The Hmong people come from the mountainous areas of Laos, a landlocked Southeast Asian country bordered by China, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. According to the 2000 Census, it is estimated that there are 190, 000 Hmong people in the United States. However, this may be a conservative figure. According to the Hmong National Development, Inc., it is estimated that there are almost 300,000 Hmong based on figures provided by local Hmong leaders and service organizations. California, Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Carolina, and Michigan are the states with the largest Hmong populations, respectively (see right graph). Most of the Hmong people came to the U.S. after the Vietnam War as refugees.
California is home to 39%, Minnesota to 24% and Wisconsin to 21% of all Hmong Americans. However, the states with the fastest growing emerging populations based on highest growth rates were Alaska, North and South Carolina, Mississippi, Wyoming, Nevada, Minnesota, South Dakota, Florida, and Michigan (see table below).
Emerging Populations
Hmong Americans 1990-2000
Top 10 States
