Ethnicity and Immigration in Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County remains the most populous and ethnically diverse county in the United States, with a population of approximately 9.76 million as of July 2024. Nearly 33.4% of the county’s residents are foreign-born, highlighting its status as a major global hub for diverse diaspora communities.

Broad Ethnic Breakdown (2024 Estimates)

The population is characterized by a significant Hispanic majority and a large Asian plurality.

Ethnicity	Percentage	Approx. Population
Hispanic or Latino (any race)	48.8%	4.76 Million
White (Non-Hispanic)	25.0%	2.44 Million
Asian	16.4%	1.60 Million
Black or African American	8.9%	868,000
Two or More Races	3.5%	341,000
American Indian / Alaska Native	1.7%	166,000
Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander	0.4%	39,000

Major Diaspora & Immigrant Groups

Los Angeles County is home to some of the largest diaspora populations in the world outside of their respective home countries.

• Mexico: By far the largest group, with over 3.9 million people of Mexican origin in the broader region.

• The Philippines: Roughly 850,000 residents, making it the largest Filipino diaspora in the U.S. They are heavily concentrated in areas like Historic Filipinotown.

• China/Taiwan: Over 800,000 residents, with significant enclaves in the San Gabriel Valley (the “626”) and Chinatown.

• El Salvador: Approximately 450,000 residents—the largest Salvadoran community outside of San Salvador.

• Korea: Host to the largest Korean diaspora in the Western world, primarily centered in Koreatown.

• Armenia: Los Angeles (specifically Glendale and Little Armenia) contains the largest Armenian population outside of Armenia itself.

• Iran: Known as “Tehrangeles,” the Westside and Beverly Hills house the largest Persian community outside of Iran.

Key Trends

• Foreign-Born Growth: The percentage of foreign-born residents has remained steady at around one-third of the total population. However, the primary origin of new arrivals has shifted toward Asia (46%) over Latin America (36%) in recent years.

• Language Diversity: Over 55% of residents aged 5 and older speak a language other than English at home. Spanish is the most common, followed by Chinese, Tagalog, and Korean.

• Demographic Shift: While the total population has seen a slight decline (approx. -2.6% since 2020), the Asian and Hispanic populations have remained relatively stable as a share of the total.

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Focus on Persians: Demographics and Population

Los Angeles County is home to the largest Persian (Iranian) diaspora in the world outside of Iran. Often centered in the cultural enclave known as “Tehrangeles,” the community is a major pillar of the region’s identity, economy, and arts scene.

Population Statistics

While estimates vary depending on whether they include first-generation immigrants or their descendants, the numbers highlight a massive concentration in Southern California:

• LA Metro Area: Approximately 230,000 to 300,000 people of Persian ancestry live in and around Los Angeles.

• California Totals: Nearly half of all Iranian Americans—roughly 375,000—reside in California.

• Growth: The national Iranian-American population has grown by over 53% since 2000, with much of that growth centered in the communities surrounding LA.

“Tehrangeles” and Cultural Geography

The heart of the community is often associated with the Westside, but the diaspora has expanded significantly across the county and into neighboring regions.

• Persian Square: Located at the intersection of Westwood Boulevard and Wilkins Avenue, this area was officially designated by the city to recognize the heavy concentration of Persian businesses, bookstores, and restaurants.

• Key Neighborhoods:

  • Westside: Westwood (Little Persia), Beverly Hills, Century City, and Brentwood.

  • San Fernando Valley: Encino, Tarzana, and Woodland Hills.

  • Regional Hubs: Large communities also exist in Glendale (particularly Persian Armenians) and Irvine in Orange County.

Community Institutions & Landmarks

The diaspora is highly diverse, including Muslim, Jewish, Baháʼí, Zoroastrian, and Christian members, each with established institutions.

Historical Context

The most significant wave of immigration occurred after the 1979 Iranian Revolution. Many early arrivals were professionals, entrepreneurs, and intellectuals who chose Los Angeles because its climate, mountains, and car culture reminded them of Tehran. Since then, the community has become deeply integrated into LA’s political and economic life—notably evidenced by figures like Jimmy Delshad, the first Persian mayor of Beverly Hills.

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Conclusion: Diversity as a Foundation for Unity

The demographic landscape of Los Angeles County is more than a collection of statistics; it is a blueprint for multinational solidarity. For political organizing to be effective in such a complex environment, it must move beyond traditional boundaries and embrace a deep respect for cultural identity.

True progress in Los Angeles is built on the understanding that our various diaspora communities—from the streets of Koreatown to the heart of Tehrangeles—are not isolated silos. Instead, they are vital partners in a shared civic future. By prioritizing multinationalism and honoring the unique cultural heritage of every resident, we create a more inclusive and resilient political framework capable of advocating for all Angelenos.