Top 10 US States with the Largest Muslim Populations

From the call to prayer echoing in urban neighborhoods to bustling halal food trucks and vibrant Eid festivals—Muslim life in America is alive, growing, and thriving.

In the heart of American cities, suburbs, and even rural communities, Muslim voices are part of the national rhythm. Whether it’s a young girl reciting verses at an Islamic school in Chicago, a halal grocer opening shop in Houston, or a family celebrating Eid with neighbors in Queens, the Muslim American experience is a vivid, integral part of the country’s diverse cultural landscape.

Today, nearly 4.5 million Muslims call the United States home. They come from over 75 national backgrounds, speak dozens of languages, and practice their faith in countless unique ways. As one of the fastest-growing religious communities in the country, Muslims are helping to shape America’s economic, political, and social future.

But where are these communities primarily located? And what defines them beyond numbers?

In this long-form exploration, we delve into the top ten U.S. states with the highest Muslim populations. More than just statistics, this guide looks at the vibrancy, leadership, institutions, and everyday lives of Muslims in each state. Whether you’re a curious reader, policy researcher, or Muslim American yourself, this article will give you a comprehensive picture of where the heart of American Islam beats strongest.

Related: Top 10 American Cities With Significant Muslim Population

1. New York

Estimated Muslim Population: ~724,000
New York isn’t just the cultural capital of America—it’s also a thriving epicenter of Muslim life. From the Bronx to Buffalo, Muslims from every corner of the globe have made New York their home.

What Makes It Stand Out:

• Queens alone is home to over 100 mosques.
• The iconic Islamic Cultural Center of New York sits on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.
• Muslim taxi drivers, doctors, attorneys, and educators form an essential part of the city’s workforce.

The diversity here is unmatched. You’ll find Yemeni bodegas in Brooklyn, West African-owned mosques in the Bronx, and Bangladeshi cultural centers in Jamaica, Queens. With frequent interfaith events and high civic participation, New York Muslims have helped push Muslim visibility to the forefront of American life.

2. California

Estimated Muslim Population: ~504,000
As a state that celebrates multiculturalism, California is home to a dynamic and diverse Muslim community. Los Angeles is particularly notable, with a population that includes Muslims from Iran, Lebanon, Somalia, Pakistan, Indonesia, and beyond.

Notable Highlights:

• The Islamic Center of Southern California is one of the oldest and most active in the country.
• The Bay Area is home to many Silicon Valley professionals who happen to be Muslim.
• California is also a hub for American Muslim advocacy and arts.

From political activism to environmental justice, California Muslims are making their presence known—building coalitions, creating businesses, and leading movements.

3. Illinois

Estimated Muslim Population: ~474,000
Chicago is often considered the unofficial capital of Muslim America. The South Side has historically been a stronghold for African-American Muslims, including members of the Nation of Islam and Sunni Muslim communities.

Key Features:

• Home to ISNA, CAIR-Chicago, and numerous community service organizations
• The Muslim American Leadership Alliance and Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN) are based here

Beyond numbers, Illinois reflects an Islamic heritage shaped by struggle, unity, and a deep commitment to social justice.

4. New Jersey

Estimated Muslim Population: ~322,000
Paterson, Newark, and Jersey City are among the most prominent Muslim-majority urban centers in the U.S. The Muslim population in New Jersey reflects strong Arab-American roots, especially Palestinian, Syrian, and Egyptian communities.

Community Highlights:

• Annual street fairs for Eid draw tens of thousands.
• Deep involvement in education, trade, and healthcare.
• Muslim police officers, city council members, and educators lead community life.

New Jersey’s Muslim community combines tradition with civic leadership, making it one of the most politically engaged groups in the country.

5. Texas

Estimated Muslim Population: ~313,000
Muslims in Texas bring a rich mix of backgrounds and experiences to the Lone Star State. The cities of Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth have become central hubs for Islamic institutions and community growth.

Why It’s Unique:

• Houston alone is home to over 100 mosques.
• A growing Muslim student population at universities like UT Austin and Texas A&M.
• Interfaith partnerships are strong, particularly in disaster response efforts.

The community’s size, diversity, and public involvement continue to grow, reshaping perceptions across the American South.

6. Michigan

Estimated Muslim Population: ~242,000
Dearborn is often referred to as the “Muslim capital of America.” It’s not an exaggeration: over 40% of the city’s population is Muslim, primarily of Lebanese, Iraqi, and Yemeni descent.

Key Achievements:

• The Islamic Center of America is a cornerstone of community life.
• Muslim businesses dominate certain commercial districts.
• Local schools and city government are highly inclusive of Muslim needs.

Michigan’s Muslim community offers one of the most established and cohesive models of Muslim-American identity.

7. Maryland

Estimated Muslim Population: ~189,000
Adjacent to the nation’s capital, Maryland attracts diplomats, scholars, IT professionals, and government employees from the Muslim world.

Noteworthy:

• Home to the Turkish-funded Diyanet Center of America, an architectural marvel.
• Montgomery County has dozens of mosques and Islamic schools.

Muslims in Maryland play an outsized role in national Muslim organizations and policy advocacy.

8. Virginia

Estimated Muslim Population: ~169,000
Virginia’s Muslim community thrives on both cultural richness and professional success. In cities like Fairfax, Sterling, and Arlington, Muslims are part of the social fabric.

Community Characteristics:

• The ADAMS Center is one of the largest Muslim communities in the U.S.
• Loudoun County schools offer halal meal options and observe Eid holidays.
• High political representation and voter participation.

Virginia’s Muslims are young, educated, and deeply invested in civic life.

9. Pennsylvania

Estimated Muslim Population: ~150,000
Philadelphia stands out for its African-American Muslim legacy, tracing back to the early 20th century. Today, the Muslim community also includes significant West African, Arab, and South Asian populations.

Cultural Contributions:

• The Masjidullah and Al-Aqsa Islamic Society are central to community life.
• Strong presence of Muslim-owned businesses and NGOs.

Faith and activism go hand-in-hand in Pennsylvania’s Muslim spaces, particularly in Philadelphia.

10. Massachusetts

Estimated Muslim Population: ~132,000
Home to world-renowned universities, Massachusetts draws Muslim students, professors, researchers, and healthcare workers.

State Snapshot:

• MIT and Harvard host thriving Muslim student associations.
• Interfaith work is robust in cities like Boston and Cambridge.

The community is small but influential, with major contributions in academic, biomedical, and startup sectors.

Muslims are part of the American story—not just as neighbors, but as contributors, leaders, and visionaries. Whether in New York’s buzzing boroughs or Michigan’s heartland, these communities are shaping the future with faith, hard work, and heart.

Understanding where Muslims live helps us better appreciate how they live—rooted in service, education, and a shared hope for a stronger, more united nation. These ten states not only host the highest Muslim populations but also showcase the multifaceted nature of Muslim life in America—from spirituality and family values to innovation and civic engagement.

Note:
This article reflects the most reliable estimates available today. Every state has its own unique Muslim stories, and while numbers provide a framework, it’s the people and their journeys that truly matter. If you’re part of this growing community, your voice is part of a greater American narrative worth celebrating.