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Muslim Population in Australia: A State & Territory Overview

Australia’s Muslim community is rapidly growing. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2021 Census, there are 813,392 Muslims in Australia — about 3.2% of the national population. (Australian Bureau of Statistics)
But their distribution and community structure vary widely across states and territories, shaped by history, immigration, social policy, and economic opportunity.

State / Territory | Approx. Muslim Population (2021) | Key Cities / Hubs | Historical & Social Notes | Community Characteristics

New South Wales (NSW) — ≈ 250,000+ — Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong
Largest share of Australia’s Muslim population, with early migrants from Lebanon, Turkey and South Asia.
Strong institutional presence, many mosques and Islamic schools, with active civic engagement.

Victoria (VIC) — ≈ 200,000+ — Melbourne, Geelong
Rapid growth from South Asian, Turkish, and Afghan migration; significant new refugee arrivals.
Diverse community, high levels of education and youth engagement, growing leadership roles.

Queensland (QLD) — ≈ 80,000-100,000 — Brisbane, Gold Coast, Cairns
Smaller proportion of Muslims but growing through migration and internal relocation.
Emerging institutions and increasing community infrastructure.

Western Australia (WA) — ≈ 65,000 — Perth, Fremantle
Muslim population about 2.5% of WA’s population (66,764 in WA according to 2021 data). (OMI)
Strong Arab- and South-Asian communities; increasing participation in civic life.

South Australia (SA) — ≈ 40,000-50,000 — Adelaide, Mount Gambier
Historically smaller but steady growth; many families from Bosnia, Sudan, Somalia.
Close-knit community; multi-purpose centres serving worship + community services.

Tasmania (TAS) — ≈ 10,000-15,000 — Hobart, Launceston
Very small but steadily growing Muslim presence; many migrants and international students.
Community services often combined with multicultural centres.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT) — ≈ 12,000-20,000 — Canberra
Professional and diplomatic Muslim population; high education levels; visible civic engagement.

Northern Territory (NT) — < 5,000 — Darwin, Palmerston
Tiny Muslim minority; mixes of temporary workers, students and long-term residents.
Limited institutional infrastructure but growing connection to national networks.

Why the Distribution Differs

Immigration & Settlement Patterns
Much of Australia’s Muslim growth stems from migration: Turkey and Lebanon in earlier decades; South Asia, Southeast Asia and Africa more recently. (mwrc.au)
States with major international gateways (NSW, VIC) have larger communities.

Urbanisation & Economy
Metropolitan areas with greater job opportunity, universities and multicultural services (Sydney, Melbourne) attract Muslim settlement.
Smaller states/territories show slower growth due to fewer services and institutions.

Cultural & Language Networks
Community clustering often follows existing ethnic/language networks (e.g., Turkish, Lebanese, Bosnian, Somali).
These networks help newcomers connect and support institutional growth.

Local Policy & Social Environment
States with more established multicultural policy frameworks and community infrastructure tend to host larger Muslim populations.
Growing civic engagement and representation further encourage institutional development.

Age Profile & Growth Trends
Australian Muslims tend to be younger and include a high proportion of Australian-born people. (mwrc.au)
This means vibrant community life and increasing future growth.

State / Territory | Approx. Muslim Population (2021) | % of Population (approx.)

State / TerritoryEstimated Muslim PopulationApproximate % of Population
New South Wales~250,000+~3–4%
Victoria~200,000+~3–4%
Queensland~80,000–100,000~1.5–2%
Western Australia~65,000~2.5%
South Australia~40,000–50,000~2–3%
Tasmania~10,000–15,000~1–2%
Australian Capital Territory~12,000–20,000~2–3%
Northern Territory<5,000<2%
Total (Australia)813,3923.2% (Australian Bureau of Statistics)

References

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