Somalis in the U.S. are heavily concentrated in Minnesota, especially the Twin Cities (Minneapolis-St. Paul), home to the nation’s largest Somali population, often called “Little Mogadishu,” but significant communities also exist in Ohio, Washington, and California, with smaller pockets in places like New York and Boston. They initially settled in large numbers in Minnesota due to tax-paid refugee resettlement programs, creating strong community networks.
Key Locations:
Minnesota (Largest Hub): The Cedar-Riverside neighborhood of Minneapolis is a major center, attracting many Somalis seeking family and support systems.
Other States: Ohio (Columbus), Washington (Seattle area), and California (San Diego, Sacramento) have sizable populations, often formed by secondary migration from Minnesota or direct settlement.
Northeastern Cities: New York City and Boston also host Somali communities.
Why Minnesota?
Refugee Resettlement: Minnesota became a primary destination for Somali refugees fleeing civil war, famine, and instability starting in the 1990s.
Support Networks: Strong resettlement agencies, established Somali communities, and economic opportunities drew them in and helped them stay.
They left out Lewiston Maine.