Biggest sources of immigrants to Charleston
Written by:
February 9, 2021
Max Pixel
Biggest sources of immigrants to Charleston
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 Charleston come from, using data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Countries are ranked by highest number of foreign-born residents who lived in Charleston 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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ackats // Shutterstock
#50. Barbados
Charleston-North Charleston, SC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 128
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
National
- Number of residents: 54,231
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
- #81 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 128
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
National
- Number of residents: 54,231
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
- #81 most common country of origin
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neiljs // Flickr
#49. Ethiopia
Charleston-North Charleston, SC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 129
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
National
- Number of residents: 249,777
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
- #34 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 129
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
National
- Number of residents: 249,777
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
- #34 most common country of origin
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Ninara // Wikimedia Commons
#48. Iran
Charleston-North Charleston, SC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 131
- 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: 131
- 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
4 / 50
Christopher Michel // Flickr
#47. Sudan
Charleston-North Charleston, SC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 133
- 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: 133
- 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
5 / 50
Saqib Rizvi // Shutterstock
#46. Pakistan
Charleston-North Charleston, SC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 138
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
National
- Number of residents: 376,127
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
- #25 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 138
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
National
- Number of residents: 376,127
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
- #25 most common country of origin
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trezordia // Shutterstock
#45. Sweden
Charleston-North Charleston, SC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 139
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
National
- Number of residents: 47,286
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
- #85 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 139
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
National
- Number of residents: 47,286
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
- #85 most common country of origin
7 / 50
Gregory DALLEAU // Unsplash
#44. Ireland
Charleston-North Charleston, SC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 154
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 121,469
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
- #53 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 154
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 121,469
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
- #53 most common country of origin
8 / 50
Vannrith Va // Unsplash
#43. Cambodia
Charleston-North Charleston, SC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 167
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 151,066
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
- #46 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 167
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 151,066
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
- #46 most common country of origin
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Pixabay
#41 (tie). Dominican Republic
Charleston-North Charleston, SC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 168
- 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: 168
- 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
10 / 50
Prin Adulyatham // Shutterstock
#41 (tie). Egypt
Charleston-North Charleston, SC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 168
- 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: 168
- 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
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kirkandmimi // Pixabay
#39 (tie). Czechoslovakia (includes Czech Republic and Slovakia)
Charleston-North Charleston, SC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 174
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 66,818
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #76 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 174
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 66,818
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #76 most common country of origin
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Michael Shade // Wikicommons
#39 (tie). Ecuador
Charleston-North Charleston, SC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 174
- 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: 174
- 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
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Juan P. Verni // Flickr
#38. Greece
Charleston-North Charleston, SC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 184
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 129,765
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
- #51 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 184
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 129,765
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
- #51 most common country of origin
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SL-Photography // Shutterstock
#37. Panama
Charleston-North Charleston, SC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 185
- 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: 185
- 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
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Unsplash
#35 (tie). Ukraine
Charleston-North Charleston, SC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 200
- 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: 200
- 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
16 / 50
S-F // Shutterstock
#35 (tie). Belgium
Charleston-North Charleston, SC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 200
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
National
- Number of residents: 35,220
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
- #98 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 200
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
National
- Number of residents: 35,220
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
- #98 most common country of origin
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Gianfranco Vivi // Shutterstock
#34. Costa Rica
Charleston-North Charleston, SC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 204
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
National
- Number of residents: 88,084
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #66 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 204
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
National
- Number of residents: 88,084
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #66 most common country of origin
18 / 50
Michal Knitl // Shutterstock
#33. Afghanistan
Charleston-North Charleston, SC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 211
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
National
- Number of residents: 101,548
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #59 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 211
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
National
- Number of residents: 101,548
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #59 most common country of origin
19 / 50
Simon // Pixabay
#32. Australia
Charleston-North Charleston, SC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 218
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
National
- Number of residents: 92,483
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #64 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 218
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
National
- Number of residents: 92,483
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #64 most common country of origin
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Wikimedia Commons
#31. Israel
Charleston-North Charleston, SC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 223
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
National
- Number of residents: 135,672
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
- #50 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 223
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
National
- Number of residents: 135,672
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
- #50 most common country of origin
21 / 50
Wangkun Jia // Shutterstock
#30. Spain
Charleston-North Charleston, SC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 265
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
National
- Number of residents: 115,113
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
- #55 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 265
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
National
- Number of residents: 115,113
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
- #55 most common country of origin
22 / 50
Unsplash
#29. Japan
Charleston-North Charleston, SC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 291
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.7%
National
- Number of residents: 345,140
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
- #29 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 291
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.7%
National
- Number of residents: 345,140
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
- #29 most common country of origin
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Jack Bkk // Shutterstock
#28. Thailand
Charleston-North Charleston, SC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 314
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
National
- Number of residents: 255,345
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
- #32 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 314
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
National
- Number of residents: 255,345
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
- #32 most common country of origin
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Pedro Szekely // Flickr
#27. Portugal
Charleston-North Charleston, SC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 325
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
National
- Number of residents: 171,118
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
- #44 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 325
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
National
- Number of residents: 171,118
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
- #44 most common country of origin
25 / 50
Augustin Lazaroiu // Shutterstock
#26. Romania
Charleston-North Charleston, SC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 349
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
National
- Number of residents: 162,046
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
- #45 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 349
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
National
- Number of residents: 162,046
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
- #45 most common country of origin
26 / 50
Nahlik // Shutterstock
#25. Poland
Charleston-North Charleston, SC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 357
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
National
- Number of residents: 410,841
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
- #21 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 357
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
National
- Number of residents: 410,841
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
- #21 most common country of origin
27 / 50
Falkenpost // Pixabay
#24. Cuba
Charleston-North Charleston, SC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 367
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
National
- Number of residents: 1,289,875
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.9%
- #7 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 367
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
National
- Number of residents: 1,289,875
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.9%
- #7 most common country of origin
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Pixabay
#23. Italy
Charleston-North Charleston, SC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 386
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
National
- Number of residents: 332,857
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
- #30 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 386
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
National
- Number of residents: 332,857
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
- #30 most common country of origin
29 / 50
PIxabay
#22. Taiwan
Charleston-North Charleston, SC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 427
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.0%
National
- Number of residents: 381,098
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
- #24 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 427
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.0%
National
- Number of residents: 381,098
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
- #24 most common country of origin
30 / 50
HandmadePictures // Shutterstock
#21. South Africa
Charleston-North Charleston, SC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 431
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.0%
National
- Number of residents: 104,022
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #56 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 431
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.0%
National
- Number of residents: 104,022
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #56 most common country of origin
31 / 50
Tupungato // Shutterstock
#20. France
Charleston-North Charleston, SC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 481
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.2%
National
- Number of residents: 181,554
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
- #41 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 481
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.2%
National
- Number of residents: 181,554
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
- #41 most common country of origin
32 / 50
Kalamazadkhan // Wikicommons
#19. Trinidad and Tobago
Charleston-North Charleston, SC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 489
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.2%
National
- Number of residents: 230,035
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
- #37 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 489
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.2%
National
- Number of residents: 230,035
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
- #37 most common country of origin
33 / 50
agchinook // Shutterstock
#18. Venezuela
Charleston-North Charleston, SC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 491
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.2%
National
- Number of residents: 349,720
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
- #27 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 491
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.2%
National
- Number of residents: 349,720
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
- #27 most common country of origin
34 / 50
Kys951 // Wikimedia Commons
#17. South Korea
Charleston-North Charleston, SC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 539
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.3%
National
- Number of residents: 1,044,634
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.4%
- #9 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 539
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.3%
National
- Number of residents: 1,044,634
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.4%
- #9 most common country of origin
35 / 50
JMRAFFi // Wikimedia Commons
#16. El Salvador
Charleston-North Charleston, SC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 558
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.3%
National
- Number of residents: 1,381,008
- Percent of foreign born residents: 3.1%
- #5 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 558
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.3%
National
- Number of residents: 1,381,008
- Percent of foreign born residents: 3.1%
- #5 most common country of origin
36 / 50
Viacheslav Lopatin // Shutterstock
#15. Russia
Charleston-North Charleston, SC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 590
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.4%
National
- Number of residents: 391,641
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
- #22 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 590
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.4%
National
- Number of residents: 391,641
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
- #22 most common country of origin
37 / 50
Christian Vinces // Shutterstock
#14. Peru
Charleston-North Charleston, SC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 604
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.5%
National
- Number of residents: 451,076
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.0%
- #18 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 604
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.5%
National
- Number of residents: 451,076
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.0%
- #18 most common country of origin
38 / 50
byvalet // Shutterstock
#13. Jamaica
Charleston-North Charleston, SC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 685
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.6%
National
- Number of residents: 741,386
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.7%
- #13 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 685
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.6%
National
- Number of residents: 741,386
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.7%
- #13 most common country of origin
39 / 50
Alexander Canas Arango // Shutterstock
#12. Colombia
Charleston-North Charleston, SC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 778
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.9%
National
- Number of residents: 761,374
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.7%
- #12 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 778
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.9%
National
- Number of residents: 761,374
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.7%
- #12 most common country of origin
40 / 50
Quangpraha // Pixabay
#11. Vietnam
Charleston-North Charleston, SC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 1,056
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.5%
National
- Number of residents: 1,336,988
- Percent of foreign born residents: 3.0%
- #6 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 1,056
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.5%
National
- Number of residents: 1,336,988
- Percent of foreign born residents: 3.0%
- #6 most common country of origin
41 / 50
Unsplash
#10. Canada
Charleston-North Charleston, SC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 1,473
- Percent of foreign born residents: 3.5%
National
- Number of residents: 808,566
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.8%
- #11 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 1,473
- Percent of foreign born residents: 3.5%
National
- Number of residents: 808,566
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.8%
- #11 most common country of origin
42 / 50
Marek Poplawski // Shutterstock
#9. Honduras
Charleston-North Charleston, SC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 1,519
- Percent of foreign born residents: 3.7%
National
- Number of residents: 651,123
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.5%
- #16 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 1,519
- Percent of foreign born residents: 3.7%
National
- Number of residents: 651,123
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.5%
- #16 most common country of origin
43 / 50
Max Pixel
#8. Germany
Charleston-North Charleston, SC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 1,621
- Percent of foreign born residents: 3.9%
National
- Number of residents: 560,368
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.3%
- #17 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 1,621
- Percent of foreign born residents: 3.9%
National
- Number of residents: 560,368
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.3%
- #17 most common country of origin
44 / 50
Kobby Dagan // Shutterstock
#7. Guatemala
Charleston-North Charleston, SC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 1,685
- Percent of foreign born residents: 4.1%
National
- Number of residents: 979,098
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.2%
- #10 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 1,685
- Percent of foreign born residents: 4.1%
National
- Number of residents: 979,098
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.2%
- #10 most common country of origin
45 / 50
User:Colin // Wikimedia Commons
#6. United Kingdom
Charleston-North Charleston, SC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 1,698
- Percent of foreign born residents: 4.1%
National
- Number of residents: 698,612
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.6%
- #14 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 1,698
- Percent of foreign born residents: 4.1%
National
- Number of residents: 698,612
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.6%
- #14 most common country of origin
46 / 50
Catarina Belova // Shutterstock
#5. Brazil
Charleston-North Charleston, SC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 1,741
- Percent of foreign born residents: 4.2%
National
- Number of residents: 433,479
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.0%
- #20 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 1,741
- Percent of foreign born residents: 4.2%
National
- Number of residents: 433,479
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.0%
- #20 most common country of origin
47 / 50
Sean Pavone // Shutterstock
#4. China
Charleston-North Charleston, SC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 1,796
- Percent of foreign born residents: 4.3%
National
- Number of residents: 2,162,395
- Percent of foreign born residents: 4.9%
- #3 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 1,796
- Percent of foreign born residents: 4.3%
National
- Number of residents: 2,162,395
- Percent of foreign born residents: 4.9%
- #3 most common country of origin
48 / 50
Kriangkrai Thitimakorn // Shutterstock
#3. India
Charleston-North Charleston, SC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 1,847
- Percent of foreign born residents: 4.4%
National
- Number of residents: 2,561,906
- Percent of foreign born residents: 5.8%
- #2 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 1,847
- Percent of foreign born residents: 4.4%
National
- Number of residents: 2,561,906
- Percent of foreign born residents: 5.8%
- #2 most common country of origin
49 / 50
Joseph Oropel // Shutterstock
#2. Philippines
Charleston-North Charleston, SC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 3,584
- Percent of foreign born residents: 8.6%
National
- Number of residents: 1,983,939
- Percent of foreign born residents: 4.5%
- #4 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 3,584
- Percent of foreign born residents: 8.6%
National
- Number of residents: 1,983,939
- Percent of foreign born residents: 4.5%
- #4 most common country of origin
50 / 50
Jakub Hejtmánek // Wikicommons
#1. Mexico
Charleston-North Charleston, SC Metro Area
- Number of residents: 8,423
- Percent of foreign born residents: 20.3%
National
- Number of residents: 11,250,541
- Percent of foreign born residents: 25.6%
- #1 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 8,423
- Percent of foreign born residents: 20.3%
National
- Number of residents: 11,250,541
- Percent of foreign born residents: 25.6%
- #1 most common country of origin
