Overview

As of the latest U.S. Census Bureau data (American Community Survey 5-year estimates, 2020 to 2024), about 228,504 people in the United States report Albanian ancestry. New York has the largest Albanian population, followed by Michigan, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Florida.

This page is the state and city breakdown. For the national count and why it undercounts the community, read how many Albanians live in the USA.

The Albanian-American community is one of the most established diaspora groups in the United States, with roots going back over a century. The Census ancestry count includes only people who report “Albanian” ancestry specifically, and does not include ethnic Albanians who report their origin as Kosovo, North Macedonia, or Montenegro.

States with the Largest Albanian Populations

New York is home to the largest Albanian-American community, but sizable populations stretch across the Northeast and Midwest. Below are the states with the most Albanian residents by U.S. Census ancestry count, each linked to its full community guide and its live directory of Albanian-owned businesses.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates, 2020 to 2024, Table B04006 (people reporting Albanian ancestry). These are self-reported ancestry figures and undercount the community: they count only people who report “Albanian” ancestry specifically, and do not include ethnic Albanians who report their origin as Kosovo, North Macedonia, or Montenegro. For a demographic profile of the community, see the Harvard Kennedy School Growth Lab study.

Immigration Waves

Albanian immigration to the US has come in several distinct waves. The earliest settlers arrived in the late 1800s and early 1900s, primarily from southern Albania, settling in Boston, New York, and industrial cities. A second wave came after World War II, including political refugees from the communist regime. The largest wave came in the 1990s during and after the Kosovo War, bringing hundreds of thousands of Kosovar Albanians to the United States. Read our full article on Albanian immigration history.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Albanians live in the United States?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau data (American Community Survey 5-year estimates, 2020 to 2024), about 228,504 people in the United States report Albanian ancestry. This ancestry figure counts only those who report “Albanian” specifically, and does not include ethnic Albanians who report their origin as Kosovo, North Macedonia, or Montenegro.

Which US state has the largest Albanian population?

New York has the largest Albanian population in the United States, concentrated in the Bronx, Queens, and Westchester County. Michigan (metro Detroit) has the second largest, followed by Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Florida.

Where do most Albanians live in America?

Most Albanian Americans live in the Northeast and Midwest. The largest communities are in the New York City metro area, metro Detroit, greater Boston, northern New Jersey, and Chicago.

How many Albanians live in New York?

New York is home to the largest Albanian community in the country, with roughly 57,000 residents of Albanian ancestry recorded by the Census (2020-2024), concentrated in the Bronx, Queens (Astoria), and Westchester County (Yonkers).

Are there more Albanians in the US than the Census reports?

The Census counts about 228,504 people who report “Albanian” ancestry. This measures only those who report “Albanian” specifically, so it does not include ethnic Albanians who report their origin as Kosovo, North Macedonia, or Montenegro, meaning a single ancestry count does not capture the entire ethnic-Albanian community.

Related Guides

Explore Albanian communities in the states and cities with the largest populations:

Related Resources

• Albanian Community Organizations
• Albanian Churches & Mosques
• Albanian Events in America
• Albanian Business Directory, verified Albanian-owned businesses nationwide