The most diverse states in the U.S. are Texas and California, according to a new study from WalletHub.

What You Need To Know

  • California and Texas are the two most diverse states in the U.S., according to a WalletHub study

  • The rankings are based on categories such as socioeconomic, cultural, economic, household, religious and political diversity

  • In the Golden State, 28% of residents speak Spanish at home and almost 10% speak languages spoken in Asia or the Pacific Islands. Just 56% of residents speak only English at home, making the state No. 1 in linguistic diversity
  • The Lone Star State is the fourth most racially and ethnically diverse in the U.S., with a population that is approximately 40% white, 40% Hispanic, 12% Black and 5% Asian

  • Both states are some of the most diverse when it comes to industry. Texas ranks No. 1 in the category, having a large range of jobs for residents to choose from, while California follows closely behind at No. 4

California is the most diverse state in the nation, while Texas stands at No. 2. When broken down, the rankings are based on categories such as socioeconomic, cultural, economic, household, religious and political diversity.

In the Golden State, 28% of residents speak Spanish at home and almost 10% speak languages spoken in Asia or the Pacific Islands. Just 56% of residents speak only English at home, making the state No. 1 in linguistic diversity.

Texas follows closely behind, standing at No. 3 in linguistic diversity. Around 35% of residents speak a language other than English at home.

The Lone Star State is also the fourth most racially and ethnically diverse in the U.S., with a population that is approximately 40% white, 40% Hispanic, 12% Black and 5% Asian.

Source: WalletHub

Both states’ rankings are likely due in part to their proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border and large populations, the study points out. 

But as WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said, diversity isn’t just about a state’s ethnic or racial makeup.

“Race and gender are probably the first things that come to mind when people think about diversity, but there’s plenty more that makes this nation diverse,” Lupo said. “The most diverse states have above-average variety when it comes to people’s ages, birthplaces, languages, jobs, family structures and more. Moving to a diverse state can be an extremely enriching experience as it exposes you to new ideas and new ways of living.”

California and Texas are some of the most diverse when it comes to industry. Texas ranks No. 1 in the category, having a large range of jobs for residents to choose from, while California follows closely behind at No. 4.

Texas also ranks high in religious diversity (No. 3) and household size diversity (No. 4) when compared to the rest of the U.S.

California is No. 2 in both educational attainment diversity and household size diversity.

Here is the full top 10 ranking for overall diversity:

  1. California
  2. Texas
  3. Florida
  4. New Mexico
  5. Hawaii
  6. Nevada
  7. New Jersey
  8. New York
  9. Maryland
  10. Arizona