NATIONAL – The U.S. Congress proclaimed 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 fifth 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 serving 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 the U.S. Census Bureau’s surveys. We appreciate the public’s cooperation as we continuously measure America’s people, places and economy.
Did You Know?
Thirty-two million or 9.9% is the amount of U.S. residents who claimed Irish ancestry in 2018. (Source: 2014-2018 American Community Survey)
There were 123,950 foreign-born U.S. residents who reported Ireland as their birthplace in 2018. (Source: 2014-2018 American Community Survey)
The population of Cook County, IL, the county with the largest population of people who claimed Irish ancestry in 2018, is 470,277. (Source: 2014-2018 American Community Survey)
The estimated number of U.S. residents who spoke Irish Gaelic in 2013 totals 20,590. (Source: 2009-2013 American Community Survey)
More Stats
For more information on the Irish population from the American Community Survey, see the selected population profile.
Statistics include:
Sex and age.
Marital status.
Educational attainment.
Veteran status.
Employment status.
Occupation.
Commuting.
Housing.
Income.
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