Texas city shines as No. 3 most diverse in US

Everything’s bigger and better in Texas, including the diversity of its residents.

Texas’ population has rapidly accelerated in recent years, propelled by a surge in newcomers drawn to the Lone Star State. Now, a new study revealed Texas is home to some of the most diverse cities in the U.S., with two major communities landing within the Top 5 in the nation.

WalletHub published its analysis of the most diverse cities in America on Wednesday, February 25, evaluating 501 of the U.S.’ biggest cities on 13 different factors. Within its findings, the study revealed the North Texas city of Arlington claimed the No. 3 most diverse community in the nation.

Arlington earned an overall score of 72.53, particularly excelling in its cultural and religious diversity, as well as a higher socioeconomic diversity rank. It fell only behind two Maryland cities that claimed the gold and silver positions: Silver Spring, ranked No. 1, and Gaithersburg, cinching the No. 2 spot.

Germantown, Maryland encompassed the No. 4 position, while Houston, Texas’ largest city – and the fourth-largest in the U.S. – rounded out the Top 5. Houston earned a total score of 72.3, with a No. 8 ranking for its socioeconomic diversity, a No. 33 slot for its cultural diversity and a No. 63 standing on its religious diversity.

“The most diverse cities demonstrate diversity in many dimensions – not just in race and gender but also everything from residents’ languages and birthplaces to their job types and household sizes,” WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said in the report. “These cities blend together a multitude of different perspectives, helping people to better understand the world around them and become more empathetic. This exchange of ideas also tends to increase the economic success of diverse cities.”

This article originally published at Texas city shines as No. 3 most diverse in US – and no, it’s not Houston.