Biggest sources of immigrants to Raleigh
Written by:
April 4, 2021
User:Colin // Wikimedia Commons
Biggest sources of immigrants to Raleigh
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 Raleigh come from, using data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Countries are ranked by highest number of foreign-born residents who lived in Raleigh as of 2019’s five-year estimates.
Keep reading to find out more about the immigrant community in your home city.
1 / 50
Diego Delso // Wikimedia Commons
#50. Hong Kong
Raleigh-Cary, NC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 477
- 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: 477
- 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
2 / 50
Rjruiziii // Wikicommons
#49. Ghana
Raleigh-Cary, NC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 512
- 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: 512
- 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
3 / 50
Marianna Ianovska // Shutterstock
#48. Chile
Raleigh-Cary, NC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 514
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
National
- Number of residents: 98,945
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #61 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 514
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
National
- Number of residents: 98,945
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #61 most common country of origin
4 / 50
Issa Kashala // Shutterstock
#47. Democratic Republic of Congo
Raleigh-Cary, NC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 550
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
National
- Number of residents: 43,723
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
- #91 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 550
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
National
- Number of residents: 43,723
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
- #91 most common country of origin
5 / 50
Augustin Lazaroiu // Shutterstock
#46. Romania
Raleigh-Cary, NC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 559
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
National
- Number of residents: 162,046
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
- #45 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 559
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
National
- Number of residents: 162,046
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
- #45 most common country of origin
6 / 50
Kalamazadkhan // Wikicommons
#45. Trinidad and Tobago
Raleigh-Cary, NC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 624
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 230,035
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
- #37 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 624
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 230,035
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
- #37 most common country of origin
7 / 50
Elena Simona Craciun // Shutterstock
#44. Nicaragua
Raleigh-Cary, NC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 644
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 251,913
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
- #33 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 644
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 251,913
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
- #33 most common country of origin
8 / 50
Evgeniya Uvarova // Shutterstock
#43. Argentina
Raleigh-Cary, NC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 661
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 194,435
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
- #39 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 661
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 194,435
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
- #39 most common country of origin
9 / 50
Michael Shade // Wikicommons
#42. Ecuador
Raleigh-Cary, NC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 667
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 438,474
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.0%
- #19 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 667
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 438,474
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.0%
- #19 most common country of origin
10 / 50
SL-Photography // Shutterstock
#41. Panama
Raleigh-Cary, NC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 677
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 103,299
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #58 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 677
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 103,299
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #58 most common country of origin
11 / 50
Pixabay
#40. Turkey
Raleigh-Cary, NC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 694
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 119,380
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
- #54 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 694
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 119,380
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
- #54 most common country of origin
12 / 50
robertonencini // Shutterstock
#39. Sierra Leone
Raleigh-Cary, NC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 773
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
National
- Number of residents: 40,991
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
- #94 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 773
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
National
- Number of residents: 40,991
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
- #94 most common country of origin
13 / 50
Pixabay
#38. Italy
Raleigh-Cary, NC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 808
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
National
- Number of residents: 332,857
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
- #30 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 808
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
National
- Number of residents: 332,857
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
- #30 most common country of origin
14 / 50
Unsplash
#37. Japan
Raleigh-Cary, NC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 809
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
National
- Number of residents: 345,140
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
- #29 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 809
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
National
- Number of residents: 345,140
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
- #29 most common country of origin
15 / 50
Denys Yelmanov // Shutterstock
#36. Bangladesh
Raleigh-Cary, NC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 812
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
National
- Number of residents: 237,288
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
- #35 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 812
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
National
- Number of residents: 237,288
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
- #35 most common country of origin
16 / 50
Tupungato // Shutterstock
#35. France
Raleigh-Cary, NC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 815
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
National
- Number of residents: 181,554
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
- #41 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 815
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
National
- Number of residents: 181,554
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
- #41 most common country of origin
17 / 50
Kendra Helmer // Wikimedia Commons
#34. Haiti
Raleigh-Cary, NC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 824
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
National
- Number of residents: 672,655
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.5%
- #15 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 824
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
National
- Number of residents: 672,655
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.5%
- #15 most common country of origin
18 / 50
HandmadePictures // Shutterstock
#33. South Africa
Raleigh-Cary, NC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 832
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
National
- Number of residents: 104,022
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #56 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 832
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
National
- Number of residents: 104,022
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #56 most common country of origin
19 / 50
Christian Vinces // Shutterstock
#32. Peru
Raleigh-Cary, NC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 899
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
National
- Number of residents: 451,076
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.0%
- #18 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 899
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
National
- Number of residents: 451,076
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.0%
- #18 most common country of origin
20 / 50
Unsplash
#31. Ukraine
Raleigh-Cary, NC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 912
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
National
- Number of residents: 345,250
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
- #28 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 912
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
National
- Number of residents: 345,250
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
- #28 most common country of origin
21 / 50
Nahlik // Shutterstock
#30. Poland
Raleigh-Cary, NC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 928
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
National
- Number of residents: 410,841
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
- #21 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 928
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
National
- Number of residents: 410,841
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
- #21 most common country of origin
22 / 50
neiljs // Flickr
#29. Ethiopia
Raleigh-Cary, NC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 932
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
National
- Number of residents: 249,777
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
- #34 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 932
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
National
- Number of residents: 249,777
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
- #34 most common country of origin
23 / 50
Catarina Belova // Shutterstock
#28. Brazil
Raleigh-Cary, NC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 950
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
National
- Number of residents: 433,479
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.0%
- #20 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 950
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
National
- Number of residents: 433,479
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.0%
- #20 most common country of origin
24 / 50
Adam Jones, Ph.D. // Wikicommons
#27. Morocco
Raleigh-Cary, NC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 1,033
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
National
- Number of residents: 78,439
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #73 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 1,033
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
National
- Number of residents: 78,439
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #73 most common country of origin
25 / 50
Falkenpost // Pixabay
#26. Cuba
Raleigh-Cary, NC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 1,242
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
National
- Number of residents: 1,289,875
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.9%
- #7 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 1,242
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
National
- Number of residents: 1,289,875
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.9%
- #7 most common country of origin
26 / 50
Irene2005 // Flickr
#25. Congo
Raleigh-Cary, NC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 1,244
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
National
- Number of residents: 30,496
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
- #106 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 1,244
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
National
- Number of residents: 30,496
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
- #106 most common country of origin
27 / 50
PIxabay
#24. Taiwan
Raleigh-Cary, NC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 1,247
- 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: 1,247
- 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
28 / 50
Saqib Rizvi // Shutterstock
#23. Pakistan
Raleigh-Cary, NC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 1,322
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
National
- Number of residents: 376,127
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
- #25 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 1,322
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
National
- Number of residents: 376,127
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
- #25 most common country of origin
29 / 50
Ninara // Wikimedia Commons
#22. Iran
Raleigh-Cary, NC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 1,409
- 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: 1,409
- 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
Prin Adulyatham // Shutterstock
#21. Egypt
Raleigh-Cary, NC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 1,424
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
National
- Number of residents: 191,452
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
- #40 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 1,424
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
National
- Number of residents: 191,452
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
- #40 most common country of origin
31 / 50
Vixit // Shutterstock
#20. Nepal
Raleigh-Cary, NC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 1,500
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
National
- Number of residents: 140,904
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
- #49 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 1,500
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
National
- Number of residents: 140,904
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
- #49 most common country of origin
32 / 50
agchinook // Shutterstock
#19. Venezuela
Raleigh-Cary, NC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 1,569
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.0%
National
- Number of residents: 349,720
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
- #27 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 1,569
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.0%
National
- Number of residents: 349,720
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
- #27 most common country of origin
33 / 50
Photos By Beks // Unsplash
#18. Kenya
Raleigh-Cary, NC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 1,638
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.0%
National
- Number of residents: 141,751
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
- #48 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 1,638
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.0%
National
- Number of residents: 141,751
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
- #48 most common country of origin
34 / 50
byvalet // Shutterstock
#17. Jamaica
Raleigh-Cary, NC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 1,685
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.0%
National
- Number of residents: 741,386
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.7%
- #13 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 1,685
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.0%
National
- Number of residents: 741,386
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.7%
- #13 most common country of origin
35 / 50
Viacheslav Lopatin // Shutterstock
#16. Russia
Raleigh-Cary, NC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 1,807
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.1%
National
- Number of residents: 391,641
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
- #22 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 1,807
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.1%
National
- Number of residents: 391,641
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
- #22 most common country of origin
36 / 50
Kobby Dagan // Shutterstock
#15. Guatemala
Raleigh-Cary, NC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 1,813
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.1%
National
- Number of residents: 979,098
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.2%
- #10 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 1,813
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.1%
National
- Number of residents: 979,098
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.2%
- #10 most common country of origin
37 / 50
Alexander Canas Arango // Shutterstock
#14. Colombia
Raleigh-Cary, NC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 2,118
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.3%
National
- Number of residents: 761,374
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.7%
- #12 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 2,118
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.3%
National
- Number of residents: 761,374
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.7%
- #12 most common country of origin
38 / 50
Max Pixel
#13. Germany
Raleigh-Cary, NC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 2,243
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.4%
National
- Number of residents: 560,368
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.3%
- #17 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 2,243
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.4%
National
- Number of residents: 560,368
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.3%
- #17 most common country of origin
39 / 50
Pixabay
#12. Dominican Republic
Raleigh-Cary, NC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 2,537
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.6%
National
- Number of residents: 1,118,147
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.5%
- #8 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 2,537
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.6%
National
- Number of residents: 1,118,147
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.5%
- #8 most common country of origin
40 / 50
OpenUpEd // Flickr
#11. Nigeria
Raleigh-Cary, NC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 2,615
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.6%
National
- Number of residents: 350,272
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
- #26 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 2,615
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.6%
National
- Number of residents: 350,272
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
- #26 most common country of origin
41 / 50
Kys951 // Wikimedia Commons
#10. South Korea
Raleigh-Cary, NC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 2,858
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.7%
National
- Number of residents: 1,044,634
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.4%
- #9 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 2,858
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.7%
National
- Number of residents: 1,044,634
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.4%
- #9 most common country of origin
42 / 50
Joseph Oropel // Shutterstock
#9. Philippines
Raleigh-Cary, NC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 3,425
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.1%
National
- Number of residents: 1,983,939
- Percent of foreign born residents: 4.5%
- #4 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 3,425
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.1%
National
- Number of residents: 1,983,939
- Percent of foreign born residents: 4.5%
- #4 most common country of origin
43 / 50
User:Colin // Wikimedia Commons
#8. United Kingdom
Raleigh-Cary, NC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 4,262
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.6%
National
- Number of residents: 698,612
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.6%
- #14 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 4,262
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.6%
National
- Number of residents: 698,612
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.6%
- #14 most common country of origin
44 / 50
Quangpraha // Pixabay
#7. Vietnam
Raleigh-Cary, NC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 4,589
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.8%
National
- Number of residents: 1,336,988
- Percent of foreign born residents: 3.0%
- #6 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 4,589
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.8%
National
- Number of residents: 1,336,988
- Percent of foreign born residents: 3.0%
- #6 most common country of origin
45 / 50
Unsplash
#6. Canada
Raleigh-Cary, NC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 4,707
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.9%
National
- Number of residents: 808,566
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.8%
- #11 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 4,707
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.9%
National
- Number of residents: 808,566
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.8%
- #11 most common country of origin
46 / 50
Marek Poplawski // Shutterstock
#5. Honduras
Raleigh-Cary, NC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 4,891
- Percent of foreign born residents: 3.0%
National
- Number of residents: 651,123
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.5%
- #16 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 4,891
- Percent of foreign born residents: 3.0%
National
- Number of residents: 651,123
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.5%
- #16 most common country of origin
47 / 50
JMRAFFi // Wikimedia Commons
#4. El Salvador
Raleigh-Cary, NC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 5,515
- Percent of foreign born residents: 3.4%
National
- Number of residents: 1,381,008
- Percent of foreign born residents: 3.1%
- #5 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 5,515
- Percent of foreign born residents: 3.4%
National
- Number of residents: 1,381,008
- Percent of foreign born residents: 3.1%
- #5 most common country of origin
48 / 50
Sean Pavone // Shutterstock
#3. China
Raleigh-Cary, NC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 7,420
- Percent of foreign born residents: 4.5%
National
- Number of residents: 2,162,395
- Percent of foreign born residents: 4.9%
- #3 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 7,420
- Percent of foreign born residents: 4.5%
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
Raleigh-Cary, NC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 26,925
- Percent of foreign born residents: 16.5%
National
- Number of residents: 2,561,906
- Percent of foreign born residents: 5.8%
- #2 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 26,925
- Percent of foreign born residents: 16.5%
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
Raleigh-Cary, NC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 34,526
- Percent of foreign born residents: 21.1%
National
- Number of residents: 11,250,541
- Percent of foreign born residents: 25.6%
- #1 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 34,526
- Percent of foreign born residents: 21.1%
National
- Number of residents: 11,250,541
- Percent of foreign born residents: 25.6%
- #1 most common country of origin
