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2018 Most Diverse Cities in AmericaAbout this List

Explore the most diverse cities in the U.S. based on ethnic and economic diversity statistics by city from the U.S. Census. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

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  1. Vallejo

    • City in California
    • 271
    1 Most Diverse Cities in America

    Current Resident: Vallejo is destined for great things. Shedding its unfair image of a crime infested city, it is now absolutely on the rebound! Homes are being fixed up, business is booming, improvements are being made all the time. New business coming in, the old downtown is becoming 'gentrified', and the new prosperity is showing everywhere you turn. Home prices are booming but still (relatively) affordable for the Bay Area. Crime is down, cops are being hired. A new school Superintendent has great plans and vision (with many changes already implemented like; closed campus, increased security, etc,) to correct the school system. What has always been awesome about Vallejo is its weather and location - the best in the Bay Area! Booming artist community breathing new life in to downtown. Many residents are community involved and optimistic about the great changes we are experiencing. Lovely old homes and scenic hills. It's not perfect, but its promising and flourishing.
    Read 271 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • D+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 119,644 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  2. Oakland

    • City in California
    • 247
    2 Most Diverse Cities in America

    Current Resident: Oakland is a diverse, resilient, and vibrant community. The city’s love for art and social justice is evident- there are murals on every block! Folks instill the beauty and power of art into their children and build social gatherings around it (i.e. Oakland Art & Wine Festival, Mural Festivals, Art Walks, and more!). It can be expensive to live here. The Tech Bubble has yet to burst, and unfortunately many Natives are slowly being pushed out farther and farther into the East Bay. Still, the folks who remain here aren’t going down without a fight. They support local businesses and they care deeply about EVERYONE in their city. They are the nicest people you will ever meet.
    Read 247 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 412,040 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  3. Sacramento

    • City in California
    • 416
    3 Most Diverse Cities in America

    Current Resident: Sacramento public schools are good for the most part. Some schools have drug issues and violence but most are alright. Commute time isn't great. Construction work and traffic are some of thest issues effecting commute time. Avoid rush hour if you can (around 7am and 5pm). Sacramento has some gang violence and has it's share of "ghetto" neighborhoods. Some areas, such as Oak Park and Meadowview should be avoided at all times, especially at night. Sac is family friendly if you stay out of violent neighborhoods. Houses and apartments in Sacramento are definitely affordable, especially when compared to a place like San Francisco. Sac is VERY diverse. In just about every street corner you will find an Asian, African american, etc. The jobs available in Sacramento are not plentiful. Jobs that were once available to teens are now being fulfilled by adults. Still, if you look around enough and have your eyes and eyes open, you just might find your dream job!
    Read 416 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 484,530 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  5. Jersey City

    • City in New Jersey
    • 161
    4 Most Diverse Cities in America

    Current Resident: The Overall Atmosphere is that of which is business oriented. If you plan on maintaining a job, this is the place for you. There are some scenic outlooks, overlooking the New York Skyline and many experiences to be had! Nestled between New York and Hoboken, there is a strong cultural pride that welcomes you to an interesting atmosphere.
    Read 161 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 261,666 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  6. Fairfield

    • City in California
    • 225
    5 Most Diverse Cities in America

    Current Resident: I have been born and raised in Fairfield. There is one unique thing about Fairfield that I love telling all of my friends. It is actually the home of the Jelly Belly Factory. It is not far from the city of San Francisco and is only a couple hours from the Sierras! I love the small town feel it has and love driving the backroads. Although it has grown since we first started living here, it has been a perfect place to grow up.
    Read 225 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 110,953 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  7. New York City

    • City in New York
    • 802
    6 Most Diverse Cities in America

    Nearby Resident: Growing up just 50 miles outside New York City, I have always been captivated by its ever growing and non stop culture. It truly is the city that never sleeps! The amount of diversity in evident everywhere from food, entertainment, schools, museums and architecture. There is always something for everybody of all ages! One thing I also love the most about New York City is how close it is to neighboring popular destinations such as upstate New York with its sprawling beautiful mountains and clean air. Just east of Manhattan you have Long Island, where you can find famous towns such as the Hamptons and Montauk. In such a short amount of time you can get to so many wonderful places.
    Read 802 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 8,461,961 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  10. Hayward

    • City in California
    • 138
    7 Most Diverse Cities in America

    Current Resident: Hayward is a welcoming city. It is home to my university, California State University - East Bay (CSUEB). It serves a diverse community that cares about the environment and works to keep the city green. The Keep Hayward Clean and Green organization lends a helping hand by voluntarily picking up trash and waste around the city. CSUEB students also take a part volunteering for that effort as well every October for Make a Difference Day. The city has potential to thrive given the downtown area is undergoing a transformation by bringing new and fantastic things, such as a new library and an enhanced shopping center. Currently, there are many housing properties in development. However, given the city rests directly on a fault line, it is extremely earthquake prone and there is a need to remodel and retrofit older housing complexes, as evident in appearance. Other than this, the city is beautiful!
    Read 138 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 154,507 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  11. Long Beach

    • City in California
    • 459
    8 Most Diverse Cities in America

    Current Resident: Long Beach may not be a busy city like Los Angeles but there are many opportunities for exploration! Public transportation is efficient and inexpensive. For about $1.25 the Long Beach Transit bus can take you from one side of the city to the next within thirty to forty-five minutes. There are plenty of activities to choose from visiting the Queen Mary for a few hours trip or checking-in overnight, walk along the Pike and eat at the nearby restaurants, explore the sea creatures within the Aquarium of the Pacific, and enjoy a nice walk or play sports at El Dorado Park.
    Read 459 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 469,793 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  12. Stockton

    • City in California
    • 660
    9 Most Diverse Cities in America

    Current Resident: I love my city no matter how many bad things you may hear about us, We strive to improve! Our downtown area had been under construction remodeling and transforming into something great again. We maybe have a bad reputation in Stockton, ca but let’s be honest every city has atleast one or two bad neighborhoods. The only difference is that we are not afraid to say we have made mistakes, and we know what we need to do to improve our city! Think about this if Stockton, ca was really that bad of a city, then why has our Property values increased so much, Hundreds of new warehouses being built at this very moment. With new jobs opening every day. so many new opportunities that we have hundreds of people moving into Stockton, Ca from many different regions, places such as Oakland, San Francisco, San Jose, etc. I hope this short review was able to help you decide to come and see our amazing local agricultural culture and spend some time with us at the famous Asparagus festival.
    Read 660 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B-
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 301,443 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  14. Pasadena

    • City in California
    • 133
    10 Most Diverse Cities in America

    Niche User: Pasadena is the perfect city for singles, couples and families alike. Situated in the Suburbs of Los Angeles County, this city has the perfect weather and atmosphere. Beautiful houses and amazing apartments and condos. There are many areas full of great restaurants and shopping while having access to major freeways. With such beautiful landscapes and buildings it is perfect for walking and hanging out around the city safely. A great city to live!
    Read 133 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 140,268 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  15. Chicago

    • City in Illinois
    • 1,396
    11 Most Diverse Cities in America

    Current Resident: I absolutely love living here! I couldn't imagine living anywhere else. The city is easy to maneuver, has incredibly comprehensive public transportation, and diverse neighborhoods for whatever kind of person you may be. For a major metropolitan area, rent is relatively low as well. Yes, the weather can get quite cold, but it's well worth it to be in a place where something is always happening!

    There is also a lot of opportunity for people looking for work, especially recent grads. A lot of start ups are here, which gives a lot of opportunity to find work in a large range of industries. There are a lot of places to look for work, whether you're looking for something full time or temporary.

    Summers in Chicago are also a blast! People are so excited for the nice weather that there are a ton of street festivals and outdoor events. The beaches are also quite nice and there are several, whether you're headed to the energetic Oak St. Beach or the more relaxed Montrose Beach.
    Read 1,396 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 2,714,017 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  16. Kent

    • City in Washington
    • 118
    12 Most Diverse Cities in America

    Current Resident: Coming down the street you notice every corner Hispanic and Thai restaurants and markets; the local downtown area houses buildings created in the 1800's still standing and being used today. During the summer is the greatest! Every weekend a farmers market opens up and for almost two miles downtown every small business and upcoming business and artists sell their wares and share their experiences and joy of living and working in this area. The local high school has been named the most diverse in the nation; between Grandma's Thai restaurant and a small local Japanese couple taking only cash for their amazing sushi rolls Kent has always been a wonderful place to live and enjoy. Outside of the cozy downtown you will notice a large 20 mile square area of professional businesses and a local Amazon warehouse offering many jobs opportunity's for any locals in the area.
    Read 118 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 125,492 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  19. Irving

    • City in Texas
    • 572
    13 Most Diverse Cities in America

    Current Resident: Irving has such a diverse atmosphere not only in the public schools but community held events. Which get people outside of their homes to meet the other community members, in the 18 years I have been living here this new experience they brought is phenomenal and I hope they continue to do this for years to come. My favorite was the Christmas Jubilee where companies in the community came out and served food for free as well as holding different activities for younger kids and teenagers. I was amazed by the turn out yet to realize Irving is such a diverse place filled with different cultures that should be embraced!
    Read 572 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 232,013 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  20. Arlington

    • City in Texas
    • 729
    14 Most Diverse Cities in America

    Current Resident: Arlington, Texas's geographical location is perfect for individuals wanting to between Dallas and Fort Worth! Allowing a short drive east or west to either city to find more fun and work. Arlington is well known for being the home of the Texas Rangers Stadium and the Dallas Cowboys Stadium. Creating an eventful location filled with countless restaurants and attractions such as Six Flags over Texas and Hurricane Harbor. Since the city has numerous attractions individuals tend to gravitate and spend money in Arlington providing the city with a steady flow of income. Which in turn results in the area being policed and governed properly and efficiently. The neighborhood here is genuinely quiet compared to that of Fort Worth and Dallas, even with all of the traffic from both cities.
    Read 729 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 383,899 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  21. San Diego

    • City in California
    • 489
    15 Most Diverse Cities in America

    Current Resident: San Diego is one of those cities that will always feel like home at the end of the day. If you tour downtown you have the opportunity to feel like you are on a vacation! You can explore Coronado, go sailing in the Pacific Ocean, and eat ice cream along the streets that are lit up with gorgeous lights. Pacific Beach is crowded with college aged california surfers and people looking for a good time. There are so many fun activities you will never be bored here! If nothing at all you will leave with a gorgeous sun tan.
    Read 489 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 1,374,812 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  22. San Jose

    • City in California
    • 595
    16 Most Diverse Cities in America

    Current Resident: San Jose is an absolutely beautiful, diverse, and peaceful place to reside! The food and the people are great and the whole vibe and aura is like no other place. Our communities unite when necessary and serve as a support system for each other. It is definitely a warm and welcoming place that I wouldn't change for the world. Any person would be fortunate to live in such an amazing city. We also have many other wonderful cities in our outskirts for tourists and simply just to enjoy a day out in the town. If you love meeting people and learning about various cultures, this is the place for you!
    Read 595 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 1,009,363 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  23. Houston

    • City in Texas
    • 2,726
    17 Most Diverse Cities in America

    Current Resident: I like Houston because it is very fun and diverse.I have lived in Houston my entire life and absolutely love it. There are great opportunities, exciting nightlife in the middle of downtown, very talented sports teams (World Series Champion Houston Astros) and so much more. There are many growing suburbs and newly developing suburbs of Houston with beautiful neighborhoods that are great for raising families. There are many activities to do in Houston as well, ranging from shopping at the Houston premium outlets for great deals or the Galleria if you're looking for more expensive designer shopping experiences, too many concerts, to the infinite choices of phenomenal restaurants on every corner! Houston is the place to be!
    Read 2,726 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 2,240,582 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  26. Killeen

    • City in Texas
    • 409
    18 Most Diverse Cities in America

    Former Resident: Killeen is always changing and growing to accommodate its' people. As it is always bringing in new Soldiers every day, the establishments are adapting to make sure they satisfy their needs. Bell County Expo is fantastic! The concerts and events that are provide for the people are amazing!
    Read 409 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 138,745 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  27. Boston

    • City in Massachusetts
    • 467
    19 Most Diverse Cities in America

    Visitor: For the past 20 years, I have enjoyed visiting Boston from my original home in New Hampshire, and now, from my home in central Maine. As a native New Yorker, I love the hometown atmosphere, helpful people, ease of public transportation, and the cultural diversity. From late summer 20 16, I have spent weeks and months at a time seeking medical treatment in Boston. I have found the taxi drivers, police, and people on the streets to be kind and supportive, offering assistance as well as clear directions. I also love Chinatown, with fantastic herb stores, gift shops and authentic restaurants. I'm going back to Boston for follow-up appointments, and I am looking forward to spending more time in this wonderful city!
    Read 467 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B-
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 658,279 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  28. Torrance

    • City in California
    • 158
    20 Most Diverse Cities in America

    Current Resident: Amazing city where you feel comfortable all the time. Not too far from LA, but far enough to calm down from the mainstream city's chaos. Everyone is very friendly and knows their way around the city. There are many stores for shopping, eating out, or entertainment. Their education system is very good as well. A very well rounded city in general!
    Read 158 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 147,307 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  29. Dallas

    • City in Texas
    • 585
    21 Most Diverse Cities in America

    Current Resident: Dallas will always be my home. There is so much to do, whether you are downtown or in any of the suburbs such as Richardson, Plano, or Arlington. Downtown has an amazing nightlife, especially near Elm Street. The food is outstanding and in my neighborhood of Preston Hollow, I have always felt safe. There are night watch/police cars always patrolling the city which makes me feel a lot safer. The schools are pretty amazing, public and private. Although where I have been located hasn't been the most diverse, downtown is very diverse. I love the Perot museum and the Dallas Museum of Art. Klyde Warren Park is also very fun in the fall and spring, with all the affordable food trucks! Traffic can be hard to deal with though, I feel like there is always construction on 635 and LBJ.
    Read 585 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 1,278,433 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  30. Charlotte

    • City in North Carolina
    • 592
    22 Most Diverse Cities in America

    Current Resident: I've lived here for almost all my life and it's really nice! The city is very diverse and affordable, with a lot of cool stuff to do! The Imaginon Children's Library is an amazing place for children, especially. Food is always top notch here as well; The Midwood BBQ, especially, stands out. Vietnamese food is also pretty good around here; a little outside of the city itself is an AMAZING Vietnamese place called Doan's, on South Boulevard. Their pho is so good. In Charlotte, however, there is one shooting every night in the city. That's the worst thing about it, though. Overall, I really recommend it here!
    Read 592 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 808,834 Population
    View Nearby Homes
  31. Review Your Area

  32. New Haven

    • City in Connecticut
    • 57
    23 Most Diverse Cities in America

    Current Resident: New Haven has wonderful food and is littered with a smattering of excellent restaurants fueled by the local population of Yalies. It is made up of a community of people who have often faced great adversity but are dedicated to bettering themselves. There are some messy moments that come with living in new haven because of this, but New Haven is devoted to students and promoting higher education. Programs like LEAP, Higher Heights, partnerships with local colleges like Yale, Gateway, Southern, and Quinnipiac, and the New Haven Promise Scholarship create hope for a better future for children attending schools in New Haven. Additionally, New Haven's population is diverse and exciting. The combination of people from a variety of different backgrounds means there is never a dull moment.
    Read 57 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C-
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 130,405 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  33. West Palm Beach

    • City in Florida
    • 296
    24 Most Diverse Cities in America

    Current Resident: I moved to Florida in 2014 on my own. My family is still in Brooklyn, New York; where I was born. I came down to Florida to go to college and to gain independence away from home. I got situated in Florida relatively quickly. I made a lot of friends and I have lived in a couple different apartments which I liked very much. The driving is sometimes a little bit rough, especially on 95. It is typically pretty crowded on the roads. But overall, I have lived in Florida for almost four years and I do like it very much. But what tops it all off is that I do very much like the weather!
    Read 296 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 104,978 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  34. Fort Worth

    • City in Texas
    • 1,838
    25 Most Diverse Cities in America

    Current Resident: Cowtown, Panther City, Funkytown or whatever you call it, Fort Worth is the best home town I could ever ask for. What makes Fort Worth so unique is the sense of community the entire city has and how genuinely kind the people are. You will commonly see strangers graciously helping each other. Even the drivers are more considerate than in our sister city of Dallas! I also love Fort Worth for its focus on the arts and activities. With places like the Stockyards, Fort Worth Zoo, Bass Performance Hall, Modern Art Museum, Omni Theater, and Historic Downtown, Fort Worth has many unique options for entertainment for people of all ages!
    However, I would like to see the public education system be improved. Currently, Texas has one of the worst public education systems in the entire country despite having many extremely good private and charter schools. I would also like to see more of Historic downtown restored so that the north and northeast part of town carry less of a stigma.
    Read 1,838 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 815,930 Population
    View Nearby Homes
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