The heated debate in the United States over immigration often raises questions about the economic value—or cost—of the nation's immigrants.
Some policymakers blame foreign-born workers for taking coveted jobs and slowing wage growth. Others argue that immigrants in the workforce fuel innovation; bring education, skills, and specializations; and make significant contributions to economic productivity. They use their wages to buy consumer goods, services, houses, and businesses that create jobs for other workers.
To look at which states benefit the most (and least) from immigration, Stacker looked at January 2020 rankings from WalletHub, a personal finance website, which compared the economic impact of foreign-born populations in the 50 U.S. states and Washington D.C. To do so, WalletHub analyzed 23 indicators such as immigrants' household income, their homeownership, the job their businesses generate, and jobs created by the economic contributions of international students. Data sources used for WalletHub's rankings include the U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, NAFSA: Association of International Educators, American Immigration Council, and Center for American Entrepreneurship. The rankings further look at states' shares of foreign-born workers, the number of work visas per capita, and income from immigrant-owned businesses.
Using such factors, WalletHub measured how much states benefit from their immigrant populations, the socioeconomic contributions of foreign-born residents, the brain gain of skills and experience provided by highly educated immigrants, and the economic role played by international students. By taking these four general categories, ranking them, and weighing all of the indicators within them, WalletHub calculated a total score for every state.
Keep reading to find out which state has benefited the most economically from its immigrant population and which state the least.
You may also like: States with the most diverse economies
You may also like: Richest states in America
1 / 51
#51. Mississippi
- Total WalletHub score: 15.32
- Immigrant workforce: #50
--- Immigrant workforce 16+: 3.1% (37,889 of total workers)
--- Work visas per capita: 251.64
--- Jobs generated by immigrant-owned businesses: 1.6% of total jobs
- Socioeconomic contribution rank: #48
--- Immigrant population: 69,752 (2.3% of total population)
--- Immigrant median annual household income: $46,442
--- Homes owned by immigrants: 13,518 (1.8% of total owned homes)
--- Immigrant-owned businesses income: 0.04% of total business revenues
- Brain gain & innovation rank: #49
--- Immigrants with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 13.6% of immigrant population age 25+
- International students rank: #49
--- International students enrolled in 2018-2019: 3,312
--- International student contribution to U.S. economy: $84.6 million
--- Jobs created or supported by international students: 863
2 / 51
#50. Wyoming
- Total WalletHub score: 17.88
- Immigrant workforce: #49
--- Immigrant workforce 16+: 4.2% (12,277 of total workers)
--- Work visas per capita: 159.67
--- Jobs generated by immigrant-owned businesses: 2.6% of total jobs
- Socioeconomic contribution rank: #35
--- Immigrant population: 20,276 (3.5% of total population)
--- Immigrant median annual household income: $49,045
--- Homes owned by immigrants: 4,550 (2.8% of total owned homes)
--- Immigrant-owned businesses income: 0.02% of total business revenues
- Brain gain & innovation rank: #51
--- Immigrants with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 12.8% of immigrant population age 25+
- International students rank: #45
--- International students enrolled in 2018-2019: 1,033
--- International student contribution to U.S. economy: $25.8 million
--- Jobs created or supported by international students: 211
3 / 51
#49. Idaho
- Total WalletHub score: 20.38
- Immigrant workforce: #45
--- Immigrant workforce 16+: 8.0% (61,680 of total workers)
--- Work visas per capita: 323.26
--- Jobs generated by immigrant-owned businesses: 2.3% of total jobs
- Socioeconomic contribution rank: #32
--- Immigrant population: 100,996 (6.0% of total population)
--- Immigrant median annual household income: $45,707
--- Homes owned by immigrants: 23,799 (5.6% of total owned homes)
--- Immigrant-owned businesses income: 0.08% of total business revenues
- Brain gain & innovation rank: #50
--- Immigrants with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 10.6% of immigrant population age 25+
- International students rank: #42
--- International students enrolled in 2018-2019: 3,429
--- International student contribution to U.S. economy: $82.8 million
--- Jobs created or supported by international students: 762
4 / 51
#48. Montana
- Total WalletHub score: 20.6
- Immigrant workforce: #51
--- Immigrant workforce 16+: 2.5% (12,522 of total workers)
--- Work visas per capita: 162.13
--- Jobs generated by immigrant-owned businesses: 1.7% of total jobs
- Socioeconomic contribution rank: #36
--- Immigrant population: 22,685 (2.2% of total population)
--- Immigrant median annual household income: $50,240
--- Homes owned by immigrants: 5,530 (1.9% of total owned homes)
--- Immigrant-owned businesses income: 0.08% of total business revenues
- Brain gain & innovation rank: #45
--- Immigrants with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 19.6% of immigrant population age 25+
- International students rank: #44
--- International students enrolled in 2018-2019: 1,581
--- International student contribution to U.S. economy: $52.5 million
--- Jobs created or supported by international students: 490
5 / 51
#47. South Dakota
- Total WalletHub score: 21.18
- Immigrant workforce: #44
--- Immigrant workforce 16+: 4.1% (18,321 of total workers)
--- Work visas per capita: 334.84
--- Jobs generated by immigrant-owned businesses: 1.2% of total jobs
- Socioeconomic contribution rank: #44
--- Immigrant population: 30,112 (3.5% of total population)
--- Immigrant median annual household income: $45,240
--- Homes owned by immigrants: 4,169 (1.8% of total owned homes)
--- Immigrant-owned businesses income: 0.01% of total business revenues
- Brain gain & innovation rank: #48
--- Immigrants with a bachelor's degree or higher: 13.9% of immigrant population age 25+
- International students rank: #40
--- International students enrolled in 2018-2019: 2,064
--- International student contribution to U.S. economy: $45.4 million
--- Jobs created or supported by international students: 320
You may also like: Jobs for Millennials that didn't exist for their parents
6 / 51
#46. Louisiana
- Total WalletHub score: 21.61
- Immigrant workforce: #41
--- Immigrant workforce 16+: 5.6% (113,124 of total workers)
--- Work visas per capita: 337.53
--- Jobs generated by immigrant-owned businesses: 2.5% of total jobs
- Socioeconomic contribution rank: #51
--- Immigrant population: 193,205 (4.1% of total population)
--- Immigrant median annual household income: $44,913
--- Homes owned by immigrants: 37,220 (3.3% of total owned homes)
--- Immigrant-owned businesses income: 0.05% of total business revenues
- Brain gain & innovation rank: #35
--- Immigrants with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 14.4% of immigrant population age 25+
- International students rank: #41
--- International students enrolled in 2018-2019: 7,428
--- International student contribution to U.S. economy: $264.9 million
--- Jobs created or supported by international students: 2,996
7 / 51
#45. Maine
- Total WalletHub score: 21.97
- Immigrant workforce: #46
--- Immigrant workforce 16+: 3.9% (25,716 of total workers)
--- Work visas per capita: 326.45
--- Jobs generated by immigrant-owned businesses: 2.1% of total jobs
- Socioeconomic contribution rank: #37
--- Immigrant population: 47,946 (3.6% of total population)
--- Immigrant median annual household income: $49,550
--- Homes owned by immigrants: 11,684 (2.9% of total owned homes)
--- Immigrant-owned businesses income: 0.06% of total business revenues
- Brain gain & innovation rank: #41
--- Immigrants with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 19.3% of immigrant population age 25+
- International students rank: #48
--- International students enrolled in 2018-2019: 1,335
--- International student contribution to U.S. economy: $51.1 million
--- Jobs created or supported by international students: 421
8 / 51
#44. South Carolina
- Total WalletHub score: 22.32
- Immigrant workforce: #43
--- Immigrant workforce 16+: 6.4% (143,227 of total workers)
--- Work visas per capita: 287.51
--- Jobs generated by immigrant-owned businesses: 2.9% of total jobs
- Socioeconomic contribution rank: #46
--- Immigrant population: 240,439 (4.9% of total population)
--- Immigrant median annual household income: $47,981
--- Homes owned by immigrants: 56,445 (4.3% of total owned homes)
--- Immigrant-owned businesses income: 0.06% of total business revenues
- Brain gain & innovation rank: #40
--- Immigrants with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 16.2% of immigrant population age 25+
- International students rank: #47
--- International students enrolled in 2018-2019: 6,064
--- International student contribution to U.S. economy: $205.9 million
--- Jobs created or supported by international students: 2,071
9 / 51
#43. West Virginia
- Total WalletHub score: 23.74
- Immigrant workforce: #47
--- Immigrant workforce 16+: 2.1% (15,495 of total workers)
--- Work visas per capita: 78.51
--- Jobs generated by immigrant-owned businesses: 1.5% of total jobs
- Socioeconomic contribution rank: #47
--- Immigrant population: 29,640 (1.6% of total population)
--- Immigrant median annual household income: $51,616
--- Homes owned by immigrants: 6,768 (1.3% of total owned homes)
--- Immigrant-owned businesses income: 0.04% of total business revenues
- Brain gain & innovation rank: #36
--- Immigrants with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 21.2% of immigrant population age 25+
- International students rank: #30
--- International students enrolled in 2018-2019: 4,152
--- International student contribution to U.S. economy: $131.7 million
--- Jobs created or supported by international students: 1,250
10 / 51
#42. Oklahoma
- Total WalletHub score: 24.67
- Immigrant workforce: #39
--- Immigrant workforce 16+: 8.3% (145,763 of total workers)
--- Work visas per capita: 155.99
--- Jobs generated by immigrant-owned businesses: 2.3% of total jobs
- Socioeconomic contribution rank: #40
--- Immigrant population: 234,536 (6.0% of total population)
--- Immigrant median annual household income: $44,136
--- Homes owned by immigrants: 51,021 (5.3% of total owned homes)
--- Immigrant-owned businesses income: 0.05% of total business revenues
- Brain gain & innovation rank: #43
--- Immigrants with a bachelor's degree or higher: 12.5% of immigrant population age 25+
- International students rank: #37
--- International students enrolled in 2018-2019: 7,935
--- International student contribution to U.S. economy: $262.5 million
--- Jobs created or supported by international students: 2,598
You may also like: Tariffs are quietly driving up drug prices—here's how it hurts you most
11 / 51
#41. New Mexico
- Total WalletHub score: 24.88
- Immigrant workforce: #31
--- Immigrant workforce 16+: 12.6% (111,178 of total workers)
--- Work visas per capita: 109.87
--- Jobs generated by immigrant-owned businesses: 3.0% of total jobs
- Socioeconomic contribution rank: #28
--- Immigrant population: 201,234 (9.6% of total population)
--- Immigrant median annual household income: $37,076
--- Homes owned by immigrants: 53,843 (10.3% of total owned homes)
--- Immigrant-owned businesses income: 0.13% of total business revenues
- Brain gain & innovation rank: #47
--- Immigrants with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 9.5% of immigrant population age 25+
- International students rank: #46
--- International students enrolled in 2018-2019: 3,208
--- International student contribution to U.S. economy: $91.0 million
--- Jobs created or supported by international students: 835
12 / 51
#40. Alabama
- Total WalletHub score: 25.28
- Immigrant workforce: #48
--- Immigrant workforce 16+: 4.8% (98,635 of total workers)
--- Work visas per capita: 121.14
--- Jobs generated by immigrant-owned businesses: 2.2% of total jobs
- Socioeconomic contribution rank: #49
--- Immigrant population: 168,111 (3.5% of total population)
--- Immigrant median annual household income: $45,516
--- Homes owned by immigrants: 36,685 (2.9% of total owned homes)
--- Immigrant-owned businesses income: 0.03% of total business revenues
- Brain gain & innovation rank: #27
--- Immigrants with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 16.2% of immigrant population age 25+
- International students rank: #38
--- International students enrolled in 2018-2019: 9,326
--- International student contribution to U.S. economy: $313.7 million
--- Jobs created or supported by international students: 3,164
13 / 51
#39. Tennessee
- Total WalletHub score: 25.34
- Immigrant workforce: #35
--- Immigrant workforce 16+: 6.7% (204,421 of total workers)
--- Work visas per capita: 256.33
--- Jobs generated by immigrant-owned businesses: 2.6% of total jobs
- Socioeconomic contribution rank: #45
--- Immigrant population: 334,062 (5.0% of total population)
--- Immigrant median annual household income: $47,866
--- Homes owned by immigrants: 64,229 (3.8% of total owned homes)
--- Immigrant-owned businesses income: 0.09% of total business revenues
- Brain gain & innovation rank: #37
--- Immigrants with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 16.8% of immigrant population age 25+
- International students rank: #43
--- International students enrolled in 2018-2019: 9,267
--- International student contribution to U.S. economy: $348.3 million
--- Jobs created or supported by international students: 4,358
14 / 51
#38. Arkansas
- Total WalletHub score: 25.8
- Immigrant workforce: #34
--- Immigrant workforce 16+: 7.0% (90,193 of total workers)
--- Work visas per capita: 370.02
--- Jobs generated by immigrant-owned businesses: 2.2% of total jobs
- Socioeconomic contribution rank: #41
--- Immigrant population: 142,480 (4.8% of total population)
--- Immigrant median annual household income: $44,286
--- Homes owned by immigrants: 31,705 (4.2% of total owned homes)
--- Immigrant-owned businesses income: 0.06% of total business revenues
- Brain gain & innovation rank: #38
--- Immigrants with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 11% of immigrant population age 25+
- International students rank: #39
--- International students enrolled in 2018-2019: 6,817
--- International student contribution to U.S. economy: $156.4 million
--- Jobs created or supported by international students: 1,409
15 / 51
#37. Utah
- Total WalletHub score: 25.93
- Immigrant workforce: #38
--- Immigrant workforce 16+: 11.5% (166,863 of total workers)
--- Work visas per capita: 293.17
--- Jobs generated by immigrant-owned businesses: 2.5% of total jobs
- Socioeconomic contribution rank: #30
--- Immigrant population: 256,560 (8.4% of total population)
--- Immigrant median annual household income: $52,976
--- Homes owned by immigrants: 53,224 (8.0% of total owned homes)
--- Immigrant-owned businesses income: 0.10% of total business revenues
- Brain gain & innovation rank: #44
--- Immigrants with a bachelor's degree or higher: 15.4% of immigrant population age 25+
- International students rank: #36
--- International students enrolled in 2018-2019: 7,946
--- International student contribution to U.S. economy: $219.3 million
--- Jobs created or supported by international students: 2,185
You may also like: How gas prices have changed in the U.S. in the last week Feb. 9, 2026
16 / 51
#36. Alaska
- Total WalletHub score: 28.36
- Immigrant workforce: #24
--- Immigrant workforce 16+: 10.5% (36,923 of total workers)
--- Work visas per capita: 492.07
--- Jobs generated by immigrant-owned businesses: 3.6% of total jobs
- Socioeconomic contribution rank: #15
--- Immigrant population: 57,399 (7.8% of total population)
--- Immigrant median annual household income: $68,862
--- Homes owned by immigrants: 11,345 (7.0% of total owned homes)
--- Immigrant-owned businesses income: 0.06% of total business revenues
- Brain gain & innovation rank: #46
--- Immigrants with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 18.8% of immigrant population age 25+
- International students rank: #51
--- International students enrolled in 2018-2019: 406
--- International student contribution to U.S. economy: $14.1 million
--- Jobs created or supported by international students: 110
17 / 51
#35. North Dakota
- Total WalletHub score: 29.95
- Immigrant workforce: #21
--- Immigrant workforce 16+: 4.7% (18,886 of total workers)
--- Work visas per capita: 438.45
--- Jobs generated by immigrant-owned businesses: 1.2% of total jobs
- Socioeconomic contribution rank: #29
--- Immigrant population: 29,629 (3.9% of total population)
--- Immigrant median annual household income: $50,150
--- Homes owned by immigrants: 3,903 (2.0% of total owned homes)
--- Immigrant-owned businesses income: 0.01% of total business revenues
- Brain gain & innovation rank: #42
--- Immigrants with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 20.6% of immigrant population age 25+
- International students rank: #35
--- International students enrolled in 2018-2019: 2,114
--- International student contribution to U.S. economy: $53.4 million
--- Jobs created or supported by international students: 471
18 / 51
#34. Nebraska
- Total WalletHub score: 30.11
- Immigrant workforce: #32
--- Immigrant workforce 16+: 8.4% (83,169 of total workers)
--- Work visas per capita: 291.27
--- Jobs generated by immigrant-owned businesses: 1.6% of total jobs
- Socioeconomic contribution rank: #27
--- Immigrant population: 133,424 (7.0% of total population)
--- Immigrant median annual household income: $47,943
--- Homes owned by immigrants: 25,519 (5.1% of total owned homes)
--- Immigrant-owned businesses income: 0.03% of total business revenues
- Brain gain & innovation rank: #34
--- Immigrants with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 12.2% of immigrant population age 25+
- International students rank: #24
--- International students enrolled in 2018-2019: 5,628
--- International student contribution to U.S. economy: $177.6 million
--- Jobs created or supported by international students: 1,738
19 / 51
#33. Vermont
- Total WalletHub score: 30.42
- Immigrant workforce: #28
--- Immigrant workforce 16+: 4.9% (16,230 of total workers)
--- Work visas per capita: 372.49
--- Jobs generated by immigrant-owned businesses: 3.2% of total jobs
- Socioeconomic contribution rank: #31
--- Immigrant population: 28,992 (4.6% of total population)
--- Immigrant median annual household income: $55,356
--- Homes owned by immigrants: 7,001 (3.8% of total owned homes)
--- Immigrant-owned businesses income: 0.06% of total business revenues
- Brain gain & innovation rank: #33
--- Immigrants with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 21.7% of immigrant population age 25+
- International students rank: #19
--- International students enrolled in 2018-2019: 1,692
--- International student contribution to U.S. economy: $80.6 million
--- Jobs created or supported by international students: 777
20 / 51
#32. Kentucky
- Total WalletHub score: 31.68
- Immigrant workforce: #36
--- Immigrant workforce 16+: 5.1% (100,151 of total workers)
--- Work visas per capita: 314.99
--- Jobs generated by immigrant-owned businesses: 1.6% of total jobs
- Socioeconomic contribution rank: #50
--- Immigrant population: 167,110 (3.8% of total population)
--- Immigrant median annual household income: $45,816
--- Homes owned by immigrants: 28,321 (2.5% of total owned homes)
--- Immigrant-owned businesses income: 0.07% of total business revenues
- Brain gain & innovation rank: #17
--- Immigrants with a bachelor's degree or higher: 16.3% of immigrant population age 25+
- International students rank: #21
--- International students enrolled in 2018-2019: 12,776
--- International student contribution to U.S. economy: $444.6 million
--- Jobs created or supported by international students: 3,195
You may also like: How gas prices have changed in the U.S. in the last week Oct. 23, 2025
21 / 51
#31. Iowa
- Total WalletHub score: 31.99
- Immigrant workforce: #33
--- Immigrant workforce 16+: 6.2% (99,970 of total workers)
--- Work visas per capita: 264.42
--- Jobs generated by immigrant-owned businesses: 1.5% of total jobs
- Socioeconomic contribution rank: #43
--- Immigrant population: 161,872 (5.2% of total population)
--- Immigrant median annual household income: $49,453
--- Homes owned by immigrants: 32,615 (3.7% of total owned homes)
--- Immigrant-owned businesses income: 0.03% of total business revenues
- Brain gain & innovation rank: #29
--- Immigrants with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 13.8% of immigrant population age 25+
- International students rank: #12
--- International students enrolled in 2018-2019: 12,624
--- International student contribution to U.S. economy: $409.7 million
--- Jobs created or supported by international students: 3,596
22 / 51
#30. Kansas
- Total WalletHub score: 33.09
- Immigrant workforce: #29
--- Immigrant workforce 16+: 9.1% (130,127 of total workers)
--- Work visas per capita: 214.80
--- Jobs generated by immigrant-owned businesses: 2.3% of total jobs
- Socioeconomic contribution rank: #38
--- Immigrant population: 206,683 (7.1% of total population)
--- Immigrant median annual household income: $49,387
--- Homes owned by immigrants: 45,998 (6.2% of total owned homes)
--- Immigrant-owned businesses income: 0.04% of total business revenues
- Brain gain & innovation rank: #25
--- Immigrants with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 13.5% of immigrant population age 25+
- International students rank: #23
--- International students enrolled in 2018-2019: 9,339
--- International student contribution to U.S. economy: $271.2 million
--- Jobs created or supported by international students: 2,507
23 / 51
#29. Wisconsin
- Total WalletHub score: 33.49
- Immigrant workforce: #40
--- Immigrant workforce 16+: 5.9% (174,612 of total workers)
--- Work visas per capita: 309.88
--- Jobs generated by immigrant-owned businesses: 1.8% of total jobs
- Socioeconomic contribution rank: #34
--- Immigrant population: 287,381 (5.0% of total population)
--- Immigrant median annual household income: $53,055
--- Homes owned by immigrants: 60,035 (3.8% of total owned homes)
--- Immigrant-owned businesses income: 0.04% of total business revenues
- Brain gain & innovation rank: #19
--- Immigrants with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 15.3% of immigrant population age 25+
- International students rank: #32
--- International students enrolled in 2018-2019: 13,067
--- International student contribution to U.S. economy: $448.5 million
--- Jobs created or supported by international students: 5,309
24 / 51
#28. Colorado
- Total WalletHub score: 33.9
- Immigrant workforce: #27
--- Immigrant workforce 16+: 12.0% (340,295 of total workers)
--- Work visas per capita: 401.64
--- Jobs generated by immigrant-owned businesses: 3.4% of total jobs
- Socioeconomic contribution rank: #24
--- Immigrant population: 542,977 (9.8% of total population)
--- Immigrant median annual household income: $54,100
--- Homes owned by immigrants: 115,451 (8.4% of total owned homes)
--- Immigrant-owned businesses income: 0.11% of total business revenues
- Brain gain & innovation rank: #26
--- Immigrants with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 15.8% of immigrant population age 25+
- International students rank: #31
--- International students enrolled in 2018-2019: 11,888
--- International student contribution to U.S. economy: $470.7 million
--- Jobs created or supported by international students: 6,029
25 / 51
#27. Ohio
- Total WalletHub score: 34.48
- Immigrant workforce: #30
--- Immigrant workforce 16+: 5.3% (295,489 of total workers)
--- Work visas per capita: 79.77
--- Jobs generated by immigrant-owned businesses: 2.3% of total jobs
- Socioeconomic contribution rank: #33
--- Immigrant population: 520,981 (4.5% of total population)
--- Immigrant median annual household income: $53,643
--- Homes owned by immigrants: 116,807 (3.8% of total owned homes)
--- Immigrant-owned businesses income: 0.05% of total business revenues
- Brain gain & innovation rank: #24
--- Immigrants with a bachelor's degree or higher: 21% of immigrant population age 25+
- International students rank: #16
--- International students enrolled in 2018-2019: 37,314
--- International student contribution to U.S. economy: $1.3 billion
--- Jobs created or supported by international students: 14,575
You may also like: Cheapest gas stations in every state Nov. 20, 2025
26 / 51
#26. New Hampshire
- Total WalletHub score: 35.12
- Immigrant workforce: #26
--- Immigrant workforce 16+: 6.7% (48,322 of total workers)
--- Work visas per capita: 327.25
--- Jobs generated by immigrant-owned businesses: 3.3% of total jobs
- Socioeconomic contribution rank: #22
--- Immigrant population: 81,287 (6.1% of total population)
--- Immigrant median annual household income: $68,926
--- Homes owned by immigrants: 19,157 (5.1% of total owned homes)
--- Immigrant-owned businesses income: 0.07% of total business revenues
- Brain gain & innovation rank: #30
--- Immigrants with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 21.5% of immigrant population age 25+
- International students rank: #18
--- International students enrolled in 2018-2019: 4,333
--- International student contribution to U.S. economy: $143.5 million
--- Jobs created or supported by international students: 1,786
27 / 51
#25. Oregon
- Total WalletHub score: 35.62
- Immigrant workforce: #25
--- Immigrant workforce 16+: 13.0% (252,281 of total workers)
--- Work visas per capita: 315.14
--- Jobs generated by immigrant-owned businesses: 4.5% of total jobs
- Socioeconomic contribution rank: #16
--- Immigrant population: 405,821 (9.9% of total population)
--- Immigrant median annual household income: $53,438
--- Homes owned by immigrants: 85,882 (8.7% of total owned homes)
--- Immigrant-owned businesses income: 0.15% of total business revenues
- Brain gain & innovation rank: #31
--- Immigrants with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 15.6% of immigrant population age 25+
- International students rank: #20
--- International students enrolled in 2018-2019: 11,373
--- International student contribution to U.S. economy: $427.4 million
--- Jobs created or supported by international students: 4,454
28 / 51
#24. Missouri
- Total WalletHub score: 35.64
- Immigrant workforce: #42
--- Immigrant workforce 16+: 5.1% (147,215 of total workers)
--- Work visas per capita: 284.14
--- Jobs generated by immigrant-owned businesses: 2.0% of total jobs
- Socioeconomic contribution rank: #42
--- Immigrant population: 247,788 (4.1% of total population)
--- Immigrant median annual household income: $51,412
--- Homes owned by immigrants: 53,489 (3.3% of total owned homes)
--- Immigrant-owned businesses income: 0.04% of total business revenues
- Brain gain & innovation rank: #16
--- Immigrants with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 18.6% of immigrant population age 25+
- International students rank: #15
--- International students enrolled in 2018-2019: 22,428
--- International student contribution to U.S. economy: $637.8 million
--- Jobs created or supported by international students: 7,572
29 / 51
#23. Indiana
- Total WalletHub score: 35.77
- Immigrant workforce: #37
--- Immigrant workforce 16+: 6.3% (200,009 of total workers)
--- Work visas per capita: 224.79
--- Jobs generated by immigrant-owned businesses: 1.8% of total jobs
- Socioeconomic contribution rank: #39
--- Immigrant population: 341,915 (5.2% of total population)
--- Immigrant median annual household income: $47,535
--- Homes owned by immigrants: 74,158 (4.2% of total owned homes)
--- Immigrant-owned businesses income: 0.04% of total business revenues
- Brain gain & innovation rank: #23
--- Immigrants with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 15.7% of immigrant population age 25+
- International students rank: #8
--- International students enrolled in 2018-2019: 29,083
--- International student contribution to U.S. economy: $985.4 million
--- Jobs created or supported by international students: 11,324
30 / 51
#22. North Carolina
- Total WalletHub score: 37.84
- Immigrant workforce: #23
--- Immigrant workforce 16+: 10.8% (502,986 of total workers)
--- Work visas per capita: 585.60
--- Jobs generated by immigrant-owned businesses: 3.2% of total jobs
- Socioeconomic contribution rank: #25
--- Immigrant population: 799,616 (7.9% of total population)
--- Immigrant median annual household income: $48,123
--- Homes owned by immigrants: 176,269 (6.9% of total owned homes)
--- Immigrant-owned businesses income: 0.12% of total business revenues
- Brain gain & innovation rank: #18
--- Immigrants with a bachelor's degree or higher: 16.6% of immigrant population age 25+
- International students rank: #34
--- International students enrolled in 2018-2019: 21,954
--- International student contribution to U.S. economy: $722.3 million
--- Jobs created or supported by international students: 9,043
You may also like: Risk management for fuel resellers and end users
31 / 51
#21. Minnesota
- Total WalletHub score: 40.69
- Immigrant workforce: #22
--- Immigrant workforce 16+: 9.9% (290,780 of total workers)
--- Work visas per capita: 393.91
--- Jobs generated by immigrant-owned businesses: 1.8% of total jobs
- Socioeconomic contribution rank: #21
--- Immigrant population: 461,758 (8.4% of total population)
--- Immigrant median annual household income: $54,894
--- Homes owned by immigrants: 85,919 (5.5% of total owned homes)
--- Immigrant-owned businesses income: 0.04% of total business revenues
- Brain gain & innovation rank: #14
--- Immigrants with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 18% of immigrant population age 25+
- International students rank: #26
--- International students enrolled in 2018-2019: 15,279
--- International student contribution to U.S. economy: $482.5 million
--- Jobs created or supported by international students: 4,497
32 / 51
#20. Rhode Island
- Total WalletHub score: 40.97
- Immigrant workforce: #20
--- Immigrant workforce 16+: 15.8% (83,601 of total workers)
--- Work visas per capita: 394.47
--- Jobs generated by immigrant-owned businesses: 2.9% of total jobs
- Socioeconomic contribution rank: #17
--- Immigrant population: 144,197 (13.7% of total population)
--- Immigrant median annual household income: $49,920
--- Homes owned by immigrants: 30,308 (12.2% of total owned homes)
--- Immigrant-owned businesses income: 0.04% of total business revenues
- Brain gain & innovation rank: #32
--- Immigrants with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 13.4% of immigrant population age 25+
- International students rank: #4
--- International students enrolled in 2018-2019: 5,376
--- International student contribution to U.S. economy: $263.7 million
--- Jobs created or supported by international students: 2,649
33 / 51
#19. Arizona
- Total WalletHub score: 42.62
- Immigrant workforce: #19
--- Immigrant workforce 16+: 17.1% (519,425 of total workers)
--- Work visas per capita: 393.02
--- Jobs generated by immigrant-owned businesses: 3.5% of total jobs
- Socioeconomic contribution rank: #13
--- Immigrant population: 933,152 (13.4% of total population)
--- Immigrant median annual household income: $45,328
--- Homes owned by immigrants: 227,611 (14.2% of total owned homes)
--- Immigrant-owned businesses income: 0.27% of total business revenues
- Brain gain & innovation rank: #28
--- Immigrants with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 12.8% of immigrant population age 25+
- International students rank: #17
--- International students enrolled in 2018-2019: 22,741
--- International student contribution to U.S. economy: $727.6 million
--- Jobs created or supported by international students: 8,745
34 / 51
#18. Georgia
- Total WalletHub score: 44.82
- Immigrant workforce: #16
--- Immigrant workforce 16+: 13.9% (658,184 of total workers)
--- Work visas per capita: 657.24
--- Jobs generated by immigrant-owned businesses: 4.2% of total jobs
- Socioeconomic contribution rank: #18
--- Immigrant population: 1,035,983 (10.1% of total population)
--- Immigrant median annual household income: $55,433
--- Homes owned by immigrants: 237,619 (10.2% of total owned homes)
--- Immigrant-owned businesses income: 0.16% of total business revenues
- Brain gain & innovation rank: #15
--- Immigrants with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 19% of immigrant population age 25+
- International students rank: #29
--- International students enrolled in 2018-2019: 23,623
--- International student contribution to U.S. economy: $850.6 million
--- Jobs created or supported by international students: 10,259
35 / 51
#17. Hawaii
- Total WalletHub score: 47.11
- Immigrant workforce: #12
--- Immigrant workforce 16+: 22.6% (153,404 of total workers)
--- Work visas per capita: 62.31
--- Jobs generated by immigrant-owned businesses: 6.4% of total jobs
- Socioeconomic contribution rank: #2
--- Immigrant population: 259,586 (18.3% of total population)
--- Immigrant median annual household income: $72,362
--- Homes owned by immigrants: 48,899 (18.4% of total owned homes)
--- Immigrant-owned businesses income: 0.38% of total business revenues
- Brain gain & innovation rank: #39
--- Immigrants with a bachelor's degree or higher: 18.9% of immigrant population age 25+
- International students rank: #27
--- International students enrolled in 2018-2019: 4,078
--- International student contribution to U.S. economy: $121.0 million
--- Jobs created or supported by international students: 1,011
You may also like: Cheapest gas stations in every state Dec. 4, 2025
36 / 51
#16. Nevada
- Total WalletHub score: 47.63
- Immigrant workforce: #11
--- Immigrant workforce 16+: 25.9% (354,349 of total workers)
--- Work visas per capita: 192.48
--- Jobs generated by immigrant-owned businesses: 5.1% of total jobs
- Socioeconomic contribution rank: #7
--- Immigrant population: 566,400 (19.4% of total population)
--- Immigrant median annual household income: $51,386
--- Homes owned by immigrants: 125,420 (20.9% of total owned homes)
--- Immigrant-owned businesses income: 0.38% of total business revenues
- Brain gain & innovation rank: #22
--- Immigrants with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 14.4% of immigrant population age 25+
- International students rank: #50
--- International students enrolled in 2018-2019: 2,520
--- International student contribution to U.S. economy: $80.8 million
--- Jobs created or supported by international students: 834
37 / 51
#15. Michigan
- Total WalletHub score: 49.35
- Immigrant workforce: #17
--- Immigrant workforce 16+: 8.0% (367,477 of total workers)
--- Work visas per capita: 430.12
--- Jobs generated by immigrant-owned businesses: 3.6% of total jobs
- Socioeconomic contribution rank: #20
--- Immigrant population: 671,105 (6.7% of total population)
--- Immigrant median annual household income: $57,471
--- Homes owned by immigrants: 175,128 (6.3% of total owned homes)
--- Immigrant-owned businesses income: 0.06% of total business revenues
- Brain gain & innovation rank: #6
--- Immigrants with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 20% of immigrant population age 25+
- International students rank: #14
--- International students enrolled in 2018-2019: 33,236
--- International student contribution to U.S. economy: $1.2 billion
--- Jobs created or supported by international students: 13,855
38 / 51
#14. Pennsylvania
- Total WalletHub score: 50.07
- Immigrant workforce: #18
--- Immigrant workforce 16+: 8.2% (502,606 of total workers)
--- Work visas per capita: 652.14
--- Jobs generated by immigrant-owned businesses: 3.1% of total jobs
- Socioeconomic contribution rank: #26
--- Immigrant population: 865,720 (6.8% of total population)
--- Immigrant median annual household income: $55,915
--- Homes owned by immigrants: 202,160 (5.8% of total owned homes)
--- Immigrant-owned businesses income: 0.09% of total business revenues
- Brain gain & innovation rank: #8
--- Immigrants with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 20% of immigrant population age 25+
- International students rank: #6
--- International students enrolled in 2018-2019: 51,818
--- International student contribution to U.S. economy: $2.1 billion
--- Jobs created or supported by international students: 27,530
39 / 51
#13. Texas
- Total WalletHub score: 50.23
- Immigrant workforce: #8
--- Immigrant workforce 16+: 22.0% (2,860,779 of total workers)
--- Work visas per capita: 563.70
--- Jobs generated by immigrant-owned businesses: 4.8% of total jobs
- Socioeconomic contribution rank: #11
--- Immigrant population: 4,736,692 (17.0% of total population)
--- Immigrant median annual household income: $49,239
--- Homes owned by immigrants: 1,123,161 (19.0% of total owned homes)
--- Immigrant-owned businesses income: 0.22% of total business revenues
- Brain gain & innovation rank: #20
--- Immigrants with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 14.2% of immigrant population age 25+
- International students rank: #25
--- International students enrolled in 2018-2019: 81,893
--- International student contribution to U.S. economy: $2.2 billion
--- Jobs created or supported by international students: 25,034
40 / 51
#12. Washington D.C.
- Total WalletHub score: 55.16
- Immigrant workforce: #14
--- Immigrant workforce 16+: 17.6% (64,929 of total workers)
--- Work visas per capita: 1043.39
--- Jobs generated by immigrant-owned businesses: 5.3% of total jobs
- Socioeconomic contribution rank: #23
--- Immigrant population: 96,158 (14.1% of total population)
--- Immigrant median annual household income: $78,329
--- Homes owned by immigrants: 15,301 (13.0% of total owned homes)
--- Immigrant-owned businesses income: 0.06% of total business revenues
- Brain gain & innovation rank: #12
--- Immigrants with a bachelor's degree or higher: 19% of immigrant population age 25+
- International students rank: #1
--- International students enrolled in 2018-2019: 12,545
--- International student contribution to U.S. economy: $587.4 million
--- Jobs created or supported by international students: 5,997
You may also like: How gas prices have changed in the U.S. in the last week Nov. 17, 2025
41 / 51
#11. Illinois
- Total WalletHub score: 55.18
- Immigrant workforce: #13
--- Immigrant workforce 16+: 17.9% (1,112,556 of total workers)
--- Work visas per capita: 608.42
--- Jobs generated by immigrant-owned businesses: 6.3% of total jobs
- Socioeconomic contribution rank: #14
--- Immigrant population: 1,797,717 (14.0% of total population)
--- Immigrant median annual household income: $59,716
--- Homes owned by immigrants: 453,289 (14.2% of total owned homes)
--- Immigrant-owned businesses income: 0.16% of total business revenues
- Brain gain & innovation rank: #11
--- Immigrants with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 18.1% of immigrant population age 25+
- International students rank: #7
--- International students enrolled in 2018-2019: 53,724
--- International student contribution to U.S. economy: $2.0 billion
--- Jobs created or supported by international students: 25,855
42 / 51
#10. Connecticut
- Total WalletHub score: 55.19
- Immigrant workforce: #10
--- Immigrant workforce 16+: 17.5% (316,283 of total workers)
--- Work visas per capita: 664.53
--- Jobs generated by immigrant-owned businesses: 5.2% of total jobs
- Socioeconomic contribution rank: #10
--- Immigrant population: 513,646 (14.3% of total population)
--- Immigrant median annual household income: $66,426
--- Homes owned by immigrants: 123,133 (13.6% of total owned homes)
--- Immigrant-owned businesses income: 0.19% of total business revenues
- Brain gain & innovation rank: #13
--- Immigrants with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 18.5% of immigrant population age 25+
- International students rank: #10
--- International students enrolled in 2018-2019: 14,832
--- International student contribution to U.S. economy: $588.9 million
--- Jobs created or supported by international students: 6,916
43 / 51
#9. Virginia
- Total WalletHub score: 55.35
- Immigrant workforce: #9
--- Immigrant workforce 16+: 16.3% (672,080 of total workers)
--- Work visas per capita: 545.21
--- Jobs generated by immigrant-owned businesses: 5.5% of total jobs
- Socioeconomic contribution rank: #12
--- Immigrant population: 1,038,160 (12.3% of total population)
--- Immigrant median annual household income: $77,502
--- Homes owned by immigrants: 228,132 (11.0% of total owned homes)
--- Immigrant-owned businesses income: 0.22% of total business revenues
- Brain gain & innovation rank: #9
--- Immigrants with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 22.4% of immigrant population age 25+
- International students rank: #28
--- International students enrolled in 2018-2019: 20,452
--- International student contribution to U.S. economy: $757.9 million
--- Jobs created or supported by international students: 9,143
44 / 51
#8. Florida
- Total WalletHub score: 57.48
- Immigrant workforce: #2
--- Immigrant workforce 16+: 26.1% (2,412,994 of total workers)
--- Work visas per capita: 379.07
--- Jobs generated by immigrant-owned businesses: 8.6% of total jobs
- Socioeconomic contribution rank: #3
--- Immigrant population: 4,227,210 (20.5% of total population)
--- Immigrant median annual household income: $47,351
--- Homes owned by immigrants: 978,987 (19.8% of total owned homes)
--- Immigrant-owned businesses income: 0.36% of total business revenues
- Brain gain & innovation rank: #21
--- Immigrants with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 17.2% of immigrant population age 25+
- International students rank: #33
--- International students enrolled in 2018-2019: 45,957
--- International student contribution to U.S. economy: $1.6 billion
--- Jobs created or supported by international students: 16,458
45 / 51
#7. Delaware
- Total WalletHub score: 57.64
- Immigrant workforce: #15
--- Immigrant workforce 16+: 12.0% (54,047 of total workers)
--- Work visas per capita: 800.21
--- Jobs generated by immigrant-owned businesses: 3.9% of total jobs
- Socioeconomic contribution rank: #19
--- Immigrant population: 87,378 (9.2% of total population)
--- Immigrant median annual household income: $68,173
--- Homes owned by immigrants: 20,736 (8.2% of total owned homes)
--- Immigrant-owned businesses income: 0.03% of total business revenues
- Brain gain & innovation rank: #2
--- Immigrants with a bachelor's degree or higher: 18.7% of immigrant population age 25+
- International students rank: #5
--- International students enrolled in 2018-2019: 7,395
--- International student contribution to U.S. economy: $180.5 million
--- Jobs created or supported by international students: 1,940
You may also like: Meet America's Black billionaires
46 / 51
#6. Washington
- Total WalletHub score: 61.02
- Immigrant workforce: #6
--- Immigrant workforce 16+: 17.7% (622,981 of total workers)
--- Work visas per capita: 865.16
--- Jobs generated by immigrant-owned businesses: 6.3% of total jobs
- Socioeconomic contribution rank: #9
--- Immigrant population: 1,020,981 (14.0% of total population)
--- Immigrant median annual household income: $66,062
--- Homes owned by immigrants: 231,127 (13.2% of total owned homes)
--- Immigrant-owned businesses income: 0.18% of total business revenues
- Brain gain & innovation rank: #5
--- Immigrants with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 20% of immigrant population age 25+
- International students rank: #11
--- International students enrolled in 2018-2019: 27,472
--- International student contribution to U.S. economy: $956.1 million
--- Jobs created or supported by international students: 8,818
47 / 51
#5. Maryland
- Total WalletHub score: 61.52
- Immigrant workforce: #7
--- Immigrant workforce 16+: 19.6% (597,148 of total workers)
--- Work visas per capita: 347.53
--- Jobs generated by immigrant-owned businesses: 5.8% of total jobs
- Socioeconomic contribution rank: #4
--- Immigrant population: 903,533 (15.1% of total population)
--- Immigrant median annual household income: $79,141
--- Homes owned by immigrants: 204,595 (14.0% of total owned homes)
--- Immigrant-owned businesses income: 0.36% of total business revenues
- Brain gain & innovation rank: #7
--- Immigrants with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 21% of immigrant population age 25+
- International students rank: #13
--- International students enrolled in 2018-2019: 20,345
--- International student contribution to U.S. economy: $796.1 million
--- Jobs created or supported by international students: 9,458
48 / 51
#4. Massachusetts
- Total WalletHub score: 66.36
- Immigrant workforce: #4
--- Immigrant workforce 16+: 19.5% (697,766 of total workers)
--- Work visas per capita: 746.89
--- Jobs generated by immigrant-owned businesses: 4.6% of total jobs
- Socioeconomic contribution rank: #8
--- Immigrant population: 1,129,732 (16.5% of total population)
--- Immigrant median annual household income: $66,251
--- Homes owned by immigrants: 229,491 (14.2% of total owned homes)
--- Immigrant-owned businesses income: 0.21% of total business revenues
- Brain gain & innovation rank: #10
--- Immigrants with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 17.8% of immigrant population age 25+
- International students rank: #1
--- International students enrolled in 2018-2019: 71,098
--- International student contribution to U.S. economy: $3.2 billion
--- Jobs created or supported by international students: 38,799
49 / 51
#3. New Jersey
- Total WalletHub score: 66.87
- Immigrant workforce: #1
--- Immigrant workforce 16+: 28.2% (1,237,976 of total workers)
--- Work visas per capita: 1019.89
--- Jobs generated by immigrant-owned businesses: 9.2% of total jobs
- Socioeconomic contribution rank: #5
--- Immigrant population: 1,968,060 (22.2% of total population)
--- Immigrant median annual household income: $72,453
--- Homes owned by immigrants: 416,155 (20.3% of total owned homes)
--- Immigrant-owned businesses income: 0.27% of total business revenues
- Brain gain & innovation rank: #4
--- Immigrants with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 22.3% of immigrant population age 25+
- International students rank: #22
--- International students enrolled in 2018-2019: 23,456
--- International student contribution to U.S. economy: $823.1 million
--- Jobs created or supported by international students: 9,674
50 / 51
#2. California
- Total WalletHub score: 68.01
- Immigrant workforce: #5
--- Immigrant workforce 16+: 33.8% (6,194,029 of total workers)
--- Work visas per capita: 684.12
--- Jobs generated by immigrant-owned businesses: 10.2% of total jobs
- Socioeconomic contribution rank: #1
--- Immigrant population: 10,537,529 (26.9% of total population)
--- Immigrant median annual household income: $61,605
--- Homes owned by immigrants: 2,063,618 (29.1% of total owned homes)
--- Immigrant-owned businesses income: 0.54% of total business revenues
- Brain gain & innovation rank: #3
--- Immigrants with a bachelor's degree or higher: 17.3% of immigrant population age 25+
- International students rank: #9
--- International students enrolled in 2018-2019: 161,693
--- International student contribution to U.S. economy: $6.8 billion
--- Jobs created or supported by international students: 74,814
You may also like: The cashless shift in America: What it means for shoppers and businesses
51 / 51
#1. New York
- Total WalletHub score: 70.84
- Immigrant workforce: #3
--- Immigrant workforce 16+: 27.7% (2,616,425 of total workers)
--- Work visas per capita: 598.04
--- Jobs generated by immigrant-owned businesses: 9.0% of total jobs
- Socioeconomic contribution rank: #6
--- Immigrant population: 4,439,893 (22.6% of total population)
--- Immigrant median annual household income: $58,006
--- Homes owned by immigrants: 761,539 (19.3% of total owned homes)
--- Immigrant-owned businesses income: 0.29% of total business revenues
- Brain gain & innovation rank: #1
--- Immigrants with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 17.8% of immigrant population age 25+
- International students rank: #1
--- International students enrolled in 2018-2019: 124,277
--- International student contribution to U.S. economy: $5.3 billion
--- Jobs created or supported by international students: 59,586
