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Houston is one of the most diverse cities in the United States, shaped by immigration, population growth, and economic opportunity. Understanding who lives in Houston—and how immigration affects families, businesses, and the local economy—can be helpful for residents, employers, and individuals navigating the immigration system. This guide provides an overview of key immigration and population statistics in Houston and explains why these numbers matter in everyday life.
Overview of Houston’s Immigrant Population
Greater Houston remains one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the United States, consistently ranking near the top in total population gains. This growth is driven by a combination of international migration, domestic migration, and natural increase.
Over the past decade, the Greater Houston metropolitan area has experienced sustained population growth, fueled in large part by international migration. Recent estimates place the metro population at more than 7 million residents, making it one of the largest urban regions in the country.
According to the most recent American Community Survey (ACS) data (2019–2023), approximately 28–29 percent of the City of Houston’s population is foreign-born. This means that nearly one in three residents was born outside the United States. Across the broader metropolitan area, immigrants account for nearly one-quarter of all residents, totaling roughly 1.7 million people.
Houston’s economic strength has played a central role in attracting and retaining immigrant populations. The region continues to be a national leader in job creation, particularly in industries such as energy, healthcare, construction, logistics, and professional services. This combination of economic opportunity and demographic diversity has helped establish Houston as one of the most immigrant-rich and economically dynamic metropolitan areas in the nation.
Characteristics of Houston’s Immigrant Population
Houston is home to a large and diverse immigrant population shaped by multiple forms of legal status. In the nine-county Greater Houston metropolitan area, immigrants include naturalized U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (LPRs), temporary legal residents, and unauthorized immigrants.
Based on pooled 2017–2021 American Community Survey (ACS) data, the Migration Policy Institute (MPI) estimates that approximately 34 percent of immigrants in the Greater Houston area are naturalized U.S. citizens. A substantial portion of the remaining foreign-born population holds lawful non-citizen status, including LPRs and temporary visa holders.
Unauthorized immigrants continue to represent a significant share of Houston’s foreign-born population, though precise figures vary due to methodological limits. Recent MPI- and Census-based estimates suggest that approximately 500,000 to 550,000 unauthorized immigrants reside in the Greater Houston area, with the largest concentration in Harris County. While earlier reports documented rapid growth in unauthorized migration during the mid-2010s, more recent analyses indicate relative stability in the overall distribution of immigration statuses.
National Origins of Unauthorized Immigrants in Houston
Unauthorized immigrants in Houston tend to come from a narrower range of countries than the broader foreign-born population. MPI data show that immigrants from Mexico and Central America continue to make up a large share of the unauthorized population. However, this share has declined modestly as migration from other regions has increased. Mexico, El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala remain prominent countries of origin among unauthorized residents in the region.
National research indicates that modes of entry vary by region of origin, with a higher proportion of Mexican and Central American immigrants historically entering without inspection compared to immigrants from other regions. This distinction is legally significant because individuals who entered without inspection generally face greater barriers to adjusting status than those who overstayed visas.
Speaking with a knowledgeable Adjustment of Status Lawyer in Houston can help clarify whether adjustment of status or other forms of relief may be available.
Population Growth and Demographic Change
Greater Houston remains one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the United States, consistently ranking near the top in total population gains. Recent Census Bureau estimates place the metro population at more than 7 million residents, making it one of the largest urban regions in the country.
Houston’s diversity continues to deepen. Hispanic or Latino residents remain the city’s largest ethnic group, accounting for approximately 44–45 percent of the population, compared to about 23–24 percent non-Hispanic white residents.
According to the most recent ACS estimates for 2019–2023, approximately 28–29 percent of Houston’s population is foreign-born. Across the broader metropolitan area, immigrants account for nearly one-quarter of all residents, totaling roughly 1.7 million people.
Asylum Seekers in Houston
It is difficult to determine the exact number of asylum seekers in Houston because federal data do not report city-level counts. However, national immigration systems show very large volumes of pending asylum cases, and legal reports indicate tens of thousands of such cases on the Houston immigration court docket.
Houston’s proximity to the U.S.–Mexico border, the presence of a USCIS asylum office and immigration courts, and extensive immigrant communities contribute to the city’s role as a significant destination for asylum seekers.
Immigrants’ Economic Contribution to Houston
Immigrants play a major role in Greater Houston’s economy across income, labor force participation, taxes, and consumer spending. According to a 2024 American Immigration Council report on the Houston metropolitan area:
- In 2021, immigrant households earned approximately $66.5 billion in income.
- Of that amount, about $11.1 billion went to federal taxes and $5.2 billion to state and local taxes.
- After taxes, immigrant households had roughly $50.2 billion in spending power that could be reinvested locally.
- Immigrants accounted for 24.0 percent of the metro population, but 30.1 percent of the working-age population and 31.0 percent of the employed labor force, reflecting an outsized role in the regional economy.
Labor Force and Industry Impact
Immigrants play a critical role in sustaining Houston’s workforce across both high-skill and essential industries:
- In 2021, immigrants comprised 31.0 percent of the employed labor force in the Houston metropolitan area.
- Immigrants accounted for 35.5 percent of STEM workers, demonstrating a strong presence in high-skill occupations.
- Immigrant workers are disproportionately represented in key sectors, including construction, general services, agriculture, and manufacturing.
- A 2025 local labor-market analysis found that foreign-born noncitizens make up especially high shares of certain job categories in the Houston area, including:
- 38.6 percent of construction workers
- 23 percent of food service and recreation workers
- 18.4 percent of professional services workers (based on 2019–2023 averages)
Businesses in the Houston Metro Area Owned by Immigrants
Immigrants represent a significant share of business owners in the Houston metropolitan economy:
- In 2021, immigrants accounted for approximately 41.9 percent of entrepreneurs in the Houston metro area.
- Immigrant entrepreneurs generated an estimated $4.4 billion in business income.
- Immigrant-owned businesses are more likely than average to employ workers, contributing directly to local job creation.
Immigrant entrepreneurs in the Houston metro area are especially active in the following sectors:
- Construction
- Professional services
- General services
- Transportation and logistics
- Hospitality and food services
- Manufacturing
- Healthcare
Taxes, Social Programs, and Public Contributions
Beyond income and business activity, immigrant households contribute substantially to public finances:
- In 2021, immigrants in the Houston metro area contributed over $11 billion in federal taxes.
- They contributed more than $5 billion in state and local taxes.
- Immigrants also contribute significantly to federal programs such as Social Security and Medicare, though precise local figures by legal status are not available in public data.
Need Help With Immigration in Houston or Texas?
If you are searching for information about immigration in Houston or Texas, an Immigration Attorney in Texas can help. An immigration lawyer can provide up-to-date, reliable information on immigration enforcement, answer your questions, and assist you with the immigration process.
If you have any questions about your immigration matter, please get in touch with us. We provide a full range of immigration services and are willing and able to assist. Call us to schedule a free consultation today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Immigrants Live in Houston?
Houston is one of the most immigrant-rich cities in the United States. According to recent American Community Survey (2019–2023) data, approximately 28–29 percent of the City of Houston’s population is foreign-born. Across the broader Greater Houston metropolitan area, immigrants make up nearly one-quarter of all residents, totaling about 1.7 million people. This large immigrant presence contributes to Houston’s cultural diversity and economic strength.
What Is the Largest Immigrant or Ethnic Group in Houston?
Hispanic or Latino residents are the largest ethnic group in Houston, accounting for approximately 44–45 percent of the city’s population. Mexican immigrants represent the largest immigrant group, followed by individuals from Central America, Asia, and other regions of the world. Houston’s immigrant population is highly diverse, and no single group represents all immigrants or immigration experiences.
Can Undocumented Immigrants in Houston Get Legal Status?
In some cases, yes, but eligibility depends on individual circumstances. Options may include family-based immigration, asylum, cancellation of removal, U visas, VAWA petitions, or other forms of relief. Factors such as how a person entered the U.S., how long they have lived here, family ties, and any prior immigration or criminal history can significantly affect eligibility. Speaking with an experienced immigration attorney is the best way to understand available options.