USA
Telugu Population in the US Grows Four-Fold in Eight Years, Language Among Most-Spoken. The Telugu-speaking population in the US has surged dramatically, growing from 320,000 in 2016 to 1.23 million in 2024. This remarkable increase makes Telugu the 11th most-spoken foreign language in the US and the third most-spoken Indian language, following Hindi and Gujarati.
Concentration of Telugu Speakers
California leads with nearly 200,000 Telugu-speaking residents, followed by Texas with 150,000 and New Jersey with 110,000. Other states with significant Telugu communities include Illinois (83,000), Virginia (78,000), and Georgia (52,000).
Statistical Insights
According to the Statistical Atlas of the US, based on US Census Bureau data, this growth encompasses both fourth-generation immigrants and recent students. The Centre for Immigration reported that the number of Telugu speakers among US residents rose by 86% between 2010 and 2017, with Telugu emerging as the fastest-growing language in the country.
New Arrivals and Community Integration
Each year, between 60,000 and 70,000 students and around 10,000 H-1B visa holders from Telugu-speaking regions arrive in the US. Ashok Kolla, former secretary of the Telugu Association of North America, told TOI that 80% of these newcomers register with his organization, and about 75% eventually settle in cities like Dallas, the Bay Area, North Carolina, New Jersey, Atlanta, Florida, and Nashville.
Demographic Composition
The Telugu community in the US comprises a blend of older entrepreneurs and a younger generation primarily working in IT and finance. According to the Indian Mobility Report 2024, students from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh make up 12.5% of the Indian student population in the US.
Cultural Presence
The cultural presence of the Telugu community is evident in various institutions. For instance, Kent State University includes greetings in Telugu in their welcome pamphlets for new students, reflecting the growing influence and integration of the Telugu-speaking population in American society reports TOI.
The exponential growth of the Telugu-speaking population in the US underscores the increasing influence and cultural integration of this community. As the numbers continue to rise, the Telugu language and culture are poised to play a significant role in the diverse tapestry of American life.
