Dominicans are the largest Latino nationality in the New York Metropolitan Area, surpassing Puerto Ricans, according to a report from the City University of New York (CUNY). The Center for Latin American, Caribbean and Latino Studies (CLACLS) at the CUNY Graduate Center released a definitive population study in March 2026 detailing this milestone.
According to the latest reports from the City University of New York (CUNY), the Dominican population in the New York metropolitan area has surpassed 1.2 million.
While the population within New York City proper has seen a recent decline due to out-migration, the broader metropolitan region continues to see growth, particularly in the suburbs.
Latest demographic data (2024–2026 reports)
• New York Metropolitan Area: 1,216,258 Dominicans. This marks a massive increase from the 544,795 recorded in 2000, officially making Dominicans the largest Latino nationality in the region..
• New York City Proper: 663,169 Dominicans (as of 2024). This reflects a 13% decline from a peak of 761,333 in 2021.
• Suburban shift: A significant portion of the community has moved to the northern suburbs (where the population has quadrupled), Long Island, and New Jersey. In 2000, 75% of the region’s Dominicans lived in the five boroughs; by 2024, that figure dropped to 56%.
Key insights from CUNY Studies
Recent research from both the CUNY Dominican Studies Institute (DSI) and CLACLS highlights several socioeconomic trends:
• Concentration: Within New York City, 48% of Dominicans reside in the Bronx and 22% in Manhattan.
• Health Coverage: A February 2026 CUNY DSI study found that Dominicans in NYC have an exceptionally low uninsured rate of just 5.4%, significantly lower than the national average for both Dominicans and other Latino groups.
• Education: Educational attainment has risen sharply, with approximately 20% of Dominican New Yorkers holding a college degree in 2023, compared to just 1.6% in 1980.
• Economic Status: Despite educational gains, the community faces persistent economic hurdles, with a median household income of $64,000, the lowest among the five largest Latino groups in the city.
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CUNY
30 April 2026