Salvadoran Americans: 3.1 Million Strong (2021)

As of 2021, an estimated 3.1 million people of Salvadoran origin lived in the United States, making them the third-largest Hispanic origin group (after Mexican and Puerto Rican) and the largest from Central America.

Demographic Profile

• Concentration: California, Texas, New York, Maryland, Virginia, Florida.
• Immigration waves: Civil war (1980s), earthquakes (2001), family reunification, TPS holders.
• Citizenship: ~60% U.S. citizens (by birth or naturalization).
• Median age: ~30 years (younger than U.S. average).

Economic & Cultural Impact

• High labor force participation, especially in construction, services, hospitality.
• Remittances to El Salvador exceed $6 billion annually (≈25% of GDP).
• Vibrant communities: pupuserías, festivals (Fiestas Agostinas), media outlets.
• Political influence growing in key districts.

Data Sources

Pew Research Center, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, Migration Policy Institute. Numbers include both immigrants and U.S.-born of Salvadoran ancestry.