Pew Study Reveals Diverse and Highly Educated U.S. Muslim Population with Strong Religious Commitment

A comprehensive survey by the Pew Research Center’s Religious Landscape Study has shed light on the characteristics of Muslim Americans, revealing a richly diverse community that constitutes roughly 1% of the adult U.S. population. Despite their small share, Muslims in the U.S. exhibit a wide range of religious and demographic traits.

The study found that six-in-ten Muslim adults consider religion very important in their lives, a figure comparable to the 55% observed among Christians. Additionally, 93% of Muslims believe in God or a higher power, closely mirroring Christian beliefs. Prayer habits among Muslims also reflect religious traditions, with 59% reporting they pray several times daily.

Unlike Christians and religiously unaffiliated Americans, who are predominantly White, Muslim Americans are racially and ethnically diverse. Approximately 30% identify as White, 30% as Asian, 20% as Black, and 11% as Hispanic. A significant majority (59%) of Muslim adults were born outside the United States, underscoring the immigrant roots of the community.

Education levels among Muslims are notably high, with 44% holding college degrees and 26% possessing advanced degrees, surpassing the rates seen in other religious groups. The Muslim population also skews younger, with 35% aged 18 to 29, and many are actively raising children.