New York City hosts one of the largest Muslim populations in the United States, with reliable estimates placing it at around 750,000 to over 800,000 residents as of recent years. This figure represents approximately 9% of the city's total population of about 8.3 million, making Islam the third-largest religion there after Christianity and Judaism. These numbers stem from demographic studies, as the U.S. Census does not track religion directly, leading to projections based on surveys and community data.

Population Breakdown

Muslim communities thrive across all five boroughs, reflecting NYC's diversity from South Asian, Arab, West African, and Latino backgrounds.

  • Queens : Highest concentration at ~15-18% of the borough, driven by Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and Guyanese groups.
  • Brooklyn : Around 10-12%, with strong Yemeni and Caribbean Muslim enclaves.
  • Bronx : Growing to ~18%, fueled by West African and Latino converts.
  • Manhattan : ~12%, including historic Harlem mosques and professional hubs.
  • Staten Island : Smaller at ~5%, with emerging Arab and Bangladeshi communities.

The broader metro area (including parts of New Jersey and Connecticut) swells this to about 1.5 million Muslims.

Growth Trends

NYC's Muslim population has expanded steadily due to immigration, higher birth rates, and family stability, rising from ~600,000 in 2000 to over 750,000 by 2020. Projections suggest 20-30% growth by 2035, potentially reaching 900,000-1 million in the city alone, amid ongoing migration and community building. As of early 2026, no major shifts alter this trajectory, though local factors like refugee resettlements continue contributing.

Cultural Impact

This vibrant community supports over 275 mosques, halal businesses, and Islamic schools, enriching NYC's social fabric from food scenes in Jackson Heights to civic roles in politics and healthcare. Challenges like post-9/11 discrimination persist, but contributions in education and entrepreneurship highlight resilience.

TL;DR : ~750,000+ Muslims in NYC (~9% of population), largest U.S. city concentration, with steady growth projected.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.