The Indian population in the United States has grown rapidly over the last few decades. Today, Indian Americans are one of the fastest-growing immigrant communities in the country. According to recent estimates, the population of Indians in the United States is over 5.2 million and continues to increase each year.

Many people ask, what is the Indian population in the United States today? Based on data, the number is around 5.5 million. This includes both U.S. citizens of Indian origin and NRIs. The population of Indians in America now represents one of the largest Asian communities in the country.

Indian Americans

The Indian population in the United States makes up about 1.6% of the total U.S. population. Indian Americans are currently the second-largest “Asian alone” group after Chinese Americans, meaning individuals who identify only as Asian and not mixed with another race. However, when counting all mixed Asian identities, Chinese Americans remain the largest Asian group overall.. The population of Indians in USA includes highly skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, students, and families. 

Top U.S. States with Indian Population

The population of Indians in United States is not evenly spread across the country. Some states have much larger Indian communities than others. Among them, California has the highest Indian population, with over 900,000 people of Indian origin. Texas follows with more than 430,000. Other major states include New Jersey, New York, Florida, Georgia, and Virginia. These states offer strong job markets, good universities, and established Indian communities, which attract new immigrants.

Major U.S. Cities with Indian Communities

When looking at metro areas, the New York–Newark–Jersey City region has the largest Indian population. Other major metro areas include Chicago, San Francisco Bay Area, Dallas–Fort Worth, Washington, D.C., San Jose, Houston, and Atlanta. These cities have Indian temples, cultural centers, grocery stores, restaurants, and active community groups, making it easier for newcomers to settle in.

Religion and Cultural Diversity

The population of Indians in America is religiously diverse, reflecting India’s multicultural background. Hinduism is the largest religion within the community, followed by Christianity and Islam. A significant portion of Indian Americans also identify as unaffiliated with any religion. In addition, there are active Sikh and Jain communities, along with smaller groups practicing Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, and other faiths. Overall, the religious distribution is approximately:

• 51% Hindu
• 18% Christian
• 10% Muslim
• 10% unaffiliated
• 5% Sikh
• 2% Jain
• 4% other

 Indian Americans celebrate festivals like Diwali, Holi, Eid, Christmas, Vaisakhi, and Navratri. Their cultural influence is visible in food, music, films, and entrepreneurship across the U.S.

Why Does the Indian Population Keep Growing?

Several factors contribute to the steady rise in the Indian population in the United States:

• Strong education background
• High demand for skilled professionals
• Student visa pathways
• Family reunification programs
• Business and startup opportunities

The Indian Population in United States highlights how rapidly the Indian community has expanded across America, contributing strongly to education, technology, business, and culture. From California and Texas to New York and New Jersey, Indian Americans continue to shape the social and economic landscape of the country while maintaining deep cultural roots.

As families stay connected between the U.S. and India, travel plays an important role in keeping those bonds strong. Whether you are visiting loved ones or exploring opportunities abroad, check out Indian Eagle deals on International flight tickets to make your journey more affordable.

Note: Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau (2023 estimates), Pew Research Center, and Migration Policy Institute as of early 2026. Population figures may vary slightly with new census updates. Check official sources for the latest stats.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Indian immigration to the United States begin?
Indian immigration began in small numbers in the early 1900s, mainly on the West Coast. However, major growth started after the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, which removed national origin quotas. Since then, professionals, students, and entrepreneurs from India have steadily moved to the U.S.

Which visa categories do most Indians use to move to the United States?
Many Indians migrate through employment-based visas such as H-1B, L-1, and EB categories. A large number also arrive on F-1 student visas and later transition to work visas or permanent residency. Family-sponsored immigration is another common pathway.

Why are Telugu and Gujarati communities growing faster than some other Indian language groups?
Telugu-speaking professionals have seen rapid migration due to strong representation in the tech industry, especially in IT and software services. Gujarati migration has grown steadily through business, hospitality, and entrepreneurship networks that support new arrivals.

Which U.S. to India routes see the highest travel demand?
Major routes include flights from New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Dallas, and Washington, D.C. to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru. Direct flight options have expanded significantly in recent years.

How concentrated is the Indian population geographically?
Nearly 50% of Indian Americans live in just four states: California, Texas, New Jersey, and New York. Metropolitan clustering is especially strong in technology-driven and financial hubs.

The post Indian Population in United States: Growth, States, and Key Facts appeared first on Travel Blog | Travel Inspiration, Tips and News | Travel Diary.