Indian Americans have emerged as the top earners among Asian communities in the United States, boasting a median household income exceeding $150,000. This figure is roughly 40% higher than that of both Chinese and Japanese Americans, placing them significantly ahead in economic terms.
In 2000, the Asian population in the U.S. was around 12 million. Fast forward to 2013, and that number had doubled. By 2023, Asians constituted 7.4% of the U.S. population, rising significantly from 4.2% in 2000.
In terms of representation within the Asian American population, Chinese Americans lead the chart at 22%, followed by Indian Americans at 21% and Filipino Americans at 19%. Vietnamese Americans represent 9% of the U.S. The Asian population in the U.S. includes Korean Americans at 8%, Japanese Americans at 7%, and Pakistani Americans at 3%.
Interestingly, there’s been a noticeable shift in the composition of the Asian population over the years. While immigrants made up 63% of this demographic in 2000, their share fell to 54% by 2023. Among Indian Americans, the percentage of immigrants decreased from 72%, reflecting broader demographic shifts.
Education appears to play a pivotal role in income disparities. Taiwanese Americans top the educational attainment chart, with 83% having earned at least a bachelor’s degree. Indian Americans follow closely with 77%. On the opposite end, Bhutanese, Burmese, Laotian, and Cambodian Americans reported the lowest education levels.
This gap in education is mirrored in income data. Indian Americans have the highest median household income among all ethnic groups in the U.S., at $151,200—slightly edging out Taiwanese Americans. Despite a high percentage (69%) of Mongolian Americans holding a bachelor’s degree or higher—the third highest among Asian groups—their median income remains the lowest at $54,300.
