U.S. Muslims are varied and rising. The Pew Research Center estimates 3.45 million Muslims in the U.S., 1.1% of the population. Since the 1990s, Muslim immigration to the U.S. has increased significantly.
Muslim Americans come from many places and cultures. Muslim Americans are primarily South Asian, followed by Arab, African, and Southeast Asian. American-born Muslims and converts to Islam are also expanding.
The U.S. Muslim population is equally dispersed, with substantial groups in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. In addition, rural and smaller cities have large Muslim populations.
Muslims, like other minority groups in the U.S., have endured discrimination and prejudice, especially after September 11th. Hate crimes and prejudice against Muslims in the U.S. have increased, raising worries about their safety and well-being.
Despite these obstacles, American Muslims have made several significant contributions to the country. Muslims have contributed to the country’s economic, political, and cultural growth, especially in science, technology, the arts, and sports.
Check out the 7 largest Muslim populations in the U.S.
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Virginia
Total Population: 8,654,542
Population Density: 206.7 per square mile
Total Area: 42,774.2 square miles
Year Established: 1788
Source: Wikimedia
Virginia has 200,000 Muslims, second in the nation. This multicultural community is linked to Islam. Early Muslim immigrants to Virginia arrived in the 1920s. The community has developed, building mosques, schools, and cultural institutions around the state.
Virginia’s closeness to Washington, D.C., helps boost its Muslim population. Muslim workers in the D.C. region have gone to Virginia. In addition, Muslim families are drawn to the state’s strong economy and excellent level of life.
State Muslims have volunteered in interfaith activities to benefit the needy. They also work with local groups and schools to preach Islam.
Virginia’s Muslim community is diversified and dynamic, contributing much to the state. It has struggled, but it has always promoted Islam and has benefited the state.
Did You Know?
Virginia’s sizable Muslim community hasn’t always been welcomed. State Muslims faced prejudice and hate attacks after 9/11. Nevertheless, the community has relentlessly fought intolerance and promoted understanding and acceptance of Islam.
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Michigan
Total Population: 10,077,331
Population Density: 174 per square mile
Total Area: 99,729 square miles
Year Established: 1837
Source: Wikimedia
Michigan has an estimated 350,000 Muslims. Michigan has the sixth-largest Muslim population. Arab immigrants, mainly from Lebanon and Palestine, came to Michigan to work in the auto sector in the early 20th century, growing the Muslim population.
The mid-1900s immigrant surge created sizable Arab-American populations in Dearborn and Hamtramck. In addition, South Asian and East African Muslim immigration has also increased in Michigan, creating a diversified Muslim population.
Michigan’s Muslims have shaped its culture and history despite prejudice. Appreciating Michigan’s Muslim community’s variety and strength as it grows is vital.
Did You Know?
Michigan’s Muslim community influences its economy and society. For example, Muslim entrepreneurs in Michigan boost the state’s economy.
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New Jersey
Total Population: 9,288,994
Population Density: 1,263 per square mile
Total Area: 8,772.58 square miles
Year Established: 1787
Source: Pexels
New Jersey has about 321,000 Muslims, the fifth biggest in the U.S. Arab, South Asian, and African Americans make up this multicultural community. The first mosque in New Jersey was built in the early 20th century. Since then, mosques and Islamic institutions have sprung up around the state.
New Jersey’s position in the Northeast corridor, where several major cities have big immigrant populations, has helped its Muslim community develop. In addition, new Jersey’s rich history of religious variety and tolerance also attracts Muslims.
The community is vital to its culture—New Jersey Muslims in medical, law, education, and business. In addition, many Muslims serve in local government and community groups, contributing to the state’s political and civic life.
New Jersey’s diversified and thriving Muslim community is the fourth biggest in the nation and crucial to the state’s social and cultural fabric. Despite its struggles, the group is essential to the state’s diversified population.
Did You Know?
New Jersey’s position in the Northeast, where several major cities have big immigrant populations, has helped its Muslim community develop. In addition, new Jersey’s rich history of religious variety and tolerance also attracts Muslims.
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Illinois
Total Population: 12,812,508
Population Density: 232 per square mile
Total Area: 57,915 square miles
Year Established: 1818
Source: Pixabay
Illinois has the fourth-largest Muslim population in the U.S. The data revealed 350,000 Muslims in Illinois, 5% of the state’s population. Chicago’s diversified Muslim community has the most Muslims in Illinois.
The city’s diversified population reflects its immigrant past. The Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago, the Inner-City Muslim Action Network, and approximately 300 mosques and Islamic cultural institutes are in Chicago.
Illinois Muslims come from many cultures and ethnicities. Immigrants from the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa make up many Illinois Muslims. In addition, Illinois has sizable congregations of African-American Muslims and converts from other races.
Did You Know?
Illinois’ Muslim community has actively promoted tolerance and mutual respect with other religious and cultural organizations. As a result, it enhances the state’s culture and diversity.
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Texas
Total Population: 29,145,505
Population Density: 114 per square mile
Total Area: 268,596 square miles
Year Established: 1845
Source: Unsplash
Texas is the third largest Muslim population in the U.S. 420,000 Muslims, according to the Texas Standard. The Muslim community grew when a few Muslim immigrants and students settled in Texas in the early 20th century.
New immigrants and converts joined Texas’ Muslim community in the following decades. As a result, Muslims live in Houston, Dallas, and all the towns and rural places.
Texas Muslims experience persecution despite their numbers and diversity. After 9/11 and the growth of Islamophobia, Texas Muslims have experienced hate crimes and discrimination. Many Texas Muslims seek to promote understanding and acceptance in their communities, showing perseverance and courage in the face of these adversities.
Did You Know?
Texas’ diversified Muslim community reflects its unique cultural and ethnic diversity. Texas Muslims are African American, Arab, South Asian, and Latino. Due to this variety, Texas Muslims have several mosques and Islamic institutions to meet their spiritual and social requirements.
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Florida
Total Population: 21,538,1287
Population Density: 402 per square mile
Total Area: 65,758 square miles
Year Established: 1845
Source: Wikimedia
Florida has the second-largest Muslim population in the U.S. The Pew Research Center estimates 700,000 Muslims reside in Florida.
Florida’s Muslim community is primarily Arab, South Asian, and African American. In addition, Florida has several mosques, Islamic schools, and cultural institutions for Muslims from Palestine, Egypt, Pakistan, and Somalia.
Florida Muslims experience prejudice and bad perceptions despite their large population. However, many Florida Muslims have surmounted these hurdles and built great connections with other religious and ethnic communities. As a result, Florida’s diversified and thriving Muslim community is growing and alive.
Did You Know?
Florida’s strong economy and employment environment have drawn many Muslims from Muslim-majority nations seeking better chances. In addition, Florida’s Muslim population has grown due to Middle Eastern vacationers.
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New York
Total Population: 20,215,751
Population Density: 416.42 per square mile
Total Area: 54,555 square miles
Year Established: 1788
Source: Wikimedia
As of 2016, New York has 768,787 Muslims. New York has the largest Muslim population in the U.S.
New York Muslims come from many nations and races. For example, New York has considerable Muslim populations from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Egypt.
New York Muslims have endured persecution despite their numbers and diversity. Hate crimes targeted New York Muslims after the September 11th attacks.
Did You Know?
New York’s Muslim community has endured. The city boasts several mosques and Islamic cultural institutes with a history of activism and social justice. In addition, new York’s Muslim community has contributed to arts, culture, and business.
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