Ever wondered which US states are home to the largest Jamaican communities? Jamaican Americans have made a remarkable impact on the cultural landscape of the United States, particularly in the eastern states. According to 2023 estimates from the Embassy of Jamaica in Washington, DC, here’s a closer look at the top 10 states where Jamaican Americans have settled.
1. New York
New York leads the list with over 315,000 Jamaican Americans, which is around 1.6% of the state’s population. The Big Apple is a cultural melting pot, and the Jamaican community has left an indelible mark on the city’s food, music, and business scene. You can feel the island’s influence throughout New York, especially in areas like Brooklyn and the Bronx.
2. Florida
Florida is home to the second-largest Jamaican population in the U.S., with over 311,000 residents identifying as Jamaican Americans. This accounts for about 1.4% of Florida’s population. From the vibrant streets of Miami to the sunny shores of Fort Lauderdale, Jamaican culture is deeply woven into the fabric of the Sunshine State.
3. Georgia
Georgia may surprise you with its large Jamaican community. With 71,085 Jamaican Americans, the state has become a hub for Caribbean culture, especially in Atlanta. The influence of Jamaican Americans is felt across various sectors, adding a unique charm to Georgia’s dynamic Southern culture.
4. New Jersey
More than 68,887 Jamaican Americans call the Garden State home. Known for its proximity to New York, New Jersey offers a suburban Caribbean experience, with cities like East Orange and Irvington brimming with Jamaican cultural influences.
5. Connecticut
Connecticut, while smaller in size, boasts the highest percentage of Jamaican Americans in the U.S.—around 1.6% of the population. Nearly 60,000 Jamaican Americans live here, bringing Caribbean warmth to New England’s cool climate. Cities like Hartford and Bridgeport are notable hubs of Jamaican culture in the state.
6. Maryland
With 47,180 Jamaican Americans, Maryland offers a unique blend of historical charm and cultural diversity. The state’s Jamaican population adds a vibrant Caribbean flavour, particularly in the Baltimore and DC metro areas.
7. California
From the bustling streets of Los Angeles to the tech-driven communities of Silicon Valley, California is home to 37,111 Jamaican Americans. The state’s multicultural environment provides the perfect backdrop for Jamaican Americans to thrive and contribute to the Golden State’s diverse cultural tapestry.
8. Pennsylvania
The Keystone State’s 36,148 citizens of Jamaican heritage have brought their rich culture to Pennsylvania, particularly in Philadelphia. Known for its deep history, the state’s Jamaican community adds to its cultural mosaic, creating a dynamic and diverse environment.
9. Massachusetts
Over 34,171 Jamaicans have settled in Massachusetts, adding Caribbean spirit to the state’s rich history and vibrant cities. From Boston to Cambridge, the presence of Jamaican culture is unmistakable in this New England state.
10. Texas
Texas rounds out the top 10 with 32,098 Jamaican Americans. Known for its Southern hospitality, the Lone Star State has embraced the island flair brought by its Jamaican residents, particularly in major cities like Houston and Dallas.
While these figures highlight the most populous Jamaican communities, it’s important to note that many Jamaicans, especially those who are undocumented, may not be fully accounted for. The Eastern United States is where the concentration is highest, with New York, Florida, and Connecticut being major hubs. Despite their relatively small percentage of the overall population, Jamaican Americans have made significant contributions to the U.S., particularly in music, sports, education, politics and business.
