Best Cities for Asian Professionals, 2022

It’s Asian Pacific Islander (API) Heritage Month!

Historically, API Heritage was celebrated in the first ten days of May. Early May marks two significant anniversaries for the Asian American population in the U.S., including May 7, 1843, the date of the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the U.S., and May 10, 1869, the completion of the transcontinental railroad. In 1992, Congress and President George H. W. Bush expanded API Heritage from a 10-day celebration to an entire month.

In observation of this holiday, we created this report to uncover the best cities for Asian professionals across the country. In this report, “Asian” refers to descendants of East Asia, Southeast Asia, India Subcontinent and Pacific Islands; this is in alignment with how the U.S. Census defines those who identify as Asian and/or Pacific Islander. “Asian Professionals” refers to those Asian descendants who graduated from college and are part of the workforce.

Here are the best cities overall for Asian professionals:

1. San Jose, CA
2. Raleigh, NC
3. Houston, TX
4. Dallas, TX
5. Detroit, MI
6. San Francisco, CA
7. Honolulu, HI
8. Austin, TX
9. Riverside, CA
10. Washington, D.C.

During our research, we noticed that in several cities the Asian population was growing 2X faster than the overall population. This led us to break the report into two sections: 1. best up-and-coming cities for Asian Americans, classified as more than 50% of Asian population growth in the last decade, and 2. historically best cities for the Asian community, where the Asian population is growing and thriving economically.

Ranking Methodology

To identify the top U.S. cities for Asian professionals, we analyzed data in four categories: Community & Representation, Economic Opportunity, Housing Opportunity, and Business Environment. The specific metrics within these categories were selected after surveying members of our API@A-List ERG about what makes a city great for them.

The Community & Representation score identifies regions that have a sizable (and growing) Asian community. This score considers the share of a city’s population who is Asian and to what extent that community has grown over the past decade.

The Economic Opportunity score identifies strong job markets that offer competitive wages for Asian professionals. This score considers the median income among Asian workers and how that income compares to that of non-Asian workers.

The Housing Opportunity score evaluates affordability for renters and homeowners within each local housing market. This score considers the renter cost burden rate (the share of renters spending at least 30% of their income on rent) and homeownership rate.

The Business Environment score measures the percentage of local businesses that are Asian-owned, and whether that rate is proportional to the overall share of the population that is Asian.

These four scores, and the individual statistics that comprise them, are weighted and summed to arrive at a final composite score between 0-100. Higher scores indicate places that offer better economic outcomes and better community representation for Asian workers. We acknowledge that this ranking will capture some, but not all of the socio-economic inequalities that exist between races and locations throughout the United States.

For a more detailed look at the numbers behind the rankings, see the data section below.

Key Findings

We analyzed 50+ cities to determine the best cities:

• Texas is one of the best up-and-coming states for Asian professionals. Three Texas cities (Dallas, Houston, and Austin) all saw a 50%+ growth in the Asian population, indicating it’s a place of opportunity for Asian professionals.
• Raleigh, NC is a great up-and-coming city for Asian professionals! Raleigh scored #1 in 2 out of 4 categories: population growth and homeownership rate.
• Historically, California is the best state for Asian professionals with three cities (San Jose, San Francisco, and Riverside) making the list.
• Raleigh, Austin, and Washington, DC are cities to keep an eye on. All three made our best cities for Asian professionals list, and they also made the top 10 for our best cities for Black professionals and best cities for working women reports.

Up and Coming Cities for Asian Professionals

In this section of up-and-coming cities for Asian Americans, you will find the cities in our top 10 that have seen the most growth (50%+) in their Asian population in the last decade, according to the Pew Research Center.

1. Raleigh, NC

Raleigh, North Carolina, takes first place! With a final score of 58.27, Raleigh is the best up-and-coming city for Asian professionals. It ranks well on all scores, including a top #1 position for community & representation, #3 for economic opportunity, and #1 for housing opportunities. Raleigh’s lowest ranking is for its business environment, which ranks #23.

The Asian household median income in Raleigh is relatively high at more than $104,000, and the same can be said for the homeownership rate which stands at more than 66%.

In the last decade, the Asian population has grown more than 70%. Much of this is likely due to the Triangle area, filled with numerous Asian American-owned businesses. 6.8% of businesses in Raleigh are Asian American-owned. You can grab Korean bbq at Honey Pig, find some of the best ingredients from around the world at Patel Brothers, or pick up some ornate jewelry from Rose May Jewelry. All Asian American-owned businesses are found within the popular Triangle area.

You can find an extensive list of these businesses in Raleigh Magazine. In addition to welcoming Asian Americans, Raleigh also ranks #1 as the best city for working women and #6 as the best cities for black professionals.

2. Dallas, TX

While Texas appears multiple times on our list of both up-and-coming cities and historically best cities for Asians, Dallas sits at number two for the former with a final score of 50.88. It ranks well on all scores, including a #6 position for community & representation, #10 for economic opportunity, and #11 for housing opportunities. Dallas’ lowest ranking is for its business environment, which ranks #13.

Texas (and Dallas specifically) is considered a hot spot, with the Asian population growing by more than 50% in the last decade. In Dallas, the median household income for Asians is also high, sitting above $90,000. Additionally, homeownership rates for this population in Dallas are also above 61%.

In addition to being a hot spot for the Asian community, Dallas is also one of the best cities for black professionals. 10.3% of businesses in Dallas are Asian-owned. You can pick up a signature Matcha Strawberry Milk from Boba Republic, stop by one of the largest Asian markets in Texas, Asia Times Square, or get a quick brow tint at Arch by Suki.

3. Austin, TX

Austin is another Texas hotspot, sitting at number three on our list with a final score of 48.47. It ranks well on all scores, including a #5 position for community & representation, #9 for economic opportunity, and #25 for business environment. Austin’s lowest ranking is for its housing opportunity, which ranks #29.

Many link Austin’s Asian population growth to the rising popularity of tech jobs in the area, where the Asian median household income is around $97,000. In the last decade, Austin’s Asian American population has grown by 70%. Austin also ranks #3 of the best cities for working women and #9 of the best cities for black professionals.

7.1% of businesses in Austin are Asian-owned. You can dine on some farm-to-table Thai at Dee Dee, shop around for antiques at Lotus Gallery, or stop by for a quick massage at U-RELAX.

4. Houston, TX

Lastly, closing out the hot spots in Texas for Asians is Houston, with a final score of 48.47. It ranks well on all scores, including a #5 for housing opportunities and #8 for both economic opportunity and business environment.

From 2014 to 2015 alone, Houston saw a 5.7% growth in its Asian population, many of which live in Cypress, Katy, and Sugar Land. In Katy alone, the Asian population tripled from 2000 to 2010, with significant growth in the following decade. Over 50% of Asians own their homes in Houston, with a high median income of nearly $90,000.

In addition to seeing growth in the Asian population, Houston was ranked #4 of the best cities for black professionals. 12.7% of businesses in Houston are Asian-owned. You can stop by the Chinese-themed amusement park and historic cultural center, Lucky Land, taste unforgettable bonbons at Cacao & Cardamom, or grab a Vietnamese coffee from Long Coffee.

Historically Best Cities for Asian Professionals

In addition to up-and-coming cities, many cities have a large Asian presence rooted in history.

1. San Jose, CA

Historically, San Jose is one of the best cities for Asians. With a final score of 61.45, San Jose ranks well on all scores, including a #3 position for community & representation, a top #1 for economic opportunity, and #9 for business environment. San Jose’s lowest ranking is for its housing opportunity, which ranks #21.

With a population share of 40%, the Asian median household income is more than $145,000. Also impressive numbers, this northern California city boasts above 58% of its Asian population being homeowners.

At least 36% of businesses in San Jose are Asian-owned. You can grab a Green Thai Tea and Rose Water Macaron at 7 Leaves Cafe, pick up the latest collectibles at Zonkey Toys, or eat your heart out at Tai Pan Dim Sum Bakery.

2. Detroit, MI

Next up on our list of the historically best cities for Asian professionals is Detroit, Michigan. With a final score of 49.00, Detroit ranks well on all scores, including a #2 position for economic opportunity, #2 for housing opportunity, and #31 for business environment. Detroit’s lowest ranking is for its community & representation, which ranks #33.

In addition to the median household income reaching nearly $95,000 for the Asian community, the homeownership rate stands at 62%.

5.2% of businesses in Detroit are Asian-owned. You can dine on some signature Thai dishes at Go! Sy Thai, pick up the latest lashes at Mo Beauty Supply or grab Filipino desserts at Isla Metro Detroit.

3. San Francisco, CA

San Francisco is another popular California city that makes our list at number three, San Francisco. With a final score of 48.96, San Francisco ranks well on all scores, including a #8 position for community & representation, #7 for economic opportunity, and #16 for business environment. San Francisco’s lowest ranking is for its housing opportunity, which ranks #26. San Francisco also ranks #10 of the best cities for working women.

In San Francisco, over 58% of the Asian community owns their home with a median income of over $117,000.

26.3% of businesses in San Francisco are Asian-owned. You can dine on some vegan sushi at Shizen Vegan Sushi Bar and Izakaya, grab a beer at Dokkaebier Brewery, or pick up Asian cooking essentials at the Wok Shop.

4. Honolulu, HI

Moving further west across the Pacific Ocean, you’ll find Honolulu, Hawaii, at number four on our list. With a final score of 48.73, Honolulu ranks well on all scores, including a #2 position for community & representation, #6 for business environment, and #28 for housing opportunities. Honolulu’s lowest ranking is for its economic opportunity, which ranks #31.

Honolulu has the highest Asian population in the U.S. with 61%, and an Asian median household income of $88,200. The homeownership rate of this community in Honolulu is also nearly 66%.

53.5% of businesses in Honolulu are Asian-owned. You can dine on some signature Korean dishes at O’Kims, enjoy premium katsu at Nana Ai Katsu, or grab a dozen of the famous Cream Puffs from Liliha Bakery.

5. Riverside, CA

Another California city, Riverside, sits at number five on our list. With a final score of 46.49, Riverside ranks well on all scores, including a #18 position for economic opportunity, #27 for housing opportunity, and #2 for business environment. Riverside’s lowest ranking is for its community & representation, which ranks #32.

Nearly 70% of Asians in Riverside own their home, where the median household income for this group currently sits just shy of $82,000.

16% of businesses in Riverside are Asian-owned. You can pick up your favorite ingredients to cook a meal of your own at Saet Byul Asian Market, find beef culture at Bao Culture, or enjoy classic Hot & Sour Soup from Monark Asian Bistro.

6. Washington, DC

Last on our list is Washington, DC, at number six. With a final score of 46.40, Washington, DC ranks well on all scores, including a #12 position for economic opportunity, #10 for housing opportunity, and #10 for business environment. Washington’s lowest ranking is for its community & representation, which ranks #24. Washington, DC also ranks #4 of the best cities for working women and #1 of the best cities for black professionals.

In Washington, DC, the Asian population’s median income is above $115,000, among the highest figures in our studies. Here, over 67% of the Asian American community also owns their home.

14.1% of businesses in Washington, DC, are Asian-owned. Grab brunch or dinner at Anju, known for its delicious Korean dishes, have some family portraits done with Lock & Company, order a few delectable hand-crafted treats from Valery’s Wonderland Treats.

Best Cities for Asian Professionals Data

Use the table below to compare the cities and their respective scores. Below the Rankings table, you will find more granular information about the data and how our scores were calculated.

Best Cities for Asian Professionals Rankings

Best Cities for Asian Professionals by Weighted Factor

A total of 50 locations were included in this analysis. For individual factors (e.g., median income, homeownership rate), weights, and data sources, please view the complete data. Each factor was converted into a normalized score from 0 to 100 according to the distribution of values across locations. Normalized scores were then weighted and summed to give every location a final composite score between 0 and 100. A score of 100 would mean a location ranked first in every individual factor in the analysis.

API@A-List Collaboration

We wrote this report in collaboration with the Apartment List Asian ERG, also known as, "API@A-List". Pictured above are a few of those employees who helped us with this report!

Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) at Apartment List are meant to serve as a safe space for Apartment List employees. They meet frequently to chat about their shared experiences, plan company-wide events, and form allyship across the company. Apartment List has 5 different ERGs that each represent a different identity group: Black, Asian, Latinx, Women, and LGBTQ+.