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There’s a new profile out on immigrants in NYC. Here’s what to know.
By
Arya Sundaram
Published Apr 4, 2025
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By
Arya Sundaram
Published Apr 4, 2025
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Nearly 4-in-10 New York City residents are immigrants, according to the latest profile of immigration in the five boroughs.
Some 38% of New Yorkers hail from outside the country, compared to 27% for the nation, according to the new report out Friday from the New York City Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs.
Also, 60% of New Yorkers are immigrants or the children of immigrants, according to the findings.
"Our demographic analysis confirms what we’ve long known: Immigrants — including undocumented New Yorkers — are enormously important to our city," MOIA commissioner Manuel Castro said. "They are overrepresented in essential industries, the majority are of working age, and they contribute tremendously to our local economy, workforce and our tax base.”
The annual report is required by the City Charter. It provides an up-to-date and detailed profile of the city’s more than 3 million immigrants, based on census survey data and other data provided by city demographers.
Here are five more things to know about immigrants in the city, according to the report.
Noncitizen immigrants are in the minority in New York City
Noncitizen immigrants make up a little more than 15% of the city's population, while naturalized citizens make up slightly more than 22% of the city's population. In the five boroughs, the share of citizens by birth is a little more than 62%.
Most immigrant New Yorkers have been in the U.S. for years
An overwhelming majority of immigrant New Yorkers, almost 89%, have been in the United States for more than five years. More than half have been in the country for more than 20 years.
English difficulties aren’t uncommon
More than one in five New Yorkers, or 22% of residents, have limited English proficiency.
The vast majority of immigrant New Yorkers speak one of four main languages: Spanish, a Chinese dialect (mostly Mandarin or Cantonese), Russian or Bangla.
Immigrants face tougher economic conditions
U.S.-born residents in New York City have significantly higher median household earnings, at $61,171, compared to $42,820 for immigrant households.
Housing conditions are also bleaker overall for immigrants
Almost 10% of immigrant New Yorker families live in overcrowded households, where there’s more than one person per room. That rate drops to 6% for U.S.-born families in New York.
Similar disparities exist in health insurance rates. Nine percent of immigrant New Yorkers lack health insurance, which is more than twice the rate of U.S.-born residents.
Tagged
new york city
immigrants
Race And Justice Unit
Arya Sundaram
Arya is a reporter covering race and justice. Got a tip? Email: [email protected] or reach Arya on Signal at 512-650-8767.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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