Namak Magazine - Demographics

GENERAL PROFILE
Iranians living in the United States are at the top of their communities in education levels, financial success and social status. They are integrated into all areas of American life. They are CEOs, educators, artists and professionals. The younger generation, most of whom were born outside Iran, and some of whom have never even visited their parent's homeland, are leading the way in integration into American society. Increasingly, they are forgoing traditional career paths of medicine, law, and engineering, and venturing into new terrain in business, art and other industries.

Culturally, young Iranians are a mixed breed. They are hip, trendy, and fashion-conscious. They dine at the best restaurants (not just Persian restaurants) and party at the newest clubs. They own the latest gadgets and speak the most recent slang. They are, in many ways, no different than any other group of young "Americans". But they also draw on their cultural identity as Iranians. While they listen to 50 Cent, they also listen to Omid. They are very social and primarily associate with other Iranians, often clicking into groups based on religion (e.g. Jews associate with Jews, Muslims with Muslims, etc.) As a collective, however, they celebrate traditional Iranian holidays and participate in many of the established rituals.

DEMOGRAPHIC OVERVIEW
Unlike many other groups, Iranians do not isolate themselves from other cultures. A very gracious people, many are friendly and desire cross-cultural relationships. At the same time, Iranians do not neglect their own culture. With the largest concentration living in Los Angeles, a sizable Iranian community known as “Little Persia” or “Tehrangeles” has emerged in an area just west of Hollywood (Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Westwood, San Fernando Valley) and extends to Orange County (Newport Beach, Irvine, Mission Viejo).

The majority of Iranian-Americans came to the United States after the 1978-79 Islamic Revolution in Iran. As such, they are unlike other immigrant groups who came for economic reasons. Iranians came to the US for religious, political and social concerns. Many came with money, had already studied English, possessed a good education, and had strong backgrounds in business. The majority are highly educated, financially successful and culturally sophisticated.

POPULATION
4,167,000 living outside of Iran (including US)
1,650,000 living in the United States (all ages)
Highest concentration in California (estimate of 700,000-825,000 is approx. 50% of U.S. Total)
California population primarily located in San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles and Orange County
Second highest concentration in Washington DC area (est. 100,000)
Other States with large Iranian concentrations include: New York, Texas, Maryland, Virginia, Washington
Average number of individuals per Iranian Household is 2.83

LANGUAGE
84% of Iranian-Americans speak fluent English, most speak fluent Persian
Persian is the 17th most common language spoken in American households

EDUCATION
90.8% have a High School Diploma or higher
57.2% have a bachelors degree or higher
27.5% have Masters or Doctoral degrees

FINANCIAL PROFILE
43% are in professional and managerial positions
35% are in technical and administrative
10% are in various services
12% are spread over farming, craft and laborers
48% of the Iranian-American community are dual income earners
22% own their own businesses
Per Capita Income is $30,143 (45% higher than national average)
Median family income is $69,000 (38% higher than national average)
92% of Iranian-Americans have a mortgage

RELIGION
Muslim, Jewish, Armenian Christian, Persian Christian and Zoroastrian

IMPORTANT NOTES ABOUT CENSUS DATA
The statistics on this page were compiled through multiple sources, including the US Census Bureau, which in 2000 estimated the population of Iranians in America at 334,000. That number is significantly lower than most other estimates primarily because "Iranian" is not distinguished as a separate category on any Census form. Additionally, the post-9/11 fear of being labeled as a "terrorist" or coming from a "terrorist nation" keeps many Iranians from claiming their true nationality. They opt instead to mark "White" or "other". Finally, some people, though ethnically Iranian, do not self-identify that way for a multitude of personal and political reasons. In compiling the information on this page, we have cross-referenced multiple sources to arrive at more realistic population estimates than the US Census provides. In fact, the deficiency in the US Census is a great illustration of the need for Iranians to begin asserting their own identity within the larger, mainstream society. That's why we've launched Namak... to give voice to our community.

SOURCES

1.	United States Census Bureau - 2000 Census Information. Variety of reports used.
2.	The Persian Diaspora - Census information prepared by Iranian Christian International based on 1990 US Census data.
3.	Phillys McIntosh: Iranian-Americans Reported Among Most Highly Educated in US, ParsTimes.com, Jan. 2004.
4.	Ali Mostashari: Factsheet on the Iranian-American Community, Iranian Studies Group Research Series, MIT, Feb 2004.
5.	Alejandra Lopez: Middle Eastern Populations in California - Estimates from the Census 2000 Supplementary Survey, Number 10, July 2002. Center for Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity, Stanford University
6.	Strength in Numbers - The Relative Concentration of Iranian Americans Across the United States, NIAC Iran Census Report, Soraya Fata and Raha Rafii, September 2003.
7.	Iranian-American Survey Project - 2004.