Muslim Family Size in the United States: Pew Research Data and Trends

Key Statistic (Pew Research Center, 2017)

• Median household size: Muslims = 3.72 persons; Non-Muslims = 3.16 persons.
• Difference: +0.56 persons (18% larger).

Demographic Drivers

Factor	Impact
Higher Fertility	Muslim women: 2.9 children (lifetime); U.S. average: 1.7 (2017). Gap narrowing across generations.
Multigenerational Households	13% of Muslim households include ≥3 generations vs. 5% general population. Cultural norms of elder care, immigration patterns.
Immigration Composition	58% of U.S. Muslims are foreign-born (2017); larger households common in origin countries.
Age Structure	Median age 35 vs. 48 (general); more households in childbearing years.

Trends Over Time

• 2007: Muslim household size 4.1; 2011: 3.9; 2017: 3.72 – converging toward national average.
• Second-generation Muslims: Fertility ~2.1 (replacement level); household size approaching non-Muslim norms.
• Unaffiliated/Convert Muslims: Household sizes similar to general population.

Socioeconomic Context

• Muslim households: 24% <$30k income; 31% >$100k (bimodal distribution).
• Homeownership: 42% vs. 64% national – affects household formation.
• Education: 31% college degree (similar to general 30%).

Methodological Notes

• Pew's 2017 survey: 1,001 Muslim adults; 2020 follow-up delayed by pandemic.
• "Household" = persons sharing housing unit; "Family" = related persons. Data reflects households.
• Muslim identity self-identified; includes all races/ethnicities (South Asian, Arab, African American, white, other).

Implications

• Larger households → greater need for affordable housing, pediatric care, educational services.
• Multigenerational living → intergenerational support but potential crowding stress.
• Policy relevance: housing, immigration, social services planning.