Indian Americans Lead Asian Americans in Median Income While Maintaining Cultural and Political Ties

A recent Pew Research Center survey has highlighted that Indian Americans hold the highest median household income among Asian Americans, at $145,000. This group, which is rapidly growing and gaining economic influence in the United States, is distinguishing itself with a unique identity while preserving strong cultural and political ties, as reflected in the survey findings.

Indian Americans have a substantial immigrant presence, with 66 percent born outside the United States and 34 percent being U.S.-born. The community’s population is geographically concentrated, with nearly half residing in four states: California (20 percent), Texas (12 percent), New Jersey (9 percent), and New York (7 percent).

Culturally, Indian Americans maintain a robust connection to their heritage. The majority identify themselves as “Indian” (41 percent) or “Indian American” (21 percent), with only a small percentage (10 percent) opting to describe themselves as “American.” This pattern shows that Indian Americans are more likely than other Asian groups to identify by their ethnicity, emphasizing their pride in their origins.

The survey also reveals that one in five Indian Americans has felt the need to conceal aspects of their cultural or religious heritage from non-Asians. This finding indicates the challenges some individuals face in expressing their identity in a diverse society.

Politically, Indian Americans predominantly align with the Democratic Party. A significant portion of the community’s registered voters, 68 percent, identify with or lean toward the Democrats. This trend is more pronounced than among Asian Americans as a whole, suggesting a strong political cohesion within the Indian American community.

This political alignment is expected to play a crucial role in future U.S. elections, given that approximately 46 percent of Indian Americans—about 2.2 million people—were eligible to vote in 2022. Their influence in the political landscape is likely to grow as the community continues to expand and engage in the political process.

The survey also provides insight into Indian Americans’ perceptions of the U.S. and India. A significant majority, 86 percent, hold a favorable view of the United States, with 56 percent expressing a very favorable opinion. Similarly, 76 percent view India positively, though most do not wish to return to live there. For the 35 percent who would consider relocation, family ties are cited as the primary motivation.

In terms of religious affiliation, the Indian American community is predominantly Hindu, with 48 percent identifying with the religion. Additionally, about two-thirds of the community either identify with Hinduism or feel a close connection to it through family or cultural ties. Other religious affiliations within the community include Christianity (15 percent), Islam (8 percent), and other faiths (11 percent). Meanwhile, 15 percent of Indian Americans describe themselves as religiously unaffiliated.

Overall, the Pew Research Center survey paints a picture of a vibrant and economically successful community that remains deeply connected to its cultural roots while actively participating in the political and social fabric of the United States. Indian Americans’ unique blend of cultural pride and political engagement positions them as a significant and influential demographic in the U.S.