The United States is the epitome of diversity and that can be observed on many levels, including religion. After Christianity and Judaism, Islam is the third most popular religion in the US. According to a 2017 research, there are 3.45 million Muslims living in the US, making up roughly 1.1% of the entire population. People of all racial and ethnic backgrounds can be found within this population, demonstrating the enormous diversity of Islam’s adherents in the USA.
A brief history of Islam in the USA:
More than 400 years have passed since the first Muslims arrived in America. Despite some evidence pointing to the presence of Muslims on Columbus’ ships, the first distinctly recorded migration of Muslims to America began in the 17th century with the introduction of slaves from Africa. According to researchers, between a quarter and a third of the Africans who were sold into slavery and carried to the United States were Muslims.
How many Muslims live in USA today?
According to a Pew Research Center survey, there were approximately 3.45 million Muslims in the U.S. in 2017, including 2.15 million adults and 1.35 million children. Muslims account for about 1.1% of the total U.S. population (including both adults and children), as well as approximately 0.9% of the U.S. adult population.
The number of Muslims in the United States is predicted to increase significantly more quickly than the number of Jews. Muslims will overtake Jews to become the country’s second-largest religious group after Christians by 2040. Similarly, it is anticipated that by 2050, there would be 8.1 million Muslims in the United States, or 2.1% of the entire population, nearly doubling their current percentage.
The Demography of Muslims in America:
Approximately two-thirds of Muslims in the United States now (64.5%) are first-generation immigrants who were born abroad, while slightly over one-third (35.5%) were born here. However, it is anticipated that by 2030, more than forty percent (44.9%) of all Muslims in the country will be native-born.
Where do American Muslims Live?
By percentage, New Jersey has the biggest Muslim population. 3% of the people living in the state are Muslims. The next three states are Arkansas, the District of Columbia, and New York, where 2% of the residents are Muslims. The percentage of Muslims in the remaining states is 1% or less of the total population.
Surprisingly, New York, with an estimated 257 mosques in 2011, takes the top spot as the state with the most mosques. On the other side, there were only 109 in New Jersey.
What is the first American city ruled by Muslims?
In 2013, Hamtramck, Michigan, made history when it appeared to be the first city in the US to elect a city council with a majority of Muslims. This sparked a media storm from around the world to visit the area. Additionally, 2021 marks a significant accomplishment for the Midwestern city; Hamtramck became the first city in the US to have a Muslim-American government after electing an all-Muslim City Council and a Muslim mayor.
What is the American city with the highest Muslim population?
With 109,976 residents as of the 2020 Census, the highest Muslim population per capita in the US resides in Dearborn. It is the seventh most populous city in Michigan. The biggest mosque in the United States is located there as well.
The Muslim population in America today is a fascinating mosaic of racial, linguistic, socioeconomic, and ethnic groups. With the fast growth of Islam, it is only natural for such diverse population to grow bigger and thrive.
