Where the Ancestors of Residents from Different U.S. States Come From It may be surprising to know that in roughly half of the U.S. territory, German ancestry is the most prevalent. Residents in the northern part of the country and Florida often trace their roots back to Germany. In the southwest, Mexican ancestry prevails, while in the southeast, African American heritage is most common. English, Irish, and Italian descendants are primarily concentrated in a few northeastern states. Interestingly, residents of two states simply consider themselves Americans, and among Hawaiian residents, the most frequently mentioned ancestors are of Filipino descent.

It may be surprising to know that in roughly half of the U.S. territory, German ancestry is the most prevalent. Residents in the northern part of the country and Florida often trace their roots back to Germany.

In the southwest, Mexican ancestry prevails, while in the southeast, African American heritage is most common. English, Irish, and Italian descendants are primarily concentrated in a few northeastern states.

Interestingly, residents of two states simply consider themselves Americans, and among Hawaiian residents, the most frequently mentioned ancestors are of Filipino descent.