Key Demographics and Challenges
Maqsood Ahmed, OBE
Muslim youth in Britain represent an exciting and emergent demographic, but they also face a complex mix of challenges and opportunities
There are approximately 4 million Muslims in the UK, making up 6% of the total British population. 46% of British Muslims are under 24, compared to 29% of the overall population. (A) Education: Around 449,200 Muslims are in full-time education.
On a positive note, in the 16–24 age group, the percentage with degree-level qualifications rose from 11.3% to 20.8% over 20 years. Muslim youth in Britain attend a wide range of educational settings, including state schools, faith schools, and independent schools, with varying levels of emphasis on Islamic education.
While some Muslim parents prioritise academic excellence and social mobility through mainstream education, others seek Islamic schools to reinforce their children’s faith and cultural identity.
There are ongoing discussions and initiatives to address the unique educational needs of Muslim students.
The majority of Muslim children attend state-funded schools, which are generally secular but may offer religious education (RE) that includes Islam. There’s been a recent push for the expansion of faith schools, including Islamic schools. Some Muslim parents opt for Islamic schools to strengthen their children’s religious identity and potentially offer a more supportive environment.
Balancing Faith and Education is another challenge that Muslims face in Britain. Muslim youth face the challenge of steering both their religious identity and the expectations of the British education system. There is a spotlight on the role of Islamic Schools, too. While some view Islamic schools as a way to reinforce faith and identity, others worry about potential divisiveness and prefer a more integrated approach.
(2) Employment & Economic Activity: Employment levels are lower:
Only 19.8% of Muslims aged 16–74 are in full-time employment, compared with 34.9% of the overall population.
Overall, only 48.6% of working-age Muslims are employed, compared to much higher rates across the general population.
Muslim women are just 37% employed. Many are economically inactive due to childcare responsibilities, with 18% of Muslim women aged 16–74 looking after home and family compared to 6% overall (three times).
Fewer Muslims hold high-skilled jobs: only 6% are in higher managerial or professional roles, compared to 10% across the wider population.
6.7% of Muslims were unemployed (2021), higher than other religious groups. Among young adults aged 20–24, the unemployment rate was 13%, vs 9% overall.
Language & Identity: 99% of British-born Muslims speak English well or very well. 94% identify strongly as British, showing high levels of national belonging.
(3) Housing & Deprivation
40% of Muslims live in the most deprived areas of the UK.
1 in 4 Muslim households experience overcrowding — four times the national average.
Only 45.6% of Muslims live in owner-occupied housing, compared to 62.8% of the general population. Instead, 26.6% live in social rented housing, versus 16.6% overall.
(4) Deprivation and poverty
In Wales, over 27.7% of those identifying as Muslim live in the 10% most deprived LSOAs (Lower Layer Super Output Areas)—a notably higher rate than any other religion
Among Muslims under 16, the proportion living in the most deprived LSOAs in Wales is even higher—31.1%
Muslim women are slightly more likely to live in these deprived areas than Muslim men (28.6% vs. 26.9%)
Broader socio-economic indicators reflect disadvantage.
Approximately 50% of Muslims in the UK live in poverty, a much higher proportion than other religious groups (e.g., Sikhs at 27%)
Unemployment and economic inactivity are higher among Muslims:
68% live in areas with the highest unemployment rates, compared to just ~26% among Christians and non-religious groups
Muslims aged 16 to 64 have an employment rate of 51.4%, far below the overall population’s 70.9%.
(5) Major Issues Facing Muslim Youth
i. Islamophobia & Discrimination
Many Muslim youth report experiencing prejudice, stereotyping, and hostility in schools, workplaces, and public spaces. There is a great deal of statistical information collected by various government and voluntary sector agencies to support this.
Hate crimes and negative media portrayals contribute to a sense of marginalisation.
ii. Social Mobility Barriers
Despite educational gains, Muslim youth face limited employment opportunities and employer bias, especially those from Pakistani and Bangladeshi backgrounds.
Only 6% of Muslims are in higher managerial or professional roles, compared to 10% of the overall population.
iii. Mental Health Challenges
Identity struggles, discrimination, and social isolation contribute to mental health issues, particularly among young Muslim men.
Access to culturally sensitive mental health services remains limited.
iv. Identity & Integration
Many young Muslims grapple with dual identities, balancing religious and cultural heritage with British societal norms.
Some feel pressure to hide or downplay their Muslim identity to fit in.
