Some Of Most Diverse Cities In US Are In Montgomery Co: Study

GAITHERSBURG, MD — Montgomery County has some of the most culturally diverse cities in the U.S., according to a new report from personal finance website WalletHub.

The organization compared 501 of the largest U.S. cities across three metrics: ethnoracial diversity, linguistic diversity, and birthplace diversity. Each metric was graded on a 100-point scale — with 100 being the most ethnically diverse. The city's weighted average across all metrics was then used to calculate its "Ethnic Diversity Score."

Topping the list is Jersey City, New Jersey (72.41), followed by Gaithersburg (71.82), Germantown (71.49), and Silver Spring (69.83). Rockville (68.16) claimed the number nine spot.

"I am proud to see this study affirm what we know to be the case: that Montgomery County is an incredibly vibrant and international community," County Council President Nancy Navarro told Patch. "We are home to residents whose roots range from South America to West Africa to East Asia, and virtually everywhere in between. This remarkable diversity is the backdrop of all that we do at the Montgomery County Council as we work to be ever more inclusive and welcoming by focusing on racial equity, social justice, economic development, education and quality of life."

Montgomery County is home to one of the largest immigrant populations in Maryland. About 894,713 foreign-born residents live in the state, with around 37.91 percent — or about 339,188 immigrants — residing in Montgomery County, according to the latest U.S. census data.

Source: 2017 American Community Survey

The foreign-born population breakdowns for Gaithersburg, Germantown, Silver Spring, and Rockville are posted below:

Source: 2017 American Community Survey

"The WalletHub Study confirms what we know, which is that Montgomery County is one of the most culturally diverse communities in our nation. What the study doesn't say, and what sets Montgomery County apart from other parts of the country, is that we are a community that recognizes diversity as one of our greatest assets," said County Executive Marc Elrich. "As a new County Executive, one of my priorities is to ensure that everything we do in County government makes it easier for all County residents to pursue their dreams regardless of race, ethnicity, age or economic circumstances."

SEE ALSO: Rockville Students Celebrate Immigration In Exhibit