The U.S. Congress designated March as Irish American Heritage Month in 1991 and the president issues a proclamation commemorating the occasion each year.
Originally a religious holiday to honor St. Patrick, who introduced Christianity to Ireland in the 5th century, St. Patrick’s Day has evolved into a celebration of all things Irish. The world’s first St. Patrick’s Day parade occurred on March 17, 1762, in New York City, featuring Irish soldiers who served in the English military. This parade became an annual event, with President Truman attending in 1948. The following facts are made possible by the invaluable responses to U.S. Census Bureau surveys. We appreciate the public’s cooperation as we continuously measure America’s people, places and economy.
Did You Know?
31.5 million or 9.5%
The number and percentage of U.S. residents who claimed Irish ancestry in 2021.
118,539
The number of foreign-born U.S. residents who reported Ireland as their birthplace in 2021.
431,436
The number of people living in Cook County, Illinois — the nation’s county with the largest Irish American population — who claimed Irish ancestry in 2021.
More Stats
For more information on the Irish American population, check out the selected population from the 2021 American Community Survey 1-year estimates. Statistics include:
- Sex and age.
- Marital status.
- Educational attainment.
- Veteran status.
- Employment status.
- Occupation.
- Commuting.
- Housing.
- Income.
Related News Products
Past Facts for Features
- Irish-American Heritage Month and St. Patrick’s Day: March 2022.
- Irish-American Heritage Month and St. Patrick’s Day: March 2021.
- Irish-American Heritage Month and St. Patrick’s Day: March 2020.
- Irish-American Heritage Month and St. Patrick’s Day: March 2019.
- Irish-American Heritage Month and St. Patrick’s Day: March 2018.
- Irish-American Heritage Month and St. Patrick’s Day: March 2017.
Briefs
Graphics
- Irish-Sounding Places in the United States (2022)
- Where Irish Eyes Are Smiling in the United States (2021)
- Where Irish Eyes Are Smiling in America (2020)
- Irish-American Heritage Month (2019)
- Where Irish Eyes Are Smiling (2018)
- Irish-American Heritage Month (2017)
- U.S. and Ireland Trade (Top 5 Exports and Imports) (2017)
- Where Irish Eyes Are Smiling (2016)
