Fairfield, New Jersey is the most Italian place in the United States according to the United States Census Bureau, whose latest numbers came out earlier this month. Just more than half of residents —50.3 percent — of its 7,475 residents claim Italian ancestry. Less than a percentage point behind, at 49.5 percent, in second place nationally, is Johnston, Rhode Island. Third place was taken by North Branford in Connecticut at 43.9 percent followed by East Haven at 43.6 percent.
The recent statistics also reveal a sizeable increase in the number of Italian Americans since the last national census in 2010. The number of people who identified themselves as Italian American in 2010 was 16 million, however, this latest census found that 18 million said they were Italian American. Despite being in the U.S. for more than 120 years, the latest statistics also revealed that Italian Americans were the only European group whose population increased. So why the increase? Maybe it’s because the younger generation are starting to identify with their Italian roots in order to maintain their cultural identity.
Italian-Americans in the United States, based on the percent of population who reported Italian ancestry:
1. Fairfield, N.J., 50.3 percent
2. Johnston, R.I., 49.5 percent
3. North Branford , Conn., 43.9 percent
4. East Haven, Conn., 43.6 percent
5. Hammonton, N.J., 43.2 percent
6. Ocean Gate, N.J., 42.6 percent
7. East Hanover, N.J., 41.3 percent
8. North Haven, Conn., 41.2 percent
9. Cedar Grove, N.J., 40.8 percent
10. Wood-Ridge, N.J., 40.6 percent
11. North Providence, R.I., 38.9 percent
12. Dunmore, Pa., 38.9 percent
13. Newfield, N.J., 38.8 percent
14. Saugus, Mass., 38.5 percent
15. Jenkins, Pa., 38.4 percent
16. West Pittston, Pa., 37.9 percent
17. Old Forge, Pa., 37.8 percent
18. Lowellville, Ohio, 37.5 percent
19. Hughestown, Pa., 37.5 percent
20. Prospect, Conn., 37.5 percent
SOURCE: U.S. Census Bureau