The world is home to a diverse array of ethnic groups, each with its own history, culture, and identity. Some of these groups have accumulated more wealth than others, due to various factors such as natural resources, human capital, entrepreneurship, innovation, and political stability. Wealth can be measured in different ways, such as income, assets, or net worth.
Top 10 Richest Ethnic Groups in the World
In this article, we will use the median household income as a proxy for wealth, based on data from the United States Census and other sources. Here are the top 10 richest ethnic groups in the world, ranked by their median household income in 2023.
| Rank | Ethnic Group | Median Household Income (US$) | Country/Territory |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indian Americans | 141,906 | United States |
| 2 | Taiwanese Americans | 119,022 | United States |
| 3 | Jewish Americans | 113,776 | United States |
| 4 | Filipino Americans | 101,157 | United States |
| 5 | Pakistani Americans | 100,730 | United States |
| 6 | Chinese Americans | 93,007 | United States |
| 7 | Japanese Americans | 87,789 | United States |
| 8 | Indonesian Americans | 87,377 | United States |
| 9 | Korean Americans | 82,946 | United States |
| 10 | Hmong Americans | 80,702 | United States |
Indian Americans
Indian Americans are the richest ethnic group in the world, with a median household income of $141,906 in 2023. They are also one of the fastest-growing and most educated groups in the US, with a population of over 4.4 million and a bachelor’s degree attainment rate of 77%. Indian Americans have excelled in various fields such as technology, medicine, business, and entertainment. Some of the most prominent Indian Americans include Sundar Pichai (CEO of Google), Satya Nadella (CEO of Microsoft), Kamala Harris (Vice President of the US), Indra Nooyi (former CEO of PepsiCo), and Priyanka Chopra (actress and singer).
Taiwanese Americans
Taiwanese Americans are the second-richest ethnic group in the world, with a median household income of $119,022 in 2023. They are also one of the smallest and most recent groups in the US, with a population of about 257,000 and a majority arriving after 1980. Taiwanese Americans have contributed to various sectors such as science, engineering, education, and politics. Some of the most notable Taiwanese Americans include Jerry Yang (co-founder of Yahoo), Steven Chu (Nobel laureate and former Secretary of Energy), Andrew Yang (entrepreneur and politician), Ang Lee (Oscar-winning director), and Jeremy Lin (NBA player).
Jewish Americans
Jewish Americans are the third-richest ethnic group in the world, with a median household income of $113,776 in 2023. They are also one of the oldest and most influential groups in the US, with a population of about 6.8 million and a history dating back to colonial times. Jewish Americans have made significant contributions to various fields such as finance, media, arts, law, and philanthropy. Some of the most famous Jewish Americans include Mark Zuckerberg (co-founder of Facebook), Jeff Bezos (founder of Amazon), Steven Spielberg (film director), Ruth Bader Ginsburg (former Supreme Court justice), and Bob Dylan (musician and Nobel laureate).
Filipino Americans
Filipino Americans are the fourth-richest ethnic group in the world, with a median household income of $101,157 in 2023. They are also one of the largest and most diverse groups in the US, with a population of nearly 3 million and a heritage spanning Asia, Europe, Africa, and Latin America. Filipino Americans have been involved in various fields such as health care, military service, entertainment, and sports. Some of the most renowned Filipino Americans include Manny Pacquiao (boxing champion), Bruno Mars (singer and songwriter), Lea Salonga (Broadway star), Enrique Iglesias (singer and actor), and Liza Soberano (actress and model).
Pakistani Americans
Pakistani Americans are the fifth-richest ethnic group in the world, with a median household income of $100,730 in 2023. They are also one of the youngest and most dynamic groups in the US, with a population of over half a million and a median age of 31. Pakistani Americans have made their mark in various fields such as medicine, engineering, education, and politics. Some of the most prominent Pakistani Americans include Shahid Khan (owner of Jacksonville Jaguars and Fulham FC), Nergis Mavalvala (physicist and MacArthur fellow), Sadaqat Ali (psychiatrist and addiction expert), Ayad Akhtar (Pulitzer-winning playwright), and Kumail Nanjiani (comedian and actor).
Chinese Americans
Chinese Americans are the sixth-richest ethnic group in the world, with a median household income of $93,007 in 2023. They are also the largest and oldest Asian group in the US, with a population of over 4.3 million and a presence since the 19th century. Chinese Americans have played a vital role in various fields such as science, technology, business, and culture. Some of the most influential Chinese Americans include Jack Ma (founder of Alibaba), Lisa Su (CEO of AMD), Charles Wang (co-founder of CA Technologies), Yo-Yo Ma (cellist and UN Messenger of Peace), and Amy Tan (author of The Joy Luck Club).
Japanese Americans
Japanese Americans are the seventh-richest ethnic group in the world, with a median household income of $87,789 in 2023. They are also one of the most resilient and respected groups in the US, with a population of about 743,000 and a history of overcoming discrimination and internment during World War II. Japanese Americans have excelled in various fields such as art, literature, sports, and politics. Some of the most notable Japanese Americans include George Takei (actor and activist), Daniel Inouye (former Senator and Medal of Honor recipient), Isamu Noguchi (sculptor and designer), Kazuo Ishiguro (Nobel-winning novelist), and Naomi Osaka (tennis star).
Indonesian Americans
Indonesian Americans are the eighth-richest ethnic group in the world, with a median household income of $87,377 in 2023. They are also one of the smallest and most diverse groups in the US, with a population of about 86,000 and a background spanning multiple religions, languages, and cultures. Indonesian Americans have contributed to various fields such as music, fashion, education, and cuisine. Some of the most famous Indonesian Americans include Rich Brian (rapper and producer), Nadya Hutagalung (model and environmentalist), Dina Yuen (author and chef), Agnes Monica (singer and actress), and Raden Adjeng Kartini (national heroine and women’s rights activist).
Korean Americans
Korean Americans are the ninth-richest ethnic group in the world, with a median household income of $82,946 in 2023. They are also one of the most entrepreneurial and patriotic groups in the US, with a population of over 1.4 million and a high rate of business ownership and military service. Korean Americans have achieved success in various fields such as medicine, law, entertainment, and social media. Some of the most popular Korean Americans include David Chang (chef and restaurateur), Sandra Oh (actress and Golden Globe winner), Michelle Wie (golfer and LPGA champion), John Cho (actor and producer), and BTS (K-pop sensation).
Hmong Americans
Hmong Americans are the tenth-richest ethnic group in the world, with a median household income of $80,702 in 2023. They are also one of the most unique and resilient groups in the US, with a population of about 345,000 and a history of fleeing persecution and war in Southeast Asia. Hmong Americans have overcome many challenges such as language barriers, poverty, and discrimination to pursue various fields such as education, health care, politics, and arts. Some of the most inspiring Hmong Americans include Sunisa Lee (Olympic gymnast and gold medalist), Mai Kao Thao (physician assistant and Miss Hmong America 2010), Tou Ger Xiong (comedian and motivational speaker), Kao Kalia Yang (author and teacher), and Bee Vang (actor and activist).
Conclusion
The world is rich in diversity, but not all ethnic groups have equal access to wealth. The top 10 richest ethnic groups in the world are mostly from Asia or have Asian ancestry, reflecting their high levels of education, innovation, and entrepreneurship. However, wealth is not only determined by individual factors, but also by structural factors such as racism, colonialism, and globalization that create inequalities among different groups. Therefore, it is important to recognize the achievements as well as the challenges faced by different ethnic groups in the world, and to promote social justice and inclusion for all.
Most Asking Questions And Answers
Q: What is the difference between race and ethnicity?
A: Race is a social construct that categorizes people based on their physical appearance or ancestry, while ethnicity is a cultural identity that relates to one’s language, religion, traditions, and heritage.
Q: What ethnic group has the most wealth?
A: According to the Federal Reserve, white families had the most wealth in 2020, with a total net worth of $103.4 trillion, followed by Asian families with $9.6 trillion, Hispanic families with $3.1 trillion, and Black families with $2.6 trillion.
Q: What are the 3 largest ethnic groups?
A: According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the 3 largest ethnic groups in the U.S. in 2020 were white alone (60.1%), Hispanic or Latino (18.7%), and Black or African American alone (12.4%).
Q: What is the largest ethnicity in the world?
A: According to the World Atlas, the largest ethnicity in the world is Han Chinese, with an estimated population of 1.3 billion, followed by Arabs with 430 million, Bengalis with 265 million, and Russians with 192 million.
Q: What ethnic group has the lowest income?
A: According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the ethnic group with the lowest median household income in 2020 was Hispanic or Latino, with $30,400, followed by Black or African American, with $31,082, white alone, not Hispanic or Latino, with $47,958, and Asian alone, with $51,288.
Q: What ethnic group has the highest income?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the ethnic group with the highest median household income in 2020 was Asian alone, with $51,288, followed by white alone, not Hispanic or Latino, with $47,958, Black or African American, with $31,082, and Hispanic or Latino, with $30,400.
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