What are the demographics of the Muslim population in Michigan?
Executive summary
Michigan’s Muslim population is commonly reported in the mid-to-high hundreds of thousands, representing roughly 2.7–2.8% of the state’s residents: several sources estimate between about 242,000 and 273,000 Muslims in Michigan (examples: 241,828; 270,000; 273,734) and multiple reports state Muslims are about 2.75% of Michigan’s population [1] [2] [3].
1. What the numbers say — competing tallies and why they differ
Estimates for Michigan’s Muslim population in recent reporting vary: one data compilation lists 241,828 Muslims in Michigan [1], while advocacy and state-focused reports give higher figures — an estimate of about 270,000 (2.75% of the state) appears in LegalClarity’s 2025 profile [2] and Muslims for American Progress reported roughly 273,734 (also 2.75%) for 2015 [3]. Differences reflect methodology: some rankings use census proxies and statistical modeling, others use surname analysis, community surveys, or historical estimates tied to mosque counts and organizational data [3] [1]. Available sources do not mention a single definitive official count from the U.S. Census Bureau for the Muslim population in Michigan.
2. Geographic concentration — Dearborn and the Detroit area dominate
All sources point to the Detroit metropolitan region as the primary center of Michigan’s Muslim population, with Dearborn and neighboring cities repeatedly flagged as cultural and religious hubs for Arab-American and Muslim communities [2] [1] [4]. Dearborn is described as having the largest proportional Muslim population in the United States and hosting major mosques and civic institutions that anchor the community [4]. The concentration in metro Detroit helps explain why statewide percentages are higher than in many other states [2].
3. Diversity within Michigan’s Muslims — ethnic and occupational mix
Reporting emphasizes ethnic diversity among American Muslims generally — including Arab, South Asian, African American and growing Latino and white populations — and sources note Michigan’s Muslim community mirrors national patterns [5] [6]. Muslims in Michigan are present across professions; advocacy research claims significant representation in healthcare and other skilled fields (for instance, an assertion that Muslims form a disproportionately large share of licensed medical doctors in Michigan appears in Muslims for American Progress) [3]. These occupational claims come from organizational studies and secondary analyses rather than a single statewide occupational census [3].
4. Institutional footprint — mosques, civic organizations and businesses
Community-focused reports document an established institutional presence: one advocacy source states Michigan had at least 87 mosques as of an earlier date and highlights Muslim civic and economic contributions statewide [3]. Other outlets describe a robust ecosystem of nonprofits, businesses and cultural institutions in Detroit-area cities that reinforce social cohesion and public visibility [6] [2]. Precise, up-to-date counts of mosques and businesses vary by source and year; available sources do not provide a unified, current registry.
5. Trends and growth — rapidly growing or stabilizing?
Some narratives stress rapid growth and a “diverse and rapidly growing” community in Michigan [2], while historical estimates (e.g., 2015 figures) show a large base that advocacy groups say has continued to contribute substantially to the state [3]. National context materials cited in these reports also note that Muslim Americans are relatively young and that immigration and second/third-generation growth shape local demographics [5] [3]. Available sources do not offer a single time-series analysis measuring year-to-year growth for Michigan; trends are inferred from snapshots and organizational studies.
6. Methodological caution — read the fine print
Different sources use different methods: world/regional ranking databases use demographic modeling [1], advocacy groups may use surname analysis and sector-specific datasets [3], and local journalism summarizes research projects or impact reports [6] [2]. Those methods can over- or under-count certain groups (e.g., non-Arab Muslims, converts, or people who do not affiliate formally). Reporters and policymakers should treat the specific numbers as estimates bounded by each source’s approach [1] [3].
7. What these figures imply politically and socially
Sources suggest Michigan’s Muslim population — concentrated, visible and economically engaged — plays an outsized role in particular localities (especially Dearborn) and in sectors like healthcare and small business according to advocacy reporting [3] [6]. That visibility shapes local politics and public debates in ways documented by city reporting and community profiles [4] [6]. Critics might question advocacy-group claims of occupational overrepresentation; available sources do not include independent statewide occupational verification.
8. Bottom line and next steps for readers seeking verification
Current reporting provides a range: roughly 242,000 to 274,000 Muslims in Michigan and a commonly cited share near 2.75% [1] [2] [3]. For authoritative, reproducible figures, readers should seek methodology details from each report and compare to academic or government demographic studies; available sources do not present a single, definitive government count.