So, How many Koreans are here in the states? Answer is here.

If you’ve ever been asked questions like “So how many Koreans are there?”, “Where do most Korean Americans live?”, or “How many are in L.A.?” — the answers are now clear, current, and official.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS) five-year estimates for 2020–2024, released on January 27, the total Korean American population nationwide — including multiracial individuals — reached 2,062,223. That represents a 3.2% increase from the previous five-year estimate (2019–2023), which counted 1,998,698 Korean Americans.

By comparison, the overall U.S. population grew by just 0.5% during the same period. In other words, the Korean American population is growing at six times the national average, even as overall population growth in the United States continues to slow.

The growth may be steady rather than explosive, but the direction is unmistakable.

California remains the state with the largest Korean American population, totaling 571,134 residents. It is followed by New York (145,733), Texas (129,329), New Jersey (114,233), Washington (104,973), Virginia (96,140), Georgia (80,618), Illinois (75,724), Maryland (62,899), Hawaii (50,751), and Florida (46,872).

Within California, about 70% of Korean Americans live in Southern California, primarily in Los Angeles County, Orange County, and San Diego County.

Los Angeles County remains the largest hub, with 224,745 Korean residents — a figure that has held relatively steady. Orange County, however, saw its Korean population grow by about 1.5%, increasing from 116,566 to 118,261, a sign that Korean settlement patterns are continuing to expand beyond the traditional L.A.-centered core.

Other California counties with notable Korean populations include Santa Clara, San Diego, Alameda, San Bernardino, and San Francisco counties.

What These Numbers Really Mean?

The Census Bureau notes that overall U.S. population growth is at its slowest pace since 2021, largely due to a sharp decline in immigration. If current trends continue, the U.S. could see its first net decline in international migration in 50 years.

Against that backdrop, the continued growth of the Korean American population stands out.

So what do these numbers tell us?

They tell us that our community is large, visible, and significant. Large enough to be heard. Large enough to matter. Large enough to demand attention.

Be proud to tell your friends that Korean Americans number more than two million strong. Tell your elected officials — whether they serve on city councils or in Congress — that we are here, and that we expect our voices, needs, and priorities to be recognized.

And don’t forget to tell your sons, daughters, nephews, and nieces just how big their community really is.

Because numbers matter — and ours finally speak for themselves.

Brian Choi [ichoi@koreadaily.com]