Massachusetts Towns Ranked by Foreign-Born Diversity: Origin Diversity of Immigrant Populations (2025)
Some towns have diverse immigrant populations from multiple continents (Europe, Asia, Latin America, Africa). Others have concentrated immigrant populations from single regions. This ranking of Massachusetts municipalities by foreign-born diversity reveals where immigrant communities represent multiple origins versus where immigration is regionally concentrated.
Foreign-born diversity measures the origin diversity of immigrant populations—whether immigrants come from multiple continents (high diversity) or are concentrated from single regions (low diversity). This analysis ranks Massachusetts towns by foreign-born diversity using Census ACS 2022 5-year nativity data, revealing where immigrant communities represent multiple origins and where immigration is regionally concentrated.
Why Foreign-Born Diversity Matters
High foreign-born diversity (multiple origins):
- Immigrants from Europe, Asia, Latin America, Africa
- Varied languages, cultures, and traditions
- Different immigration pathways (professional, family, refugee)
- Broader international connections
Low foreign-born diversity (concentrated origins):
- Immigrants primarily from one region (e.g., Latin America)
- Shared language and cultural traditions
- Similar immigration pathways
- Stronger community cohesion
Data source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2022 5-year estimates (2018-2022), Table B05006 (Place of Birth for the Foreign-Born Population).
🌍The Most Diverse Foreign-Born Populations
Towns with high foreign-born diversity have immigrant populations representing multiple continents. These communities often include: - Professional immigrants from Asia (tech, healthcare, education) - Established European immigrants (generational communities) - Working-class immigrants from Latin America (Gateway Cities) - Refugee populations from Africa and Middle East - Varied languages, cultures, and traditions
📍The Least Diverse Foreign-Born Populations
Towns with low foreign-born diversity have immigrant populations concentrated from single regions. These communities often include: - Primarily Latin American immigrants (Gateway Cities) - Primarily Asian immigrants (some suburbs) - Primarily European immigrants (established communities) - Shared language and cultural traditions - Stronger community cohesion
| Town Type | Primary Origin | Diversity Level | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gateway Cities | Latin America | Low | Lawrence, Chelsea |
| Tech Suburbs | Asia | Moderate | Lexington, Newton |
| Established | Europe | Low | Some North Shore |
| Mixed | Multiple | High | Boston, Cambridge |
Regional concentration patterns: - Gateway Cities: Primarily Latin American immigration (lower diversity) - Tech Suburbs: Primarily Asian professional immigration (moderate diversity) - Established Communities: Primarily European immigration (lower diversity) - Urban Hubs: Multiple origins (higher diversity)
📊Foreign-Born Diversity Methodology
Foreign-born diversity is calculated using Simpson's Diversity Index applied to the origin distribution of foreign-born populations, grouped by region: Regions: - Europe - Asia - Africa - Latin America - Northern America (Canada, etc.) - Oceania Formula: 1 - Σ(pi²) where pi is the proportion of foreign-born from each region Range: 0 (all from one region) to 100 (equal representation from all regions) Note: Only includes towns with foreign-born population ≥5% to ensure meaningful diversity calculations.
How to Use These Rankings
For Concentrated Immigration: Target towns with concentrated immigrant populations (single regions). These offer stronger community cohesion and shared cultural traditions.
Note: Foreign-born diversity is separate from overall diversity. A town can have high overall diversity (many racial/ethnic groups) but low foreign-born diversity (concentrated origins), or vice versa.
🔗Related Analysis
This ranking complements our other diversity analyses: - Massachusetts Overall Diversity Rankings: Complete racial/ethnic diversity including all residents - Massachusetts Non-Foreign Diversity Rankings: US-born population diversity - Massachusetts Demographic Sorting 2000-2024: How migration reshaped communities
Data Methodology
Table: B05006 (Place of Birth for the Foreign-Born Population)
Coverage: All 248 Massachusetts places (cities, towns, CDPs)
Diversity Index: Simpson's Diversity Index (1 - Σ(pi²)) converted to 0-100 scale
Filter: Only includes towns with foreign-born population ≥5%
Regions: Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, Northern America, Oceania
Last Updated: November 2025
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