Asian Americans in Grand Rapids

Economic growth, social support groups and cultural opportunities are the major forces that have attracted Asian Americans to West Michigan . Approximately 20,000 Asian Americans live in the region, led by people of Vietnamese, Korean, Chinese and Indian descent. As their numbers continue to increase, they are becoming more involved culturally, commercially and politically.

• In 2000, the Grand Rapids metro region ranked 72nd in the nation in terms of Asian-American population.
• The Asian-American population of Kent County has a higher rate of persons with a college degree than any other group.
• The Asian Center was established in 1994 to respond to the need for culturally sensitive human services among Asian Americans in West Michigan.
• Asian Hour is a local public access TV show produced by and about area Asian Americans.
• The Asian Student Union at Grand Valley State University serves as a support group and an educational resource for Asians and students who are interested in learning more about Asian cultures.
• Since 1993, the West Michigan Filipino-American Association and its 500+ members have worked to maintain, preserve, cultivate and share Filipino culture and heritage.
• West Michigan businesses owned by Asian Americans run the gamut: law firms, restaurants, groceries, dental offices, florists and more.

Find out more about...

• Restaurants
• Markets
• Places of Worship
• Services

Other sources of information

• Asian Center
• Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce Diversity Initiatives and Programs