Top 10 U.S. States With the Largest Muslim Populations

Muslims are an integral part of the American story. Nearly 4.5 million Muslims live across the United States, representing over 75 national backgrounds and dozens of languages. From New York to California, these communities are shaping America’s cultural, social, and political future.

This article highlights the top ten U.S. states with the largest Muslim populations, showing not just where Muslims live, but how they contribute to America’s diversity.

1. New York (~724,000)

New York is the largest hub of Muslim life in the U.S. Queens alone has over 100 mosques, while Brooklyn’s Yemeni shops and the Bronx’s West African mosques illustrate the city’s unmatched diversity.

2. California (~504,000)

California’s Muslim community thrives in Los Angeles and the Bay Area. From the Islamic Center of Southern California to Silicon Valley’s Muslim professionals, the state blends faith with activism, business, and art.

3. Illinois (~474,000)

Chicago is often called the capital of Muslim America. Home to ISNA, CAIR-Chicago, and IMAN, Illinois reflects a strong legacy of faith, social justice, and African-American Muslim leadership.

4. New Jersey (~322,000)

With strong Palestinian, Syrian, and Egyptian roots, New Jersey Muslims are highly civic-minded. Cities like Paterson and Jersey City host vibrant mosques, Eid festivals, and active political leaders.

5. Texas (~313,000)

Houston alone has more than 100 mosques. Texas Muslims are reshaping the South through community service, higher education, and interfaith initiatives.

6. Michigan (~242,000)

Dearborn is America’s “Muslim capital,” where 40% of residents are Muslim. Lebanese, Iraqi, and Yemeni communities thrive, supported by the iconic Islamic Center of America.

7. Maryland (~189,000)

Close to Washington, D.C., Maryland Muslims play key roles in policy, academia, and tech. The Diyanet Center of America is a cultural landmark.

8. Virginia (~169,000)

Virginia’s Muslim community is young, educated, and civically engaged. The ADAMS Center near D.C. is one of the nation’s largest Muslim institutions.

9. Pennsylvania (~150,000)

Philadelphia is central to African-American Muslim history. Today, Pennsylvania also has strong Arab, West African, and South Asian communities.

10. Massachusetts (~132,000)

Boston’s Muslim community is small but influential, driven by students, researchers, and professionals from MIT, Harvard, and world-class hospitals.

Conclusion

Muslims in America are more than demographics—they are leaders, innovators, and neighbors. These ten states represent the heartbeat of Muslim life, showcasing how faith and culture enrich the nation’s future.