Muslims beyond the U.S.

Muslims In The United States

*U.S. Muslim Population Table

Ethnic Grouping Population 1000 (1990) Percent of Total Muslim Population Definition of Terms
African-
American 2,100 42.0 African-Americans: Those persons of African descent native to the United States of America.

South Asians 1,220 24.4 South-Asians: Those of Indian/Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, or Afghan descent now residing in the United States as citizens or permanent residents.

Arabs 620 12.4 Arabs: People from Arabic-speaking countries of the Middle East and North Africa who are permanent residents or citizens of the United States.

Africans 260 5.2 Africans: People from the African continent who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States

Iranians 180 3.6 Iranians: People of Persian descent, usually from Iran, who are citizens or permanent residents.

Turks 120 2.4 Turkish: People of Turkish descent who are citizens ro permanent residents.

South East Asians 100 2.0 South East Asians: People of Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Indochina, or the Phillippines.

American Whites 80 1.6 American Whites: Those of West European descent, who are native to the United States.

East Europeans 40 0.8 East Europeans: People from various regions of Eastern Europe.

Other 280 5.6 Other: All other groups.

Totals 5,000 100

Geographical Distribution:
The table below represents a breakdown by states of the largest Muslim communities in the United States. It shows that there are an estimated 3.3. million Muslims in these states. The figure represents 62 percent of the estimated 5 million Muslims living in the United States.


Muslim State Population Table
State Muslim Population
(1,000) Percentage Total Muslim Population Percent of Total State Population
California 1,000 20.0 3.4
New York 800 16.0 4.7
Illinois 420 8.4 3.6
New Jersey 200 4.0 2.5
Indiana 180 3.6 3.2
Michigan 170 3.4 1.8
Virginia 150 3.0 2.4
Texas 140 2.8 0.7
Ohio 130 2.6 1.2
Maryland 70 1.4 1.4

* Estimates under column 2 have been rounded to the nearest even number.

The list below shows the number of facilities used by Muslims for religious activities and community affairs: Mosques/Islamic Centers 843
Islamic Schools 165
Associations 426
Publications 89
There are 165 Islamic Schools in the United States, of which 92 are full time. Figures here for Masjids/Islamic Centers are based on our directory listings.


Note: The exact number of businesses owned and operated by Muslims is unavailable, but they are estimated in the thousands. These preliminary finding represent data collected during 1986-1992.

*AMC Publication