The 11 U.S. cities with the highest share of Korean American residents are all clustered in Bergen County, New Jersey. Palisades Park ranks first, with 9,475 of its 20,317 residents, or 46.7%, identifying as Korean American. Old Tappan follows at 33.6% in second place, Leonia at 27.6% in third and Fort Lee at 23.2% in fourth. The figures are based on the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2024 five-year data.
The cities ranked first through 11th in the nation for share of Korean American residents are all in one place: Bergen County, New Jersey. The area, which begins right across the George Washington Bridge, is effectively the center of Korean American concentration in the United States.
Palisades Park is No. 1. Of its 20,317 residents, 9,475 are Korean American, a share of 46.7%. That means roughly one in two people you pass on the street is Korean American. Old Tappan (33.6%) is second, Leonia (27.6%) third and Fort Lee (23.2%) fourth. The figures come from the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) Table B02015, 2024 five-year estimates.
Top 11 Cities by Korean American Share
The list shows two distinct patterns: one axis running along Broad Avenue from Palisades Park to Ridgefield and Fort Lee, and another line of Closter, Cresskill, Tenafly and Old Tappan, where families moved for the school districts. That is the divide between areas with dense Korean business districts and those that are primarily residential.
The story changes somewhat when measured by absolute numbers rather than share. Some areas, such as Los Angeles and Flushing, Queens, have far larger Korean American populations. But in terms of Koreans' share of a city's population, no place comes close to Bergen County, which is the conclusion of this data.
A high share shows up in everyday life. Korean-language signs, Korean restaurants, tutoring academies, medical clinics and churches are within walking distance, and in many towns, local government notices are also available in Korean. Palisades Park and Fort Lee have consistently elected Korean American council members and public officials. Still, observers continue to point out that voter turnout remains low relative to the Korean American share of the population.