Texas Ranks Top As Favorite Destination For Kenyan Immigrants, California 2nd
The state of Texas has the highest number of Kenyan immigrants living in America, according to data from the US Census bureau and analyzed by African Warrior Magazine.It is evident Kenyans are steading immigrating to the United States from Kenya. The “2016 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates” report puts the number of Kenyans in America at roughly 130,000. This represents a growth of 16% from a similar survey conducted in 2013, that tallied a total of 112,000 Kenyans residing in America.Important to note is that the current report demonstrates Kenyans immigrating to the United States are either skilled professionals, individuals seeking reunification with relatives, or people seeking asylum.Texas has continued to be an attractive state for Kenyan immigrants, with a reported 12% of the Kenyan population in America residing in the State. This is perhaps influenced by old ties, family connections, and affordable cost of living.The state of California ranks 2nd, with 8.8% of the Kenyan immigrant group residing in the Golden State. This should not come as a surprise as the state has some of the most immigrant friendly laws, and even though the cost of living is prohibitive, the thriving California economy has created thousands of jobs that make it easier for mmigrants to access labor market.Minnesota takes third spot with 8.6% of the Kenyan immigrant group living in the state. Massachusetts ranks 4thwith 7.4%At the bottom end are the states of West Virginia and Idaho with 0.01%. Mississippi is not far off with 0.02% and Alaska at 0.04%
| State | % |
| Texas | 12.30% |
| California | 8.80% |
| Minnesota | 8.64% |
| Massachusetts | 7.43% |
| Georgia | 5.64% |
| New Jersey | 4.70% |
| Maryland | 4.39% |
| Washington | 4.21% |
| Ohio | 3.60% |
| New York | 3.14% |
| Pennsylvania | 3.01% |
| North Carolina | 2.65% |
| Virginia | 2.42% |
| Florida | 2.40% |
| Missouri | 2.38% |
| Kansas | 2.30% |
| Illinois | 1.74% |
| Tennessee | 1.55% |
| Delaware | 1.55% |
| Arizona | 1.54% |
| Indiana | 1.30% |
| Oregon | 1.29% |
| Michigan | 1.28% |
| Colorado | 1.05% |
| Oklahoma | 1.03% |
| Iowa | 1.02% |
| Alabama | 0.96% |
| Kentucky | 0.96% |
| Nebraska | 0.81% |
| Wisconsin | 0.73% |
| Nevada | 0.54% |
| South Carolina | 0.51% |
| Utah | 0.47% |
| New Hampshire | 0.47% |
| Connecticut | 0.45% |
| Vermont | 0.42% |
| Maine | 0.41% |
| District of Columbia | 0.31% |
| Louisiana | 0.29% |
| South Dakota | 0.28% |
| Wyoming | 0.24% |
| North Dakota | 0.18% |
| Rhode Island | 0.18% |
| New Mexico | 0.12% |
| Arkansas | 0.11% |
| Montana | 0.06% |
| Hawaii | 0.06% |
| Alaska | 0.04% |
| Mississippi | 0.02% |
| Idaho | 0.01% |
| West Virginia | 0.01% |
Also Read: Kenyan Immigrants Ranked 3rd Most Hardworking People in America and Among Most Educated