Muslim Population in the United States: A State Overview
The United States is home to one of the most diverse Muslim communities in the world.
Although the U.S. Census does not collect religious data, estimates from the Pew Research Center and other demographic sources suggest that over 4.5 million Muslims live in America — roughly 1.3% of the national population.
But their distribution and community structure vary widely across states, shaped by immigration history, economics, regional culture, and social climate.
State / Region | Approx. Muslim Population (2024–2025) | Key Cities / Hubs | Historical & Social Notes | Community Characteristics
New York — ≈ 720,000 — New York City, Buffalo, Rochester
One of the earliest centers of Islam in America. The state’s Muslim population includes African-American, Arab, and South Asian communities.
Diverse and well-established, with hundreds of mosques, Islamic schools, and advocacy organizations.
California — ≈ 500,000 — Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay Area, San Diego, Sacramento
Growth tied to post-1965 immigration from South Asia and the Middle East.
A highly educated and professional demographic active in technology, medicine, and media; strong civic and interfaith participation.
Illinois — ≈ 470,000 — Chicago Metro
Historic African-American Muslim presence, joined by later immigrants from South Asia and the Middle East.
Chicago is home to national Muslim organizations and seminaries; vibrant youth and women’s leadership.
New Jersey — ≈ 320,000 — Jersey City, Paterson, Newark
Dense Arab-American and South Asian communities with deep local roots.
High concentration of mosques and Islamic schools; active halal industry.
Texas — ≈ 310,000 — Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin
Rapid growth driven by professionals, students, and refugees.
Dynamic and youthful community establishing new mosques and educational institutions.
Michigan — ≈ 240,000 — Dearborn, Detroit, Ann Arbor
Early Lebanese and Yemeni migration formed America’s best-known Arab-Muslim hub.
Strong cultural identity, political representation, and long-standing Islamic infrastructure.
Florida — ≈ 150,000 — Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville
Growing Caribbean, African, and Latin-American Muslim presence.
Vibrant community organizations and dawah outreach initiatives.
Virginia — ≈ 140,000 — Northern Virginia, Richmond
Close to Washington D.C.; many Muslim professionals in federal and NGO sectors.
High educational attainment; policy-oriented and advocacy-driven institutions.
Ohio — ≈ 130,000 — Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton
Influenced by Somali, South Asian, and African-American Muslims.
Strong emphasis on interfaith cooperation and youth programming.
Pennsylvania — ≈ 120,000 — Philadelphia, Pittsburgh
Historic center for African-American Muslims; new waves of immigrants add diversity.
Growing number of mosques and Islamic schools; increasing civic engagement.
Georgia — ≈ 110,000 — Atlanta Metro
Rapidly growing through African and refugee communities.
Expanding community centers and women’s programs.
Maryland — ≈ 100,000 — Baltimore, Silver Spring
Proximity to Washington D.C. shapes a highly educated and policy-engaged Muslim population.
Numerous academic and advocacy organizations.
Minnesota — ≈ 95,000 — Minneapolis, St. Paul
Home to one of the largest Somali-American Muslim communities.
Strong political and social service networks.
Washington — ≈ 70,000 — Seattle, Tacoma
Pacific gateway attracting professionals and international students.
Active in civic service and environmental initiatives.
Massachusetts — ≈ 65,000 — Boston, Worcester, Springfield
University hubs attract Muslim academics and students.
Highly active campus Muslim associations.
North Carolina — ≈ 60,000 — Raleigh, Charlotte, Durham
Rapidly growing immigrant and convert population.
New mosques and community institutions emerging statewide.
Tennessee — ≈ 45,000 — Nashville, Memphis
Steady growth since the 1990s; multi-ethnic mix.
Strong emphasis on education and outreach.
Indiana — ≈ 35,000 — Indianapolis, Fort Wayne
Midwestern mix of immigrant and African-American Muslims.
Small but organized community.
Colorado — ≈ 30,000 — Denver, Aurora
Migration from other states and abroad.
Interfaith cooperation and family-focused activities.
Remaining States (combined) — ≈ 400,000
Smaller but expanding Muslim populations found in every U.S. state, including Alaska and Hawaii.
New mosques, schools, and refugee-support services continue to appear each year.
Why the Distribution Differs
Immigration Patterns
Early Muslim immigrants settled in industrial cities such as New York, Chicago, and Detroit.
Recent migration and refugee programs have diversified Muslim presence in the South and Midwest.
Economic Opportunity
Urban job markets (New York, California, Texas) attract professionals and students, creating large, well-organized congregations.
Cultural Networks
Michigan’s Arab-American legacy, Minnesota’s Somali population, and New Jersey’s South Asian communities highlight how ethnic networks sustain local growth.
Social Climate & Policy
States with strong multicultural traditions (California, New York, Illinois) promote visible Muslim civic participation.
Emerging interfaith and social-justice efforts are strengthening Muslim representation across the country.
Community Age & Growth
The American Muslim population is young (median age about 27 per Pew).
High birth rates and ongoing immigration make Islam the fastest-growing major religion in the U.S.
State / Region | Estimated Muslim Population (2024) | % of State Population (approx.)
| State | Muslim Population | % |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 720,000 | 3.6% |
| California | 500,000 | 1.2% |
| Illinois | 470,000 | 3.6% |
| New Jersey | 320,000 | 3.4% |
| Texas | 310,000 | 1.0% |
| Michigan | 240,000 | 2.4% |
| Florida | 150,000 | 0.7% |
| Virginia | 140,000 | 1.6% |
| Ohio | 130,000 | 1.1% |
| Pennsylvania | 120,000 | 0.9% |
| Total (U.S.) | ≈ 4,500,000 – 4,800,000 | ≈ 1.3 % of population |
References
- Pew Research Center (2017, 2021): Demographic Portrait of Muslim Americans.
https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2017/07/26/demographic-portrait-of-muslim-americans/ - World Population Review (2025): Muslim Population by State – U.S.
https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/muslim-population-by-state - Justice For All (2025): American Muslims 2025: A Brief Profile.
https://www.justiceforall.org/resources/reports/american-muslims-2025-a-brief-profile/ - 24/7 Wall St. (2024): These Are the U.S. States With the Most Muslims.
https://247wallst.com/population-and-social-characteristics/2024/11/22/these-are-the-u-s-states-with-the-most-muslims/ - Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU, 2022): American Muslim Poll.
https://www.ispu.org/american-muslim-poll/