New York City hosts one of the largest Muslim populations in the United States, with estimates placing the number at around 750,000 to over 800,000 residents as of recent demographic studies. 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 sources like Pew Research Center data and community surveys, reflecting steady growth from immigration, higher birth rates, and community expansion.

Population Breakdown

Muslims are distributed across all five boroughs, contributing to NYC's cultural mosaic.

  • Queens : Highest concentration at ~15-18% of the borough, driven by South Asian, Arab, and African communities.
  • Brooklyn : Around 10-12%, with strong Bangladeshi and Pakistani hubs.
  • Bronx : Approximately 18%, featuring growing West African and Latino Muslim groups.
  • Manhattan : About 12%, including historic Harlem mosques and professional networks.
  • Staten Island : Roughly 5%, with emerging Arab and Bangladeshi presences.

The broader metro area (including parts of New Jersey and Connecticut) swells this to 1.5 million, the largest such concentration in North America.

Growth Trends

NYC's Muslim community has expanded significantly since 2000, when estimates hovered at 600,000. Projections suggest 20-30% growth by 2035, potentially reaching 900,000-1 million in the city proper, fueled by family stability, education-driven immigration, and civic integration. A 2025 analysis notes over 700,000 in the city alone, with the metro nearing 1 million.

Demographic Diversity

This population is remarkably diverse, encompassing over 50 ethnic groups.

  • South Asians (e.g., Pakistani, Bangladeshi) form the largest segment, followed by Arabs, Africans, and converts.
  • Over 275 mosques and Islamic centers serve as hubs, from the Islamic Cultural Center of New York to neighborhood prayer spaces.
  • Contributions span halal businesses, education, healthcare, and politics, enriching the city's fabric.

Data Challenges

Exact counts remain estimates since the U.S. Census avoids religious tracking, relying instead on Pew surveys, academic studies, and community records. Recent 2026 state-level reviews affirm NYC's lead in New York State, outpacing cities like Buffalo or Rochester.

TL;DR : Approximately 750,000+ Muslims live in NYC (9% of residents), with growth ongoing amid rich diversity.

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