the number slightly higher, at 2,023,517, including those of mixed Korean heritage. Compared to two decades ago, this marks an increase of more than 50%, showing both the expansion and diversification of the community.

U.S.-born Korean Americans (ACS Estimates)

• 2008–2010: about 550,000
• 2017–2019: about 740,000
• 2021–2023: about 810,000
• Growth among U.S.-born Koreans has outpaced that of immigrants.

Immigrant Characteristics (2023)

• 82% have lived in the U.S. for 10+ years
• 68% are naturalized U.S. citizens

Language Proficiency

• 68% speak English “very well”
• 39% use only English at home
• 29% use Korean at home but also speak English “very well”
• Among first-generation immigrants: 50% report speaking English “very well”

Geographic Distribution (2023)

• California: 560,000 (29%)
• New York: 140,000
• Texas: 110,000
• New Jersey: 105,000
• Virginia: 90,000

Age (2023 ACS)

• Overall Korean American average age: 37.3 years
• Overall Asian American average age: 34.7 years
• Immigrant Koreans: 50.2 years
• U.S.-born Koreans: 20.5 years

Education (25+ years old, 2023)

• 60% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher
  • 36% bachelor’s
  • 24% graduate degree (master’s/doctorate)
• Immigrants: 58% bachelor’s or higher
• U.S.-born: 65% bachelor’s or higher

Income (2023)

• Household median income: $96,430
  • Immigrant households: $88,400
  • U.S.-born households: $104,900
• Asian overall household median: $105,600
• Korean individual median: $55,000 (vs. Asians overall: $52,400)
• Full-time, year-round Korean workers: $76,000 average annual income