Dallas-Fort Worth: Emerging as a Hub for South Asians ‘Desi’ in America. In recent years, Dallas-Fort Worth has emerged as a significant hub for the South Asian community in the United States. This vibrant city, known for its rich cultural diversity and thriving economy, is now home to one of the largest South Asian populations in the country. According to the latest U.S. Census data, the South Asian population in Dallas-Fort Worth has increased by over 60% in the past decade, making it one of the fastest-growing ethnic groups in the area (U.S. Census Bureau).
Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex
The Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, commonly known as DFW or the Metroplex, is the most populous metropolitan area in Texas and the Southern United States, encompassing 11 counties and anchored by the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth. Officially designated as Dallas–Fort Worth–Arlington by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, it serves as the economic and cultural hub of North Texas. According to the 2020 U.S. Census, the population of the Dallas–Fort Worth–Arlington metropolitan statistical area was 7,637,387, making it the fourth-largest metropolitan area in the United States and the eleventh-largest in the Americas. By 2023, the population had grown to an estimated 8,100,037, marking the highest numerical growth of any metro area in the nation.
Economically, the Metroplex is diverse and robust, earning the nickname “Silicon Prairie” due to its strong presence in industries such as banking, commerce, insurance, telecommunications, technology, energy, healthcare, medical research, transportation, manufacturing, and logistics. As of 2022, it is home to 23 Fortune 500 companies, placing it fourth in the United States for the concentration of such companies, behind only New York City, Chicago, and Houston. In 2020, the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex had a gross domestic product (GDP) of over $620.6 billion, making it the fourth-largest metropolitan economy in the country. If it were a sovereign state, the Metroplex would have the twentieth-largest economy globally.
The region also boasts a high concentration of educational institutions, including the prestigious UT Southwestern Medical Center, which is home to six Nobel Laureates and ranks as the top healthcare institution in the world for biomedical sciences.
History of South Asians in Dallas
The history of South Asians in Dallas-Fort Worth dates back to the late 1960s and early 1970s, when the first wave of immigrants arrived in the city, primarily from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, seeking better educational and professional opportunities. These early settlers were often highly educated professionals, such as doctors, engineers, and academics, who found employment in Dallas’s growing industries, including healthcare, technology, and education (Dallas Historical Society). Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the South Asian population in Dallas-Fort Worth grew significantly due to changes in U.S. immigration laws, which allowed for an increased number of skilled professionals to migrate from South Asia (Pew Research Center). This growth was further fueled by the tech boom of the 1990s, which attracted many South Asians with expertise in IT and engineering to the Dallas-Fort Worth area (Dallas Regional Chamber). Today, South Asians have established a vibrant and influential community in Dallas-Fort Worth, contributing to the city’s cultural diversity and economic strength.
A Growing Community
The Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area is now home to more than 200,000 South Asians, including people of Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Nepali, and Sri Lankan descent (Pew Research Center). This growth is reflected in various aspects of life in Dallas, from the establishment of numerous South Asian businesses and restaurants to the increasing presence of cultural and religious institutions. For instance, the Indian community alone constitutes a substantial part of this demographic, with over 150,000 individuals residing in the region (Pew Research Center). This is a significant increase compared to previous decades when the South Asian presence was relatively small.
Economic Contributions
South Asians in Dallas-Fort Worth are not only increasing in number but also making substantial economic contributions. The community is known for its entrepreneurial spirit, with a significant number of South Asians owning and operating small to medium-sized businesses. These businesses span various industries, including technology, healthcare, retail, and hospitality. According to a report by the Dallas Regional Chamber, South Asians are responsible for generating over $5 billion in annual revenue in the Dallas area (Dallas Regional Chamber).
Key Industries
The South Asian community in Dallas-Fort Worth is active across a variety of industries. In the technology sector, South Asians hold prominent roles as engineers, IT professionals, and executives. Major tech companies in the Dallas area, such as Texas Instruments, AT&T, and Dell, have a significant number of South Asian employees, contributing to innovation and growth (Dallas Regional Chamber).
In the healthcare industry, South Asians make up a large portion of doctors, nurses, and healthcare administrators. The Texas Medical Association reports that a notable percentage of physicians in Texas are of South Asian descent, reflecting the community’s strong presence in medical professions (Texas Medical Association).
Additionally, South Asians have made inroads into the finance and real estate sectors. Many are employed as financial analysts, accountants, and real estate agents, helping to shape the economic landscape of Dallas. The presence of numerous South Asian-owned grocery stores, restaurants, and retail outlets also highlights the community’s active role in the local economy (Dallas Regional Chamber).
Cultural Impact
The cultural impact of the South Asian community in Dallas-Fort Worth is evident in the city’s events and institutions. The annual Dallas-Fort Worth South Asian Film Festival, which showcases the talents of South Asian filmmakers, has become a prominent event in the city’s cultural calendar (Dallas Regional Chamber). Additionally, the presence of several temples, mosques, and gurdwaras serves the spiritual needs of the South Asian population while also promoting cultural understanding and exchange within the broader Dallas community (Pew Research Center).
Educational Excellence
Education is a top priority for South Asians in Dallas-Fort Worth, reflected in the community’s high levels of educational attainment. According to the Pew Research Center, over 75% of Indian Americans hold at least a bachelor’s degree, with many pursuing advanced degrees in fields such as engineering, medicine, and business (Pew Research Center). This emphasis on education has led to the establishment of several cultural and educational organizations that support academic excellence among South Asian youth. For example, the Dallas chapter of the South Asian American Community Council offers scholarships and mentoring programs to help students achieve their academic goals (South Asian American Community Council).
Dallas-Fort Worth is rapidly becoming a center for South Asians in America, driven by a growing population, economic contributions, and cultural vibrancy. The city’s welcoming environment, combined with the entrepreneurial spirit and educational achievements of the South Asian community, positions Dallas-Fort Worth as a key hub for this diverse and dynamic group. As the South Asian population continues to grow, it is likely that their influence on the economic, cultural, and social fabric of Dallas-Fort Worth will only strengthen, making the city an even more vital part of America’s multicultural landscape.
By highlighting the rapid growth, economic contributions, and cultural impact of the South Asian community in Dallas-Fort Worth, it is clear that this vibrant city is becoming an essential hub for South Asians in America.
About the author
Dr. Shabana Parvez, MD, is the founder of Arlington Integrative Medical Center. She is board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine, the American Board of Emergency Medicine, and the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine. A dedicated member of the Academy of Integrative and Holistic Medicine, Dr. Parvez is currently pursuing a Diploma in Naturopathic Medicine from the College of Medicine and the Healing Arts in Leicester, UK. She is also certified in contemporary cupping skills, Hijama therapy, and leech therapy. Multilingual, Dr. Parvez is fluent in Spanish, French, Urdu, Hindi, and Arabic, enabling her to connect with a diverse range of patients. Also add she is a foodie and loves to create recipes , cook and experiment with recipe hacks that make food healthier
