28 • May | June 2026 • abasto.com Colombians in the United States Data from the Migration Policy Institute (MPI) reveals the profile of Colombians living in the United States. In 2021, approximately 855,000 Colombian immigrants resided in the U.S., representing about 2% of the overall 45.3 million U.S. immigrants and making them the largest group from South America. Nearly one in four South American immigrants in the United States is from Colombia. Location Lengauge As of the 2017–21 period, nearly six out of ten Colombian immigrants lived in one of three states: Florida (35%), New York (13%), and New Jersey (11%). The highest concentrations of Colombian immigrants are found in the New York, Miami, Orlando, Houston, and Tampa metropolitan areas. Almost all Colombian immigrants speak a language other than English as their primary tongue. 8% of Colombian immigrants over the age of 5 speak only English at home. 53% reported speaking English less than “very well,” compared to 46% of the overall foreign-born population. Age, Education, and Employment 49 is the median age for Colombians, compared to 47 for all immigrants and 37 for the U.S.-born population. 35% reported holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. 77% f Colombian immigrants are of working age, compared to 59% of the U.S.-born population. Management, business, science, and arts are the most common occupations among Colombians. Useful data