This map of the United States above shows what are the most common self-reported ancestry or ethnic origin of white Americans of each county, based on data from the 2020 U.S. Census.
English & Mormon Heritage
As seen on the map, a sea of yellow dominates the nation, meaning English heritage is the country’s most common ethnic origin.
English ancestry prevails across Utah and parts of the Mountain West, likely tied to the Mormon migration in the mid-19th century. It also appears prominently in the Northeast and parts of the South, representing early colonial settlement patterns.
German Dominance In The Midwest
German ancestry dominates much of the Midwest and Northwest, covering approximately 35% of all U.S. counties, particularly in states like Wisconsin, Minnesota, both North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, and Missouri.
This pattern reflects the substantial German immigration waves of the 19th century, when millions settled America’s farmland.
Irish Enclaves
Irish ancestry forms the plurality in many Northeastern counties, especially in Massachusetts and around Boston, traditional strongholds of Irish-American culture since the major immigration waves following the Great Famine of the 1840s.
The “American” Identity
American ancestry—a term often chosen by those whose families have been in the U.S. for many generations—is most common across the Appalachian region and much of the South.
This self-identification typically indicates deep roots in the country, with ancestral connections so distant that specific European origins have faded from family memory.
Italian Communities
Italian ancestry clusters appear densely in parts of the Northeast, particularly around New York and New Jersey, reflecting the major Italian immigration waves of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Smaller Ethnic Patterns
The map reveals several smaller but distinctive patterns: French ancestry dominates northern Maine and parts of Louisiana, showcasing both the Acadian history in New England and the Cajun presence in the Gulf South.
Mexican ancestry forms significant clusters in Texas and the Southwest, representing both recent immigration and families who lived in these regions when they were part of Mexico before American expansion.
Norwegian and Swedish ancestry dominate in specific pockets of Minnesota, North Dakota, and the Upper Midwest, reflecting Scandinavian settlement patterns from the 19th century when these immigrants were drawn to agricultural opportunities and climates reminiscent of their homelands.
A Window Into Settlement History
What makes this map particularly fascinating is how it illuminates America’s complex settlement history through the lens of white ethnic identification. The geographic clustering of these ancestries demonstrates how immigration patterns, chain migration, and cultural communities have shaped the demographic landscape of the United States over generations.
The Census data also reveals that many Americans identify with multiple ancestries, showing how intermarriage and cultural blending have occurred throughout American history. However, the map highlights the predominant ethnic identity in each county, providing a snapshot of which cultural heritage remains most numerically significant in different regions.
As America continues to evolve demographically, these patterns serve as a reminder of the varied European origins that have contributed to the nation’s cultural tapestry, alongside the contributions of Native American, African American, Asian American, and Hispanic populations that comprise the full American story.
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