Indian immigrants have emerged as one of the most prominent and prosperous Asian-origin communities in the United States. According to a recent Pew Research Center analysis of U.S. Census Bureau and American Community Survey (ACS) data from 2021 to 2023, the Indian-origin population reached an estimated 5.2 million in 2023. This makes them the second-largest Asian-origin group in the U.S., accounting for 21% of the Asian American population.

Income and Earnings

Indian American households reported the highest median annual income among all Asian groups, with a household median of $151,200 in 2023. In comparison, the overall median for Asian-headed households stood at $105,600. Interestingly, Indian immigrant households earned more than their U.S.-born counterparts. Indian households led by immigrants had a median annual income of $156,000, while those headed by U.S.-born Indians earned $120,200. On an individual level, Indian immigrants aged 16 and older had median annual personal earnings of $85,300, well above the Asian average of $52,400. Among full-time, year-round workers, Indians earned a median of $106,400, compared to $75,000 among Asians overall. Only 6% of Indian Americans were living in poverty in 2023—lower than the 10% recorded among Asians overall. This rate was consistent among both immigrant and U.S.-born Indians.

Population Trends

The overall Asian population in the U.S. has seen significant growth over the past two decades. From 12.5 million in 2000, it more than doubled to approximately 25 million by 2013. By 2023, Asians made up 7.4% of the total U.S. population, up from 4.2% in 2000. Among Asian groups, Chinese Americans form the largest community at 22%, followed closely by Indian Americans (21%) and Filipino Americans (19%). Other groups include Vietnamese Americans (9%), Korean Americans (8%), Japanese Americans (7%), and Pakistani Americans (3%). The share of immigrants within Asian American communities has gradually declined. In 2000, 63% of Asians in the U.S. were immigrants. By 2023, that figure had fallen to 54%. Among Indian Americans, the immigrant share dropped from 72%, reflecting a growing second-generation population.