Atlanta, GA, August 8, 2024: Indian Americans, one of the fastest-growing ethnic groups in the United States, are showing a strong preference for the Democratic Party, according to a recent Pew Research Center survey. The data reveals that 68% of Indian American registered voters identify with or lean toward the Democrats, while 29% align with the Republican Party. The community plays a growing influence in U.S. elections, especially in states with significant Indian American populations like Georgia, California, Texas, and New Jersey.
The United States was home to about 4.8 million Indian Americans as of 2022, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Indian Americans account for 20% of the nation’s Asian American population overall.
About two-thirds of Indian Americans (66%) are immigrants, while 34% are U.S. born. And around half of Indian Americans live in just four states: California (20%), Texas (12%), New Jersey (9%) and New York (7%).
The median income among Indian American households was $145,000 in 2022, meaning that half of households headed by an Indian American person earned more than that and half earned less. This is greater than the median household income among Asian Americans overall ($100,000).
The Pew Research surveyed Indian Americans’ views and experiences across a range of topics, including how they think about their own identities, their opinions of the U.S. and India, and how they feel about achieving the American dream.
These findings are based on a nationally representative Pew Research Center survey of 7,006 Asian adults in the U.S. – including 897 Indian Americans – conducted in 2022 and 2023.
Identity: A Strong Connection to Heritage
Pew’s survey reveals that most respondents identify themselves primarily as “Indian” (41%) or “Indian American” (21%), reflecting a strong connection to their ethnic roots. Notably, Indian Americans are more likely than other Asian American groups to describe themselves by their ethnicity alone, without the addition of “American.”
The survey also highlights a broader regional identity, with 91% of Indian Americans recognizing South Asians as part of the Asian community—a sentiment shared less widely among other Asian groups. However, the complexities of assimilation are evident, with one-in-five Indian Americans reporting that they’ve hidden aspects of their heritage, such as cultural or religious practices, from non-Asian peers.
Views on the U.S. and India: A Dual Affection
Indian Americans maintain a largely positive view of both their adopted homeland and their ancestral one. An overwhelming 86% view the U.S. favorably, with 56% expressing a very favorable opinion. Their affection for India is also strong, with 76% holding a favorable view, including 51% who see it very favorably.
Despite these positive sentiments, a majority (65%) of Indian Americans say they would not move back to India, citing reasons such as being settled in the U.S. or other personal preferences. For those considering a return to India, family ties are the primary motivation.
The Pursuit of the American Dream
The American dream remains a significant aspiration for many Indian Americans. Pew’s research shows that nearly half (48%) feel they are on their way to achieving it, while 27% believe they have already reached this milestone. However, the dream remains elusive for some, with 23% saying it is out of reach.
Religion
Religion plays a significant role in the lives of Indian Americans, with 48% identifying as Hindu. The community’s religious landscape is diverse, with another 15% identifying as Christian, 15% as religiously unaffiliated, and 8% as Muslim. Additionally, two-thirds of Indian Americans say they either identify as Hindu or feel closely connected to Hinduism due to cultural or familial ties.
A Community in Transition
As the Indian American community continues to grow and evolve, their identity, political affiliations, and views on the American dream reflect a balance between maintaining cultural heritage and integrating into American society. With their significant presence in key states like California, Texas, New Jersey, and New York, Indian Americans are poised to continue influencing the nation’s socio-political landscape while staying connected to their roots.
