Biggest sources of immigrants to Kansas City
Written by:
April 4, 2021
Kys951 // Wikimedia Commons
Biggest sources of immigrants to Kansas City
Nearly 14% of the United States population is composed of immigrants. But in reality, the vast majority of Americans today are here because of relatives who immigrated from other countries some time in the last several hundred years.
And while the distinctive American culture and spirit is the result of blending many diverse cultures and histories, the United States has for centuries had an up-and-down relationship with immigration.
Each era of immigration has been met with reductive ideas and resistance, whether the backlash was directed toward the Chinese, Irish, Italians, or Mexicans. Immigration laws have targeted specific groups at various times, stoking intolerance and preventing people from truly joining American society. Over time, however, as laws changed to be more equitable and immigrants found their footings, we have reaped the rewards of innovation in business, music, art, literature, dance, food, societal norms, entertainment, and sports—all while realizing a greater understanding of and respect for different cultures, religions, and ideas.
Stacker compiled a list of the countries most immigrants to Kansas City come from, using data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Countries are ranked by highest number of foreign-born residents who lived in Kansas City as of 2019’s five-year estimates.
Keep reading to find out more about the immigrant community in your home city.
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GoodFreePhotos
#50. Malaysia
Kansas City, MO-KS Metro Area
- Number of residents: 476
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
National
- Number of residents: 76,521
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #74 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 476
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
National
- Number of residents: 76,521
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #74 most common country of origin
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blk24ga // Wikicommons
#49. Liberia
Kansas City, MO-KS Metro Area
- Number of residents: 494
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
National
- Number of residents: 87,991
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #67 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 494
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
National
- Number of residents: 87,991
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #67 most common country of origin
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Diego Delso // Wikimedia Commons
#48. Hong Kong
Kansas City, MO-KS Metro Area
- Number of residents: 496
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
National
- Number of residents: 231,275
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
- #36 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 496
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
National
- Number of residents: 231,275
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
- #36 most common country of origin
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Rjruiziii // Wikicommons
#46 (tie). Ghana
Kansas City, MO-KS Metro Area
- Number of residents: 500
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
National
- Number of residents: 178,388
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
- #43 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 500
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
National
- Number of residents: 178,388
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
- #43 most common country of origin
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Christopher Michel // Flickr
#46 (tie). Sudan
Kansas City, MO-KS Metro Area
- Number of residents: 500
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
National
- Number of residents: 46,716
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
- #87 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 500
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
National
- Number of residents: 46,716
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
- #87 most common country of origin
6 / 50
Prin Adulyatham // Shutterstock
#45. Egypt
Kansas City, MO-KS Metro Area
- Number of residents: 506
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
National
- Number of residents: 191,452
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
- #40 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 506
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
National
- Number of residents: 191,452
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
- #40 most common country of origin
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Pixabay
#43 (tie). Dominican Republic
Kansas City, MO-KS Metro Area
- Number of residents: 524
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 1,118,147
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.5%
- #8 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 524
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 1,118,147
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.5%
- #8 most common country of origin
8 / 50
neshom // Pixabay
#43 (tie). Bosnia and Herzegovina
Kansas City, MO-KS Metro Area
- Number of residents: 524
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 103,938
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #57 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 524
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 103,938
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #57 most common country of origin
9 / 50
Denys Yelmanov // Shutterstock
#42. Bangladesh
Kansas City, MO-KS Metro Area
- Number of residents: 530
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 237,288
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
- #35 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 530
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 237,288
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
- #35 most common country of origin
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HandmadePictures // Shutterstock
#41. South Africa
Kansas City, MO-KS Metro Area
- Number of residents: 532
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 104,022
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #56 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 532
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 104,022
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #56 most common country of origin
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Fitria Ramli // Shutterstock
#40. Saudi Arabia
Kansas City, MO-KS Metro Area
- Number of residents: 536
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 85,000
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #70 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 536
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 85,000
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #70 most common country of origin
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Augustin Lazaroiu // Shutterstock
#39. Romania
Kansas City, MO-KS Metro Area
- Number of residents: 553
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 162,046
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
- #45 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 553
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 162,046
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
- #45 most common country of origin
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Kendra Helmer // Wikimedia Commons
#38. Haiti
Kansas City, MO-KS Metro Area
- Number of residents: 633
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 672,655
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.5%
- #15 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 633
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 672,655
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.5%
- #15 most common country of origin
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Pixabay
#37. Italy
Kansas City, MO-KS Metro Area
- Number of residents: 646
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 332,857
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
- #30 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 646
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 332,857
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
- #30 most common country of origin
15 / 50
Christian Vinces // Shutterstock
#36. Peru
Kansas City, MO-KS Metro Area
- Number of residents: 653
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 451,076
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.0%
- #18 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 653
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 451,076
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.0%
- #18 most common country of origin
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Unsplash
#35. Ukraine
Kansas City, MO-KS Metro Area
- Number of residents: 694
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
National
- Number of residents: 345,250
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
- #28 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 694
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
National
- Number of residents: 345,250
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
- #28 most common country of origin
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Abasaa // Wikimedia Commons
#34. Micronesia
Kansas City, MO-KS Metro Area
- Number of residents: 695
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
National
- Number of residents: 28,315
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
- #109 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 695
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
National
- Number of residents: 28,315
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
- #109 most common country of origin
18 / 50
Issa Kashala // Shutterstock
#33. Democratic Republic of Congo
Kansas City, MO-KS Metro Area
- Number of residents: 731
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
National
- Number of residents: 43,723
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
- #91 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 731
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
National
- Number of residents: 43,723
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
- #91 most common country of origin
19 / 50
agchinook // Shutterstock
#32. Venezuela
Kansas City, MO-KS Metro Area
- Number of residents: 812
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
National
- Number of residents: 349,720
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
- #27 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 812
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
National
- Number of residents: 349,720
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
- #27 most common country of origin
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Sergei25 // Shutterstock
#31. Jordan
Kansas City, MO-KS Metro Area
- Number of residents: 885
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
National
- Number of residents: 81,155
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #71 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 885
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
National
- Number of residents: 81,155
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #71 most common country of origin
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Unsplash
#30. Japan
Kansas City, MO-KS Metro Area
- Number of residents: 892
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
National
- Number of residents: 345,140
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
- #29 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 892
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
National
- Number of residents: 345,140
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
- #29 most common country of origin
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MDOGAN // Shutterstock
#29. Somalia
Kansas City, MO-KS Metro Area
- Number of residents: 959
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.7%
National
- Number of residents: 98,966
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #60 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 959
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.7%
National
- Number of residents: 98,966
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #60 most common country of origin
23 / 50
Alexander Canas Arango // Shutterstock
#28. Colombia
Kansas City, MO-KS Metro Area
- Number of residents: 1,014
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.7%
National
- Number of residents: 761,374
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.7%
- #12 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 1,014
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.7%
National
- Number of residents: 761,374
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.7%
- #12 most common country of origin
24 / 50
Vixit // Shutterstock
#27. Nepal
Kansas City, MO-KS Metro Area
- Number of residents: 1,017
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.7%
National
- Number of residents: 140,904
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
- #49 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 1,017
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.7%
National
- Number of residents: 140,904
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
- #49 most common country of origin
25 / 50
Viacheslav Lopatin // Shutterstock
#26. Russia
Kansas City, MO-KS Metro Area
- Number of residents: 1,036
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.7%
National
- Number of residents: 391,641
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
- #22 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 1,036
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.7%
National
- Number of residents: 391,641
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
- #22 most common country of origin
26 / 50
byvalet // Shutterstock
#25. Jamaica
Kansas City, MO-KS Metro Area
- Number of residents: 1,078
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.7%
National
- Number of residents: 741,386
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.7%
- #13 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 1,078
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.7%
National
- Number of residents: 741,386
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.7%
- #13 most common country of origin
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PIxabay
#24. Taiwan
Kansas City, MO-KS Metro Area
- Number of residents: 1,133
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
National
- Number of residents: 381,098
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
- #24 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 1,133
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
National
- Number of residents: 381,098
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
- #24 most common country of origin
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OpenUpEd // Flickr
#23. Nigeria
Kansas City, MO-KS Metro Area
- Number of residents: 1,226
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
National
- Number of residents: 350,272
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
- #26 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 1,226
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
National
- Number of residents: 350,272
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
- #26 most common country of origin
29 / 50
Ninara // Wikimedia Commons
#22. Iran
Kansas City, MO-KS Metro Area
- Number of residents: 1,253
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
National
- Number of residents: 382,260
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
- #23 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 1,253
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
National
- Number of residents: 382,260
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
- #23 most common country of origin
30 / 50
Pascal Müller // Unsplash
#21. Laos
Kansas City, MO-KS Metro Area
- Number of residents: 1,506
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.0%
National
- Number of residents: 181,546
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
- #42 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 1,506
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.0%
National
- Number of residents: 181,546
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
- #42 most common country of origin
31 / 50
Saqib Rizvi // Shutterstock
#20. Pakistan
Kansas City, MO-KS Metro Area
- Number of residents: 1,602
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.1%
National
- Number of residents: 376,127
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
- #25 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 1,602
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.1%
National
- Number of residents: 376,127
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
- #25 most common country of origin
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Catarina Belova // Shutterstock
#19. Brazil
Kansas City, MO-KS Metro Area
- Number of residents: 1,674
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.1%
National
- Number of residents: 433,479
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.0%
- #20 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 1,674
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.1%
National
- Number of residents: 433,479
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.0%
- #20 most common country of origin
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USACE HQ , JIM GORDAN, CIV, USACE // Wikicommons
#18. Iraq
Kansas City, MO-KS Metro Area
- Number of residents: 1,692
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.2%
National
- Number of residents: 225,038
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
- #38 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 1,692
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.2%
National
- Number of residents: 225,038
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
- #38 most common country of origin
34 / 50
Falkenpost // Pixabay
#17. Cuba
Kansas City, MO-KS Metro Area
- Number of residents: 1,874
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.3%
National
- Number of residents: 1,289,875
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.9%
- #7 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 1,874
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.3%
National
- Number of residents: 1,289,875
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.9%
- #7 most common country of origin
35 / 50
Jack Bkk // Shutterstock
#16. Thailand
Kansas City, MO-KS Metro Area
- Number of residents: 2,180
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.5%
National
- Number of residents: 255,345
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
- #32 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 2,180
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.5%
National
- Number of residents: 255,345
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
- #32 most common country of origin
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Unsplash
#15. Canada
Kansas City, MO-KS Metro Area
- Number of residents: 2,225
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.5%
National
- Number of residents: 808,566
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.8%
- #11 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 2,225
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.5%
National
- Number of residents: 808,566
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.8%
- #11 most common country of origin
37 / 50
User:Colin // Wikimedia Commons
#14. United Kingdom
Kansas City, MO-KS Metro Area
- Number of residents: 2,391
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.6%
National
- Number of residents: 698,612
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.6%
- #14 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 2,391
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.6%
National
- Number of residents: 698,612
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.6%
- #14 most common country of origin
38 / 50
neiljs // Flickr
#13. Ethiopia
Kansas City, MO-KS Metro Area
- Number of residents: 2,397
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.6%
National
- Number of residents: 249,777
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
- #34 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 2,397
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.6%
National
- Number of residents: 249,777
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
- #34 most common country of origin
39 / 50
Max Pixel
#12. Germany
Kansas City, MO-KS Metro Area
- Number of residents: 2,533
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.7%
National
- Number of residents: 560,368
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.3%
- #17 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 2,533
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.7%
National
- Number of residents: 560,368
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.3%
- #17 most common country of origin
40 / 50
Cheng Qian // Unsplash
#11. Burma
Kansas City, MO-KS Metro Area
- Number of residents: 2,535
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.7%
National
- Number of residents: 147,573
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
- #47 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 2,535
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.7%
National
- Number of residents: 147,573
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
- #47 most common country of origin
41 / 50
JMRAFFi // Wikimedia Commons
#10. El Salvador
Kansas City, MO-KS Metro Area
- Number of residents: 2,760
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.9%
National
- Number of residents: 1,381,008
- Percent of foreign born residents: 3.1%
- #5 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 2,760
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.9%
National
- Number of residents: 1,381,008
- Percent of foreign born residents: 3.1%
- #5 most common country of origin
42 / 50
Photos By Beks // Unsplash
#9. Kenya
Kansas City, MO-KS Metro Area
- Number of residents: 2,895
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.0%
National
- Number of residents: 141,751
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
- #48 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 2,895
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.0%
National
- Number of residents: 141,751
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
- #48 most common country of origin
43 / 50
Kys951 // Wikimedia Commons
#8. South Korea
Kansas City, MO-KS Metro Area
- Number of residents: 3,159
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.2%
National
- Number of residents: 1,044,634
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.4%
- #9 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 3,159
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.2%
National
- Number of residents: 1,044,634
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.4%
- #9 most common country of origin
44 / 50
Kobby Dagan // Shutterstock
#7. Guatemala
Kansas City, MO-KS Metro Area
- Number of residents: 3,820
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.6%
National
- Number of residents: 979,098
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.2%
- #10 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 3,820
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.6%
National
- Number of residents: 979,098
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.2%
- #10 most common country of origin
45 / 50
Joseph Oropel // Shutterstock
#6. Philippines
Kansas City, MO-KS Metro Area
- Number of residents: 3,909
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.7%
National
- Number of residents: 1,983,939
- Percent of foreign born residents: 4.5%
- #4 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 3,909
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.7%
National
- Number of residents: 1,983,939
- Percent of foreign born residents: 4.5%
- #4 most common country of origin
46 / 50
Marek Poplawski // Shutterstock
#5. Honduras
Kansas City, MO-KS Metro Area
- Number of residents: 4,780
- Percent of foreign born residents: 3.3%
National
- Number of residents: 651,123
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.5%
- #16 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 4,780
- Percent of foreign born residents: 3.3%
National
- Number of residents: 651,123
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.5%
- #16 most common country of origin
47 / 50
Quangpraha // Pixabay
#4. Vietnam
Kansas City, MO-KS Metro Area
- Number of residents: 5,002
- Percent of foreign born residents: 3.4%
National
- Number of residents: 1,336,988
- Percent of foreign born residents: 3.0%
- #6 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 5,002
- Percent of foreign born residents: 3.4%
National
- Number of residents: 1,336,988
- Percent of foreign born residents: 3.0%
- #6 most common country of origin
48 / 50
Sean Pavone // Shutterstock
#3. China
Kansas City, MO-KS Metro Area
- Number of residents: 5,293
- Percent of foreign born residents: 3.6%
National
- Number of residents: 2,162,395
- Percent of foreign born residents: 4.9%
- #3 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 5,293
- Percent of foreign born residents: 3.6%
National
- Number of residents: 2,162,395
- Percent of foreign born residents: 4.9%
- #3 most common country of origin
49 / 50
Kriangkrai Thitimakorn // Shutterstock
#2. India
Kansas City, MO-KS Metro Area
- Number of residents: 11,747
- Percent of foreign born residents: 8.1%
National
- Number of residents: 2,561,906
- Percent of foreign born residents: 5.8%
- #2 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 11,747
- Percent of foreign born residents: 8.1%
National
- Number of residents: 2,561,906
- Percent of foreign born residents: 5.8%
- #2 most common country of origin
50 / 50
Jakub Hejtmánek // Wikicommons
#1. Mexico
Kansas City, MO-KS Metro Area
- Number of residents: 42,838
- Percent of foreign born residents: 29.4%
National
- Number of residents: 11,250,541
- Percent of foreign born residents: 25.6%
- #1 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 42,838
- Percent of foreign born residents: 29.4%
National
- Number of residents: 11,250,541
- Percent of foreign born residents: 25.6%
- #1 most common country of origin
