Pew Research: Key Facts Highlight Diversity and Growth of AAPI Communities

May is AAPI Heritage Month — a time to honor and uplift the diverse communities that make up the Asian American and Pacific Islander population in the U.S.

According to new data from Pew Research Center, the Asian American population has more than doubled since 2000 — reaching nearly 25 million people in 2023, or 7% of the U.S. population. This growing community includes over two dozen origin groups, with Chinese, Indian, Filipino, Vietnamese, Korean, and Japanese Americans making up the majority.

Key insights:

• California is home to the largest Asian population (7.1M), and Hawaii is the only state where Asians are the majority (57%).

• 54% of U.S. Asians are immigrants — a declining but still significant share.

• 63% speak a language other than English at home, but 74% are English-proficient.

• Educational attainment is high: 56% of Asians 25+ have a bachelor’s degree or more (compared to 36% of all U.S.-born adults).

• Median household income for Asian-led households is $105,600, though this varies widely by origin group.

At Leading Ladies Vote, we believe in celebrating diversity and advocating for equity. The AAPI community brings strength, resilience, and rich cultural contributions to our society — and their voices matter at the ballot box.

Let’s continue to amplify AAPI stories and push for inclusive policies that reflect the full fabric of America.