In the United States, the Indian population has been steadily increasing, both in terms of overall numbers and as a percentage of the total U.S. population. As of the most recent estimates in 2024, the Indian population in the U.S. is around 4.4 million, making up approximately 1.3% of the total U.S. population.
Breakdown of Religion Among Indian-Americans:
The Indian-American community is religiously diverse, reflecting the religious landscape of India. Here’s a rough breakdown of the primary religious affiliations among Indian-Americans:
- Hinduism:
- Percentage: Around 60-65% of Indian-Americans identify as Hindu.
- Overview: Hinduism is the largest religion among Indian-Americans, and the community has made significant contributions to the spread of Hindu culture and festivals such as Diwali and Holi in the U.S.
- Islam:
- Percentage: About 15-20% of Indian-Americans are Muslim.
- Overview: Islam is another major religion among the Indian-American community, particularly in states like New York, California, and Texas. Indian Muslims often follow the Sunni branch, although there are also significant numbers of Shia Muslims.
- Christianity:
- Percentage: Roughly 10-15% of Indian-Americans identify as Christians.
- Overview: Indian Christians are primarily from the southern states of Kerala and Goa, with the majority being from Catholic, Protestant, and Syrian Christian traditions.
- Sikhism:
- Percentage: Around 5-7% of Indian-Americans are Sikhs.
- Overview: Sikhism is a minority religion in India, but the Sikh community has a significant presence in the United States, particularly in states like California, New York, and New Jersey. The community is known for its vibrant gurdwaras and cultural contributions.
- Other Religions and Secular:
- Percentage: A smaller portion of Indian-Americans practice other religions or identify as secular or non-religious.
- Overview: This category includes Jainism, Buddhism, and people who are non-religious or agnostic.
Conclusion:
Indian-Americans, with their religious diversity, contribute richly to the cultural and religious fabric of the United States. Their percentage of the U.S. population may be small, but their impact on American society, economy, and religious landscape is significant. The largest religious group is Hinduism, followed by Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, and other religions.
