2020 Census - Irish: By The Numbers

     Households will begin receiving official Census Bureau mail with detailed information on how to respond to the 2020 Census online, by phone, or email.
     As the 2020 Census nears, Valley News will take a look at how census figures are used to measure the nation’s people, places, and economy.  This week, as we near St. Patrick’s Day, we look at census information related to the Irish in the United States.
The U.S. Congress proclaimed March as Irish-American Heritage Month in 1991, and the president issues a proclamation commemorating the occasion each year.
Originally a religious holiday to honor St. Patrick, who introduced Christianity to Ireland in the fifth century, St. Patrick’s Day has evolved into a celebration of all things Irish. The world’s first St. Patrick’s Day parade occurred on March 17, 1762, in New York City, featuring Irish soldiers serving in the English military. This parade became an annual event, with President Truman attending in 1948.
     The following facts are made possible by the invaluable responses to the U.S. Census Bureau’s surveys.
 
Did You Know?
 
32 Million or 9.9%The number and percentage of US residents who claimed Irish ancestry in 2018.
 
470,277
The number of people living in Cook County, IL, the county with the largest population of people who claimed Irish ancestry in 2018.
 
20,590
The estimated number of US residents who spoke Irish Gaelic in 2013.