On March 17 almost everyone in the US claims to have some Irish blood. St. Patrick’s day is a great excuse to wear green, drink a Guinness or have a jiggs dinner with friends and family.
Which states have the largest Irish-American population? These are the Irish heritage hotspots in the U.S.
During the rest of the year a large percentage of the US population claims to have Irish ancestry. The US Census records this information and tracks how many people say they are Irish-American. Only those claiming to have German heritage outnumber the Irish in the US. More than 31.5 million residents in the US claim to be of Irish descent.
At a time of global turmoil and great challenge, we look for signs of hope in the everyday.
— Irish Foreign Ministry (@dfatirl) March 12, 2026
To Irish people and friends of Ireland everywhere, we wish you a very happy St Patrick’s Day!
Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona daoibh. pic.twitter.com/8JLD2zwMxQ
Which states have the largest Irish-American population?
The states with the largest percentage of US citizens with Irish ancestry are found in northeastern US. Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont and Maine are all near or above 20 percent.
Of course, the five states with the highest number of Irish Americans are the most populous: California, New York, Pennsylvania, Florida and Texas. Who knew? The St. Patrick’s Day parade in New York is well known, but Orlando or Dallas don’t really come to mind when thinking of the Emerald Island descendants who live in the US. Other cities with large Irish-American populations are Kansas City and Chicago, where they dye the river green every year for Paddy’s Day.
Ireland & the United States share a rich history.
— Embassy of Ireland, USA (@IrelandEmbUSA) March 11, 2026
A relationship strengthened by investment and innovation benefiting both economies.
This St. Patrick's Day, we highlight the Irish contribution to the foundation of the USA, and its political & economic development over 250 years. pic.twitter.com/hukxwWFFiL
What are some other ancestries claimed by US citizens?
As mentioned before, German heritage is no. 1 on the list and is claimed by over 40 million Americans. Irish ancestry comes in second place with nearly 10 percent of the population claiming to have ties to Ireland.
To Irish people and friends of Ireland, wherever you may be, happy Saint Patrick’s Day 🇮🇪
— Irish Foreign Ministry (@dfatirl) March 17, 2026
Do mhuintir na hÉireann agus do chairde na hÉireann pé áit a bhfuil sibh, Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona daoibh 🌍 pic.twitter.com/5Eqw9vyPkq
After the top two, come English (7.2 percent), American (6.1 percent), Italian (4.9 percent), then Polish, French and Scottish.
So, on St. Patrick’s Day, go ahead and claim to be Irish, even if it’s just for a day. Even if you’re not one of the 32 million Americans who claims Irish ancestry, you can still enjoy a pint of Guinness or even green eggs and ham at home or your favorite bar. The idea is to remember the beautiful isle of Ireland, its people and those who chose the United States as home.
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