Top Arab Communities in the United States: Who They Are and Where They Live
A look at the largest Arab-American populations, their origins, and the states where their presence is most visible.
The Lebanese-American community is the largest and oldest Arab group in the United States. It is followed by Egyptians, Syrians, Iraqis, and Palestinians.
Arab Americans today come from more than 20 countries across the Middle East and North Africa, but a few key communities make up the majority.
1. Lebanese Americans – The Largest and Most Established
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Population: Estimated 500,000–600,000
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First major migration: Late 1800s, mostly Christian Lebanese (Maronites and Greek Orthodox)
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Key states: Michigan, California, Ohio, Texas
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Notable cities: Dearborn (MI), Toledo (OH), Los Angeles (CA)
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Many are now second-, third-, or fourth-generation Americans.
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Lebanese Americans have high representation in business, politics, academia, and medicine.
2. Egyptian Americans – Growing Fast
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Population: 250,000+
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Many came after the 1960s, especially post-1967 and post-2011 revolutions.
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Include both Coptic Christians and Muslims.
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Key states: New York, New Jersey, California, Texas
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Known for strong professional presence—especially in medicine and engineering.
3. Syrian Americans – One of the Oldest
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Population: Around 200,000
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Early migrants in the 19th and 20th centuries, mostly Christian.
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Recent waves include Syrian refugees (Muslim and Christian) due to the war since 2011.
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Key areas: Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Illinois
4. Iraqi Americans – Shaped by War and Refuge
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Population: 160,000–200,000+
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Large waves came after the 1991 Gulf War and 2003 Iraq War.
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Includes both Arab Muslims and Christian Assyrians/Chaldeans.
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Largest population in Michigan, especially Detroit and Sterling Heights.
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Highly active in small businesses, construction, and community organization.
5. Palestinian Americans – Politically Engaged
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Population: ~150,000
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Many arrived after 1948 and 1967, others during the 1980s and 2000s.
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Active in civil rights, education, and entrepreneurship.
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Key hubs: Illinois (Chicago), New Jersey, Texas, California
Arab-American Population by Origin: Quick Overview
| Arab Group | Estimated Population | Key States |
|---|---|---|
| Lebanese | 500,000+ | MI, OH, CA, TX |
| Egyptian | 250,000+ | NY, NJ, CA, TX |
| Syrian | 200,000+ | OH, IL, NY |
| Iraqi | 160,000+ | MI, CA, AZ |
| Palestinian | 150,000+ | IL, TX, CA, NJ |
Where Do Arab Americans Live?
Top states with large Arab populations:
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Michigan
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California
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New York
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Texas
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New Jersey
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Illinois
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Ohio
Most Arab Americans live in urban areas, often in tight-knit communities centered around mosques, churches, restaurants, markets, and cultural centers.
Dearborn, Michigan, has the highest concentration of Arab Americans in the U.S. and is often referred to as the “capital of Arab America.”
A Diverse and Growing Presence
Arab Americans are not a single group—they are Lebanese doctors, Egyptian engineers, Palestinian activists, Syrian entrepreneurs, and Iraqi refugees. Their contributions to American society—through business, culture, politics, and religion—continue to grow.
Whether born in the U.S. or newly arrived, Arab Americans remain deeply connected to both their heritage and their American identity.
