Fact check: What is the largest Muslim population city in England?

1. Big Picture: London’s absolute lead is decisive and census‑based

The 2021 census data for London registers a resident population of 8,799,800, with 14.99% identifying as Muslim, yielding approximately 1.32 million Muslims and establishing London as the English locality with the highest absolute Muslim population. This figure is census‑derived and therefore provides a strong, official benchmark for absolute**Executive Summary**

London contains the largest absolute number of Muslims in England, with the 2021 census indicating roughly 1.32 million Muslim residents out of a total population near 8.8 million, making it far larger in absolute terms than any individual English city. Other places frequently cited — notably Birmingham for visible mosque infrastructure and Bradford for a high local Muslim share — have significant Muslim communities but fall well short of London in absolute numbers; Bradford’s 2021 estimate is about 166,846 Muslims based on a 30.5% share of 546,412 residents ^{[1] [3] [2]}. This report reconciles competing claims and explains why percentages and raw counts lead to different answers.

1. Why London’s absolute figure beats every city headline

London’s total Muslim count comes from the 2021 census showing 14.99% of 8,799,800 residents identifying as Muslim, producing the ~1.32 million figure and making London the English area with the largest absolute Muslim population. The census data is the most recent comprehensive nationwide dataset and is therefore the most robust single source for absolute headcounts ^[1]. Using absolute numbers rather than percentages changes the outcome: a large, diverse metropolis with a modest percentage can still exceed smaller cities that have higher Muslim proportions.

2. Birmingham’s visible presence doesn’t equate to the largest headcount

Databases listing mosques and community institutions paint Birmingham as a city with a strong Muslim presence, and listings such as Birmingham Central Mosque and multiple other centres indicate concentrated infrastructure and sizeable community life. These sources support the claim that Birmingham is a major Muslim centre in England, but they do not provide a census‑style headcount showing it surpasses London in absolute numbers ^[2]. Infrastructure and visibility can be mistaken for numerical primacy; facility lists are valuable for understanding community footprint but are not substitutes for population totals.

3. Bradford: high concentration, much smaller absolute size

Bradford’s 2021 population of 546,412 with a 30.5% Muslim share yields an estimated 166,846 Muslim residents, which is one of the highest city percentages in England but numerically far smaller than London’s Muslim population. This contrast shows that percentage metrics emphasise concentration and local dynamics, useful for municipal planning and representation, whereas absolute counts are more relevant when comparing city‑level totals across the country ^[3]. Bradford’s demographic profile explains why it is often cited in percentage‑focused discussions.

4. Different questions, different correct answers — percentages vs absolute counts

Claims that “the largest Muslim population city in England” can be interpreted in two ways: largest absolute number of Muslims, or largest share of a city’s population. The supplied sources illustrate both approaches: London leads by absolute numbers with ~1.32 million Muslims, while Bradford leads among cities by percentage share (30.5%), and Birmingham is often noted for infrastructure prominence without a provided headcount ^{[1] [3] [2]}. Precise wording matters when making or checking such claims.

5. Data strengths, gaps, and what to watch for in future updates

The 2021 census is the strongest available foundation for absolute comparisons at the national and city level; the mosque database and local reporting are complementary sources that highlight infrastructure and community presence but do not replace census counts ^{[1] [2]}. Limitations include differing geographic definitions (Greater London vs city proper) and the fact that facility listings do not quantify adherents. Future updates or local surveys may shift percentages slightly, but absent a new census, 2021 remains the authoritative baseline.

6. Reconciling competing claims and advising clear phrasing

When answering “largest Muslim population city in England,” the authoritative response is: London, by absolute number (≈1.32 million Muslims, 2021 census). If the question instead seeks the highest proportion of Muslims within a city’s population, Bradford is notable with 30.5% and roughly 166,846 Muslim residents ^{[1] [3]}. Claims that Birmingham is the largest appear to derive from observations of mosque density and community visibility rather than census headcounts, so such statements should be qualified accordingly ^[2].

7. Bottom line and recommended use of the data

Use the 2021 census absolute counts to answer national comparisons: London is the largest by number ^[1]. Use local percentage figures to discuss concentration and municipal needs — Bradford exemplifies high concentration ^[3]. Use infrastructure lists like mosque databases to map community resources and visibility, while avoiding treating them as substitutes for population totals ^[2]. Clear framing — absolute count versus share — prevents confusion and resolves the competing claims evident in the sources.