Estimates indicate there are between about 60,000 and 110,000 people of Somali origin in Minnesota, depending on how “Somali” is defined and counted. A reasonable current midpoint estimate often cited in recent data and reporting is roughly 60,000 to 70,000 Somalis, with community and higher census-ancestry estimates putting the number closer to or above 100,000 statewide.

Why estimates differ

Counting varies mainly because some data count only people born in Somalia, while others include U.S.-born children and anyone reporting Somali ancestry. Survey-based sources like the American Community Survey can undercount refugees and recent immigrants, while community and media estimates often rely on broader ancestry and language-at-home measures.

Recent figures

• One ACS-based analysis places Minnesota’s Somali population at about 61,000 residents, around 1.1% of the state’s population.

• Other recent reporting using ancestry-based estimates cites more than 100,000 people of Somali descent in Minnesota, with over 80,000 in the Twin Cities metro area.

Key takeaway

The most cautious answer is that Minnesota has on the order of “tens of thousands” of Somalis, with current credible estimates clustering around 60,000–70,000 using stricter definitions and up to roughly 100,000 or a bit more when broader ancestry is included.