Fact Check: "Muslims represent about 1.1% of the U.S. population."
What We Know
The claim that Muslims represent about 1.1% of the U.S. population is based on various estimates of the Muslim population in the United States. According to the World Population Review, as of 2017, there were approximately 3.45 million Muslims in the U.S., which constituted about 1.1% of the total population. However, more recent estimates from the 2020 United States Religion Census suggest that the number of Muslims has increased to about 4.45 million, making up approximately 1.34% of the total U.S. population. This indicates that the percentage of Muslims in the U.S. has been growing, particularly due to immigration and higher birth rates among Muslim families.
Analysis
The claim is partially true, as it reflects an earlier estimate of the Muslim population that is now outdated. The figure of 1.1% is based on a 2017 study, which is corroborated by the World Population Review. However, more recent data from the 2020 United States Religion Census indicates that the Muslim population has increased to 1.34%.
The reliability of these sources varies. The World Population Review is generally considered a reputable source for demographic statistics, while Wikipedia, although it compiles information from various credible sources, can be edited by anyone and may not always reflect the most current data. The 2020 United States Religion Census is a more authoritative source, as it is based on systematic data collection.
Additionally, the Justice For All report suggests that the Muslim population is diverse and includes various ethnic backgrounds, which aligns with findings from the Pew Research Center that highlight the demographic complexity of American Muslims. This diversity is significant in understanding the community's growth and representation.
Conclusion
The verdict is Partially True. While the claim accurately reflects a past estimate of the Muslim population in the U.S. (1.1%), it does not account for more recent data that indicates the percentage has risen to approximately 1.34%. Therefore, while the claim is based on factual data, it is not the most current representation of the Muslim population in the United States.
