The Rise of Nepali Americans: A Community on the Move

As a first-generation immigrant and business leader working closely with diverse communities across the United States, I’ve witnessed firsthand the remarkable rise of the Nepali American population — one of the fastest-growing Asian origin groups in the country.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau and a detailed analysis by Pew Research Center, an estimated 225,000 Nepali Americans lived in the U.S. in 2023, making us the 15th-largest Asian subgroup. This marks a 24% increase since 2019 and represents about 1% of all Asian Americans.

But beyond the numbers, the Nepali American story is rooted in resilience, education, family, and upward mobility. Here’s a breakdown of the key demographic and social trends shaping our community’s growth.

Population Growth and Immigration

• 225,000 Nepali Americans in 2023 (up from 180,000 in 2019)
• 77% are foreign-born, compared to:
  • 66% of Asian Americans
  • 14% of the total U.S. population
• Among Nepali immigrants:
  • 47% are naturalized U.S. citizens
  • 46% have lived in the U.S. for more than 10 years

Takeaway: A heavily first-generation community, but naturalization and long-term settlement are accelerating.

Where Nepali Americans Live

Top States:

• Texas: 35,000
• Ohio: 24,000
• California: 21,000
• New York: 19,000
• Pennsylvania: 13,000

Top Metropolitan Areas:

• Dallas-Fort Worth: 22,000
• New York City: 18,000
• Washington, D.C.: 15,000

Takeaway: The community is thriving in emerging metros and Midwestern states, not just traditional immigrant hubs.

Age and Generational Shift

• Median age of Nepali Americans: 31.2 years
• Median age of Asian Americans: 34.7 years
• Median age of total U.S. population: 38.9 years
• U.S.-born Nepali Americans: median age 5.7 (82% are under 18)
• Nepali immigrants: median age 34.7

Takeaway: The community skews young, especially among second-generation youth, representing long-term opportunity.

Language and English Proficiency

• 61% of Nepali Americans (age 5+) speak English proficiently
• Asian Americans overall: 74% English proficient
• U.S. population overall: approximately 91% English proficient
• 85% speak Nepali at home
• Other spoken languages include Hindi, Japanese, and other Asian languages in small numbers

Takeaway: English proficiency is improving; targeted ESL programs can further enhance integration and opportunity.

Education

• 51% of Nepali adults (age 25+) have a bachelor’s degree or higher
• Asian Americans overall: 56%
• U.S. population overall: 38%

Takeaway: Education levels are high and above the national average, especially among immigrants — a positive sign for growth in fields such as healthcare, technology, and business.

Marital and Family Life

• 70% of Nepali adults are married
• Asian Americans: 58%
• U.S. population overall: 48%
• Fertility rate (women aged 15–44): 8%
• Asian Americans: 5%
• U.S. average: 6%

Takeaway: Marriage and fertility rates are relatively high, supporting multi-generational family stability.

Income and Employment

Median Household Income (2023):

• Nepali Americans: $94,800
• Asian Americans: $105,600
• U.S. overall: $79,200

Median Personal Earnings (Age 16+):

• Nepali Americans: $40,000
• Asian Americans: $52,400
• U.S. overall: $44,200

Full-Time Workers (Median Income):

• Nepali Americans: $54,100
• Asian Americans: $75,000
• U.S. overall: $60,300

Takeaway: Household income is above the national average, but individual earnings show room for upward mobility, often supported by dual-income households.

Poverty and Homeownership

Poverty Rate:

• Nepali Americans: 9%
• Asian Americans: 10%
• U.S. overall: 11%

Homeownership Rate:

• Nepali Americans: 55%
• Asian Americans: 62%
• U.S. overall: 66%

Takeaway: The community fares well in poverty reduction, but homeownership and wealth-building remain key areas for progress.

Final Thoughts

The Nepali American community, while still relatively small in population, is rapidly growing and contributing meaningfully to American life. From students to skilled workers, from family-based immigrants to newly born generations, Nepali Americans are shaping a dynamic future.

As someone who advises entrepreneurs and franchise buyers—many of whom are Nepali immigrants—I believe we are entering a defining era of empowerment. But to sustain our momentum, we must prioritize:

• Education and leadership development
• English language proficiency
• Financial literacy
• Small business mentorship

Let us build a future where every Nepali American—regardless of background—has a fair shot at the American dream.

Follow Virginia Times for regular news updates. Stay informed with the latest headlines, breaking stories, and in-depth reporting from around the world.