This report challenges the myth of uniform success among Asian American (AA) and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (NHPI) communities, revealing stark economic disparities masked by aggregated data. By centering disaggregated analysis and the Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM), the report highlights how systemic inequities—such as overcrowded housing, limited access to benefits, and geographic concentration in high-cost areas—disproportionately affect these communities. We demonstrate how policymakers can address these gaps through targeted policies and data reforms.

Why This Matters

To design equitable solutions, policymakers, advocates, and affected communities must confront the false narrative of AA and NHPI “success.” Over 60 percent of people in these communities live in high-cost areas, where housing burdens are severe. Furthermore, structural barriers, such as language access and benefit eligibility, exacerbate their poverty. These findings underscore the urgency of reforming data collection practices and investing in affordable housing, health care, and disaster recovery.

What We Found

Our analysis reveals critical disparities in poverty, housing, and access to resources among AA and NHPI communities:

• Poverty rates are significantly higher for subgroups, such as Bangladeshis, Mongolians, and non-Chamorro Micronesians, under the SPM (e.g., 34 percent for non-Chamorro Micronesians).
• Over 60 percent of AAs and NHPIs live in high-cost metropolitan areas (e.g., Los Angeles, San Francisco), where they face housing cost burdens of 37–38 percent.
• Structural barriers, including overcrowded housing (e.g., 37 percent of Bhutanese households) and limited access to benefits, exacerbate economic vulnerability.
• Policy interventions (e.g., SPM adoption, affordable housing investments) are essential to address these disparities and ensure equitable recovery from crises like wildfires and pandemics.

How We Did It

We analyzed disaggregated data from the 2018–22 five-year American Community Survey Public Use Microdata Sample files from the US Census Bureau using the SPM, which accounts for housing costs, noncash benefits, and other expenses. We focused on geographic concentration trends in high-cost areas and evaluated systemic barriers. This approach ensures a nuanced understanding of AA and NHPI communities’ distinct needs and challenges.