Biggest sources of immigrants to Iowa
Written by:
March 24, 2021
Joseph Oropel // Shutterstock
Biggest sources of immigrants to Iowa
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 biggest sources of immigrants to Iowa using data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Keep reading to find out more about the immigrant community in your home state.
1 / 50
Abasaa // Wikimedia Commons
#50. Micronesia
Iowa
- Number of residents: 433
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
National
- Number of residents: 28,315
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
- #109 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 433
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
National
- Number of residents: 28,315
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
- #109 most common country of origin
2 / 50
Christian Vinces // Shutterstock
#49. Peru
Iowa
- Number of residents: 443
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
National
- Number of residents: 451,076
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.0%
- #18 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 443
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
National
- Number of residents: 451,076
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.0%
- #18 most common country of origin
3 / 50
Denys Yelmanov // Shutterstock
#48. Bangladesh
Iowa
- Number of residents: 459
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
National
- Number of residents: 237,288
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
- #35 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 459
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
National
- Number of residents: 237,288
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
- #35 most common country of origin
4 / 50
Ninara // Wikimedia Commons
#47. Iran
Iowa
- Number of residents: 466
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
National
- Number of residents: 382,260
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
- #23 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 466
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
National
- Number of residents: 382,260
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
- #23 most common country of origin
5 / 50
Wangkun Jia // Shutterstock
#46. Spain
Iowa
- Number of residents: 479
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
National
- Number of residents: 115,113
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
- #55 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 479
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
National
- Number of residents: 115,113
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
- #55 most common country of origin
6 / 50
byvalet // Shutterstock
#45. Jamaica
Iowa
- Number of residents: 491
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
National
- Number of residents: 741,386
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.7%
- #13 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 491
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
National
- Number of residents: 741,386
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.7%
- #13 most common country of origin
7 / 50
Michael Shade // Wikicommons
#44. Ecuador
Iowa
- Number of residents: 498
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
National
- Number of residents: 438,474
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.0%
- #19 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 498
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
National
- Number of residents: 438,474
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.0%
- #19 most common country of origin
8 / 50
Dave Primov // Shutterstock
#43. Eritrea
Iowa
- Number of residents: 499
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
National
- Number of residents: 45,119
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
- #90 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 499
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
National
- Number of residents: 45,119
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
- #90 most common country of origin
9 / 50
Pixabay
#42. Netherlands
Iowa
- Number of residents: 518
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
National
- Number of residents: 85,161
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #69 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 518
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
National
- Number of residents: 85,161
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #69 most common country of origin
10 / 50
OpenUpEd // Flickr
#41. Nigeria
Iowa
- Number of residents: 529
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
National
- Number of residents: 350,272
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
- #26 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 529
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
National
- Number of residents: 350,272
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
- #26 most common country of origin
11 / 50
Vannrith Va // Unsplash
#40. Cambodia
Iowa
- Number of residents: 551
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
National
- Number of residents: 151,066
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
- #46 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 551
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
National
- Number of residents: 151,066
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
- #46 most common country of origin
12 / 50
Unsplash
#39. Lebanon
Iowa
- Number of residents: 564
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
National
- Number of residents: 121,697
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
- #52 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 564
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
National
- Number of residents: 121,697
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
- #52 most common country of origin
13 / 50
HandmadePictures // Shutterstock
#38. South Africa
Iowa
- Number of residents: 585
- 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: 585
- 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
14 / 50
Falkenpost // Pixabay
#37. Cuba
Iowa
- Number of residents: 609
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 1,289,875
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.9%
- #7 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 609
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 1,289,875
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.9%
- #7 most common country of origin
15 / 50
Kendra Helmer // Wikimedia Commons
#36. Haiti
Iowa
- 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
16 / 50
Prin Adulyatham // Shutterstock
#35. Egypt
Iowa
- Number of residents: 641
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 191,452
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
- #40 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 641
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 191,452
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
- #40 most common country of origin
17 / 50
GoodFreePhotos
#34. Malaysia
Iowa
- Number of residents: 663
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 76,521
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #74 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 663
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 76,521
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #74 most common country of origin
18 / 50
PIxabay
#33. Taiwan
Iowa
- Number of residents: 711
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 381,098
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
- #24 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 711
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 381,098
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
- #24 most common country of origin
19 / 50
Catarina Belova // Shutterstock
#32. Brazil
Iowa
- Number of residents: 775
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
National
- Number of residents: 433,479
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.0%
- #20 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 775
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
National
- Number of residents: 433,479
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.0%
- #20 most common country of origin
20 / 50
MDOGAN // Shutterstock
#31. Somalia
Iowa
- Number of residents: 784
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
National
- Number of residents: 98,966
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #60 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 784
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
National
- Number of residents: 98,966
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #60 most common country of origin
21 / 50
Alexander Canas Arango // Shutterstock
#30. Colombia
Iowa
- Number of residents: 816
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
National
- Number of residents: 761,374
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.7%
- #12 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 816
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
National
- Number of residents: 761,374
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.7%
- #12 most common country of origin
22 / 50
Unsplash
#29. Japan
Iowa
- Number of residents: 820
- 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: 820
- 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
23 / 50
Unsplash
#28. Ukraine
Iowa
- Number of residents: 825
- 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: 825
- 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
24 / 50
Fitria Ramli // Shutterstock
#27. Saudi Arabia
Iowa
- Number of residents: 843
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
National
- Number of residents: 85,000
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #70 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 843
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
National
- Number of residents: 85,000
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #70 most common country of origin
25 / 50
Saqib Rizvi // Shutterstock
#26. Pakistan
Iowa
- Number of residents: 998
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
National
- Number of residents: 376,127
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
- #25 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 998
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
National
- Number of residents: 376,127
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
- #25 most common country of origin
26 / 50
Photos By Beks // Unsplash
#25. Kenya
Iowa
- Number of residents: 1,079
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
National
- Number of residents: 141,751
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
- #48 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 1,079
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
National
- Number of residents: 141,751
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
- #48 most common country of origin
27 / 50
Vixit // Shutterstock
#24. Nepal
Iowa
- Number of residents: 1,081
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
National
- Number of residents: 140,904
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
- #49 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 1,081
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
National
- Number of residents: 140,904
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
- #49 most common country of origin
28 / 50
Viacheslav Lopatin // Shutterstock
#23. Russia
Iowa
- Number of residents: 1,135
- 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: 1,135
- 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
29 / 50
Irene2005 // Flickr
#22. Congo
Iowa
- Number of residents: 1,188
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.7%
National
- Number of residents: 30,496
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
- #106 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 1,188
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.7%
National
- Number of residents: 30,496
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
- #106 most common country of origin
30 / 50
neiljs // Flickr
#21. Ethiopia
Iowa
- Number of residents: 1,271
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
National
- Number of residents: 249,777
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
- #34 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 1,271
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
National
- Number of residents: 249,777
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
- #34 most common country of origin
31 / 50
USACE HQ , JIM GORDAN, CIV, USACE // Wikicommons
#20. Iraq
Iowa
- Number of residents: 1,536
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
National
- Number of residents: 225,038
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
- #38 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 1,536
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
National
- Number of residents: 225,038
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
- #38 most common country of origin
32 / 50
User:Colin // Wikimedia Commons
#19. United Kingdom
Iowa
- Number of residents: 1,931
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.2%
National
- Number of residents: 698,612
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.6%
- #14 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 1,931
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.2%
National
- Number of residents: 698,612
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.6%
- #14 most common country of origin
33 / 50
blk24ga // Wikicommons
#18. Liberia
Iowa
- Number of residents: 2,062
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.2%
National
- Number of residents: 87,991
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #67 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 2,062
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.2%
National
- Number of residents: 87,991
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #67 most common country of origin
34 / 50
Christopher Michel // Flickr
#17. Sudan
Iowa
- Number of residents: 2,417
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.5%
National
- Number of residents: 46,716
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
- #87 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 2,417
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.5%
National
- Number of residents: 46,716
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
- #87 most common country of origin
35 / 50
Marek Poplawski // Shutterstock
#16. Honduras
Iowa
- Number of residents: 2,430
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.5%
National
- Number of residents: 651,123
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.5%
- #16 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 2,430
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.5%
National
- Number of residents: 651,123
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.5%
- #16 most common country of origin
36 / 50
Unsplash
#15. Canada
Iowa
- Number of residents: 2,528
- 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: 2,528
- 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
Max Pixel
#14. Germany
Iowa
- Number of residents: 2,713
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.6%
National
- Number of residents: 560,368
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.3%
- #17 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 2,713
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.6%
National
- Number of residents: 560,368
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.3%
- #17 most common country of origin
38 / 50
Jack Bkk // Shutterstock
#13. Thailand
Iowa
- Number of residents: 2,831
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.7%
National
- Number of residents: 255,345
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
- #32 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 2,831
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.7%
National
- Number of residents: 255,345
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
- #32 most common country of origin
39 / 50
Issa Kashala // Shutterstock
#12. Democratic Republic of Congo
Iowa
- Number of residents: 2,929
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.8%
National
- Number of residents: 43,723
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
- #91 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 2,929
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.8%
National
- Number of residents: 43,723
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
- #91 most common country of origin
40 / 50
Pascal Müller // Unsplash
#11. Laos
Iowa
- Number of residents: 3,556
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.1%
National
- Number of residents: 181,546
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
- #42 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 3,556
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.1%
National
- Number of residents: 181,546
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
- #42 most common country of origin
41 / 50
JMRAFFi // Wikimedia Commons
#10. El Salvador
Iowa
- Number of residents: 4,311
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.6%
National
- Number of residents: 1,381,008
- Percent of foreign born residents: 3.1%
- #5 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 4,311
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.6%
National
- Number of residents: 1,381,008
- Percent of foreign born residents: 3.1%
- #5 most common country of origin
42 / 50
Cheng Qian // Unsplash
#9. Burma
Iowa
- Number of residents: 4,585
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.8%
National
- Number of residents: 147,573
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
- #47 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 4,585
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.8%
National
- Number of residents: 147,573
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
- #47 most common country of origin
43 / 50
Joseph Oropel // Shutterstock
#8. Philippines
Iowa
- Number of residents: 4,596
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.8%
National
- Number of residents: 1,983,939
- Percent of foreign born residents: 4.5%
- #4 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 4,596
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.8%
National
- Number of residents: 1,983,939
- Percent of foreign born residents: 4.5%
- #4 most common country of origin
44 / 50
Kobby Dagan // Shutterstock
#7. Guatemala
Iowa
- Number of residents: 4,892
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.9%
National
- Number of residents: 979,098
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.2%
- #10 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 4,892
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.9%
National
- Number of residents: 979,098
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.2%
- #10 most common country of origin
45 / 50
Kys951 // Wikimedia Commons
#6. South Korea
Iowa
- Number of residents: 5,333
- Percent of foreign born residents: 3.2%
National
- Number of residents: 1,044,634
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.4%
- #9 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 5,333
- Percent of foreign born residents: 3.2%
National
- Number of residents: 1,044,634
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.4%
- #9 most common country of origin
46 / 50
neshom // Pixabay
#5. Bosnia and Herzegovina
Iowa
- Number of residents: 6,450
- Percent of foreign born residents: 3.9%
National
- Number of residents: 103,938
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #57 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 6,450
- Percent of foreign born residents: 3.9%
National
- Number of residents: 103,938
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #57 most common country of origin
47 / 50
Quangpraha // Pixabay
#4. Vietnam
Iowa
- Number of residents: 7,172
- Percent of foreign born residents: 4.3%
National
- Number of residents: 1,336,988
- Percent of foreign born residents: 3.0%
- #6 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 7,172
- Percent of foreign born residents: 4.3%
National
- Number of residents: 1,336,988
- Percent of foreign born residents: 3.0%
- #6 most common country of origin
48 / 50
Kriangkrai Thitimakorn // Shutterstock
#3. India
Iowa
- Number of residents: 9,958
- Percent of foreign born residents: 6.0%
National
- Number of residents: 2,561,906
- Percent of foreign born residents: 5.8%
- #2 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 9,958
- Percent of foreign born residents: 6.0%
National
- Number of residents: 2,561,906
- Percent of foreign born residents: 5.8%
- #2 most common country of origin
49 / 50
Sean Pavone // Shutterstock
#2. China
Iowa
- Number of residents: 10,349
- Percent of foreign born residents: 6.2%
National
- Number of residents: 2,162,395
- Percent of foreign born residents: 4.9%
- #3 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 10,349
- Percent of foreign born residents: 6.2%
National
- Number of residents: 2,162,395
- Percent of foreign born residents: 4.9%
- #3 most common country of origin
50 / 50
Arturo Chavez // Wikimedia Commons
#1. Mexico
Iowa
- Number of residents: 42,249
- Percent of foreign born residents: 25.4%
National
- Number of residents: 11,250,541
- Percent of foreign born residents: 25.6%
- #1 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 42,249
- Percent of foreign born residents: 25.4%
National
- Number of residents: 11,250,541
- Percent of foreign born residents: 25.6%
- #1 most common country of origin
