These 10 U.S. States Have The Largest Irish Populations

Topline

These states have the largest populations of people claiming to be of Irish heritage, according to the Census Bureau.

Key Facts

States With The Most People of Irish Heritage in 2021

1. California (2,308,994 people)
2. New York (2,104,929)
3. Pennsylvania (1,892,645)
4. Florida (1,782,861)
5. Texas (1,748,861)
6. Ohio (1,475,731)
7. Illinois (1,358,072)
8. Massachusetts (1,281,226)
9. New Jersey (1,103,116)
10. Michigan (965,949)

Key Background

St. Patrick’s Day, which occurs on March 17 during Irish American Heritage Month, originally commemorated the spread of Christianity to Ireland but has grown into a celebration of Irish culture, the U.S. Census Bureau reports. The first parade occurred in 1762 in New York, and the annual event spread across the U.S.

Big Number

31.5 million. That’s how many people in the U.S. reported having Irish ancestry in 2021, according to the U.S. Census Bureau—9.5% of the population.

Further Reading

The Biggest and Best St. Patrick’s Day Parades Across The U.S. (Forbes)

St. Patrick’s Day: The biggest parties across United States to celebrate luck of the Irish (Fox)