The Evolution of the Iranian American Community

Cover of The Evolution of the Iranian American Community report, by Ali Modarres

A demographic portrait of one of the most educated and skilled immigrant communities in the United States.

By Ali Modarres. The report anchored a sold-out community convening at Chapman University on April 26, 2026, and a second edition is on the way in 2027.

The Research

The Data at a Glance

Four findings from the report.

70.7%

of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared with 36% nationally.

33%+

of Iranian Americans were born in the United States.

25%+

speak only English at home.

10%+

report a second ancestry, spanning close to 90 identities.

With gratitude. The Center thanks the Shokooh Foundation and the Network of Iranian American Professionals of Orange County (NIPOC) for making this research possible, with special thanks to Dr. Farrokh Shokooh.

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Mahnaz Asghari MA

Mahnaz Asghari

Associate Director