Remarkably, the Indian population has become the fastest-growing demographic in the region, surpassing even the Mexican population
Hemin Dalal, a native of Gujarat, India, embarked on a journey to the United States in 2015 to pursue his studies at Cleveland State University. In 2018, he found himself relocating to O’Fallon, Missouri, to pursue a promising engineering career at MasterCard. It didn’t take long for him to seek out Indian restaurants and social hubs to connect with fellow expatriates. Dalal, now 30, remarked, “I am at the age where I want to have a family. It’s a good place to get settled in,” as reported by stlpr.org.
Dalal’s experience is emblematic of a growing trend – an increasing number of individuals from India are making their way to the St. Louis region, whether for job opportunities or educational pursuits. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2021, there were 17,842 individuals of Indian origin residing in the area, a notable rise from 11,230 a decade prior. Remarkably, the Indian population has become the fastest-growing demographic in the region, surpassing even the Mexican population.
Arrey Obenson, the president of the International Institute of St. Louis, explained, “The majority of them come here to St. Louis because of some of the Fortune 500 businesses that are in St. Louis, particularly in the IT field, that India as a country has really made their craft.”
The trend is expected to persist, according to Ness Sandoval, a sociology and demography professor at St. Louis University. He commented, “We projected this about a decade ago. I think this is a permanent trend, that the Indian foreign-born population will be the largest immigrant population, at least in the short term here for the next five to 10 years in the St. Louis metropolitan region.”
St. Louis is not alone in experiencing this influx, as it is among 15 U.S. cities witnessing a surge in Indian immigration. Moreover, it faces competition from other cities with initiatives designed to attract immigrants.
Many Indian immigrants are gravitating towards cities along Interstate 270, such as Maryland Heights, Chesterfield, and Town and Country, to be closer to major corporations and company headquarters.
Hemin Dalal, residing in St. Louis County, emphasized that the city’s vibrant cultural events and his outgoing nature have helped him create a sense of community. He frequently invites friends and family from other cities to partake in the region’s special events, hoping to persuade them to consider a move to St. Louis.
Recognizing the challenge of retaining Indian immigrants within the city limits, St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones established the Office of New Americans this summer. This initiative aims to reduce barriers for refugees and immigrants, providing them with access to city services, economic opportunities, and housing.
Arrey Obenson expressed hope that the Office of New Americans would foster more opportunities for Indian immigrants to engage within the city. The challenge lies in retaining Indian residents within St. Louis proper, as many tend to settle in St. Louis County.
Sneha Rajan, a transplant from Kerala, India, and a resident of Sunset Hills for two years, considers St. Louis her home. She credits the welcoming nature of St. Louisans, coupled with her roles as the Indian Outreach Coordinator for the St. Louis Mosaic Project and a community college professor, for her swift integration into the community.
Reflecting on her experiences, Rajan remarked, “When you come here as a new person, there can be a culture that is resistant to immigrants or new people, or there can be a culture that is very welcoming. And here so loudly and clearly, there’s a welcoming culture.”
Compared to other places she’s lived, including various countries and other parts of the U.S., Rajan finds St. Louis exceptional. She appreciates the accessibility of parks and events, many of which cater to families and are free of charge.
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