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Which US states have the highest estimated numbers of undocumented workers?
Executive summary
The states with the largest estimated populations of undocumented (unauthorized) immigrants are consistently the largest immigrant destinations — led by California, Texas, Florida and New York — though recent research finds the population has become less geographically concentrated over time (top six states accounted for 80% in 1990 vs. 56% in 2022) [1]. Multiple data hubs and estimates (Migration Policy Institute, Center for Migration Studies, Pew) provide state-level profiles and spreadsheets to identify which states rank highest, and federal data products also include state breakdowns [2] [1] [3].
1. Big states still top the list, but concentration is falling
Historically and in current estimates, large states such as California, Texas, Florida and New York host the biggest numbers of undocumented immigrants because of their overall population size and established immigrant networks [2] [1]. However, the Economic Policy Institute summary cites research showing the unauthorized population has become less concentrated: the share in the top six states fell from 80% in 1990 to 56% in 2022, indicating substantial dispersal to other states [1].
2. Multiple sources provide state-by-state counts — use MPI, CMS and DHS
If you want a ranked state list, the Migration Policy Institute’s data hub offers state profiles and a downloadable spreadsheet of topline estimates for all states and key counties [2]. The Center for Migration Studies (CMS) also provides a state-level data tool and methodology for estimating undocumented populations, which other analysts adapt [1]. The Department of Homeland Security’s population estimates include state-of-residence breakdowns as well, giving a third official-oriented view [3].
3. Why counts differ: methods and definitions matter
Different organizations use distinct methods and inclusion rules. CMS includes immigrants with “liminal” or temporary protections in some of its estimates (for example, people whose parole or temporary protection could be revoked) and reported a 2023 undocumented estimate of 12.2 million in one recent write-up [4]. Pew and other researchers update and revise methodology over time; EPI’s summary notes these underlying sources and the evolving coverage that affects state totals [1]. Expect differences across MPI, CMS, Pew and DHS because of these choices [1] [2] [3].
4. Recent policy changes complicate state tallies
Administrative changes — for example, the ending or revocation of parole programs and shifts in temporary protections — affect who is counted as “unauthorized” and therefore state totals. CMS explicitly includes people with precarious legal statuses in some annual estimates because they could be subject to deportation if protections end [4]. Pew’s published methodology notes that sudden policy shifts and incomplete 2024–25 data make recent year comparisons less certain [5].
5. What the numbers mean for local economies and sectors
Analysts and advocacy organizations emphasize that undocumented workers are concentrated in sectors like construction, agriculture, maintenance and services; these sectoral concentrations help explain where undocumented workers live and work within states [4] [6]. The USC Equity Research Institute and advocacy groups highlight tax contributions and workforce roles in states such as California, while labor-market impacts of enforcement also have been reported in industries like construction in states including Florida and Texas [7] [8].
6. Conflicting tallies: expect a range, not a single “right” number
Advocacy or policy groups may publish higher or lower national and state totals: for example, FAIR reported a much larger national estimate (18.6 million) in 2025 than CMS or Pew reported for recent years, illustrating politicized variance in methodologies and assumptions [9]. Readers should treat a single headline number cautiously and consult MPI, CMS and DHS state tables to see the range and the methods underlying each estimate [2] [1] [3].
7. How to find current state rankings and underlying data
For a quick ranked list and downloadable state spreadsheet, use the Migration Policy Institute’s unauthorized population profiles and spreadsheet [2]. For alternative estimates and methodological detail, consult the Center for Migration Studies state data tool and EPI’s synthesis that cites Pew, CMS and MPI sources [1] [4]. For official-style breakdowns by state, the DHS Office of Homeland Security Statistics maintains population estimates including state residence [3].
Limitations and final note: available sources show consistent patterns — largest absolute counts in large, long-standing immigrant destinations — but differ on totals because of methodology, inclusion of temporary parolees or liminal-status groups, and recent policy shifts that affect who is counted [1] [4] [5]. For an up-to-date ranking, consult MPI’s state spreadsheet and compare CMS and DHS tables to see how methodological choices change state positions [2] [4] [3].