Which U.S. State Has the Most Muslims? A Closer Look at Muslim Population Hubs in America
From Michigan to New York, discover where Muslim communities thrive in the United States and why these states lead in cultural, religious, and demographic influence.
While Muslims live in every U.S. state, Michigan consistently ranks among the top states with the largest Muslim population, both by percentage and influence. Other major states include New York, California, Texas, and Illinois.
1. Michigan – The Epicenter of Muslim America
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Dearborn, Michigan is often called the “Muslim capital of America” due to its extremely high concentration of Arab and Muslim Americans.
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It is home to the largest mosque in North America (the Islamic Center of America).
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An estimated 300,000 Muslims live in Michigan, making up over 3% of the state’s population, one of the highest ratios in the country.
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The population is largely Arab American—especially Lebanese, Yemeni, Iraqi, and Palestinian.
Why Michigan?
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Historical waves of Arab immigration, especially in the early 20th century for auto industry jobs (Ford Motor Company).
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Well-established infrastructure of schools, mosques, businesses, and political representation.
2. New York – Diverse and Politically Active
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New York has one of the most ethnically diverse Muslim communities in the U.S., including South Asians, Africans, Arabs, and African Americans.
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Approximately 750,000 Muslims live in New York State.
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New York City alone hosts over 275 mosques, making it a center of Islamic life and culture.
3. California – Large and Growing
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With more than 1 million Muslims, California has the largest numerical Muslim population in the U.S.
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The community is very diverse: South Asian, African American, Iranian, Arab, Indonesian, and Bosnian.
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Major cities include Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco.
4. Texas – A Rising Muslim Population
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Texas has an estimated 475,000 Muslims, including thriving communities in Houston, Dallas, and Austin.
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Rapid population growth is due to immigration, internal migration, and economic opportunities.
5. Illinois – Political and Cultural Influence
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Especially in Chicago, Illinois is home to one of the most politically organized Muslim communities.
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Institutions like the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago (CIOGC) advocate for Muslim civil rights and engagement.
Muslim Population by State: Quick Overview
| State | Approx. Muslim Population | Key Cities |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 300,000+ | Dearborn, Detroit |
| New York | 750,000+ | NYC, Buffalo |
| California | 1 million+ (diverse) | LA, San Diego |
| Texas | 475,000+ | Houston, Dallas |
| Illinois | 350,000+ | Chicago |
Sources: Pew Research Center, Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU), and state-level Muslim organizations.
Michigan Leads by Density, California by Size
While California has the largest total number of Muslims, Michigan—especially Dearborn—has the highest Muslim concentration per capita. The reasons include deep historical roots, strong community institutions, political representation, and cultural acceptance.
Today, Muslims in these states are not just religious minorities—they are community leaders, educators, business owners, and elected officials.
Their presence reflects the diversity of the American experience—and their impact continues to grow.
