Introduction
Mormonism has been an integral part of the American cultural landscape since its founding in the 19th century. There are an estimated 6.7 million Mormons living in the United States. This population is largely concentrated in the western US, with Utah being home to around 2.2 million self-identified Mormons in the country. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), commonly referred to as Mormon or LDS Church, is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah and was founded by Joseph Smith Jr. in 1830. Mormonism’s belief system is centered around a strict adherence to scripture and Christian doctrine; however, it also includes several unique elements such as belief in other books of scripture, belief in multiple Gods, and special priesthood authority among its adherents. Although Mormonism is often seen as a homogenous religious movement, it is actually quite diverse with many different branches and offshoots existing throughout its history. About 38% of Mormon identified themselves as members of one of these distinct Latter-day Saint faiths outside of traditional Mormonism. Despite this diversity, all branches share many commonalities including faithfulness to their core beliefs and commitment to missionary work throughout the world.
# | State | Mormon Population | Jewish Population | Muslim Population Rate |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Utah | 2,161,526 | 5,650 | 1% |
2 | California | 734,989 | 1,187,990 | 1% |
3 | Idaho | 471,241 | 2,125 | 1% |
4 | Arizona | 438,249 | 108,075 | 1% |
5 | Texas | 371,007 | 176,000 | 1% |
6 | Washington | 283,609 | 75,350 | < 1% |
7 | Nevada | 182,569 | 76,300 | < 1% |
8 | Florida | 164,558 | 657,095 | < 1% |
9 | Oregon | 151,151 | 4,065 | 1% |
10 | Colorado | 149,007 | 98,400 | < 1% |
11 | Virginia | 96,748 | 150,595 | 1% |
12 | North Carolina | 91,521 | 45,935 | < 1% |
13 | Georgia | 87,908 | 12,872 | < 1% |
14 | New York | 82,866 | 1,772,470 | 2% |
15 | Missouri | 75,375 | 64,275 | < 1% |
16 | Hawaii | 74,858 | 7,100 | < 1% |
17 | New Mexico | 69,096 | 12,625 | < 1% |
18 | Wyoming | 67,454 | 1,150 | < 1% |
19 | Ohio | 63,007 | 151,615 | 1% |
20 | Illinois | 56,535 | 297,735 | 1% |
21 | Tennessee | 55,456 | 22,800 | 1% |
22 | Pennsylvania | 52,149 | 434,165 | 1% |
23 | Montana | 51,289 | 1,495 | < 1% |
24 | Oklahoma | 50,800 | 4,425 | < 1% |
25 | Indiana | 46,253 | 25,145 | < 1% |
26 | Michigan | 45,185 | 87,905 | 1% |
27 | Maryland | 43,309 | 238,600 | 1% |
28 | South Carolina | 42,902 | 16,820 | < 1% |
29 | Alabama | 38,845 | 10,325 | < 1% |
30 | Kansas | 38,640 | 17,425 | 1% |
31 | Kentucky | 37,077 | 12,500 | < 1% |
32 | New Jersey | 34,163 | 546,950 | 3% |
33 | Arkansas | 34,027 | 2,225 | 2% |
34 | Alaska | 33,250 | 5,750 | < 1% |
35 | Minnesota | 32,863 | 65,900 | 1% |
36 | Louisiana | 29,550 | 14,900 | < 1% |
37 | Iowa | 28,471 | 5,475 | 1% |
38 | Massachusetts | 27,932 | 293,080 | 1% |
39 | Wisconsin | 27,582 | 33,455 | 1% |
40 | Nebraska | 25,055 | 9,350 | < 1% |
41 | Mississippi | 21,936 | 1,525 | < 1% |
42 | West Virginia | 17,179 | 2,310 | 1% |
43 | Connecticut | 15,625 | 118,350 | 1% |
44 | South Dakota | 11,297 | 250 | < 1% |
45 | North Dakota | 11,287 | 400 | 1% |
46 | Maine | 10,987 | 12,550 | < 1% |
47 | New Hampshire | 8,967 | 10,120 | < 1% |
48 | Delaware | 5,595 | 15,100 | 1% |
49 | Vermont | 4,655 | 7,865 | < 1% |
50 | Rhode Island | 4,283 | 18,750 | < 1% |
51 | District of Columbia | 3,136 | 57,300 | 2% |
Mormon Population by State
The Mormon population in the United States varies greatly from state to state. Utah has the highest concentration of Mormon adherents, with 66% of the population identifying as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Other states in the West, such as Idaho and Wyoming, have a much smaller percentage – approximately 20% and 10%, respectively – while other regions around the country have relatively low concentrations. For example, Maine and Rhode Island have Mormon populations that make up less than 1% of the total population. It’s worth noting that in some states with lower numbers, such as New Mexico (1%) or North Carolina (4%), there are entire counties where Mormons make up more than half the population. In fact, one county in Idaho has a staggering 81% Mormon inhabitants. On the other hand, certain states are practically devoid of Mormons altogether; these include Connecticut (less than 0.1%), Delaware (less than 0.1%), and New Hampshire (0.2%). While Utah is home to an overwhelming majority of Mormons, these figures demonstrate that there is no single region in which they all congregate: Mormonism is a faith present throughout all fifty states, albeit at varying levels depending on location.
States with Most Mormons
The states with the most Mormons are Utah, California, Idaho, Arizona, Texas, Washington, Nevada, Florida, Oregon, and Colorado. The state with the most Mormons is Utah, with a total Mormon population of 2,161,526. The second state with the highest Mormon population is California, with a total of 734,989 mormons. The third state with the highest Mormon population is Idaho, with a total of 471,241 Mormons in the state. The fourth and fifth states with the most Mormons are Arizona and Texas, with 438,249 and 371,007 Mormons per state respectively. The sixth state with the highest Mormon population is Washington, with 283,609 Mormons, and the seventh state with the highest number of Mormons is Nevada, with a total of 182,569 Mormons within the state. The eighth and ninth states with the most Mormons are Florida, with a total Mormon population of 164,558, and Oregon, with a Mormon population at 151,151. Finally, the tenth state with the highest Mormon population is Colorado, with 149,007 Mormons.
States with Highest Mormon Population
1. Utah – 2,161,526
2. California – 734,989
3. Idaho – 471,241
4. Arizona – 438,249
5. Texas – 371,007
6. Washington – 283,609
7. Nevada – 182,569
8. Florida – 164,558
9. Oregon – 151,151
10. Colorado – 149,007
State With Most Mormons
The state of Utah is home to the highest concentration of Latter-day Saints in the United States, with an estimated 2,161,526 members of the religious group living within its borders. This figure represents around 66% of the state’s population and makes Utah the most heavily Mormon state in the nation by a significant margin; both Idaho and Wyoming, which come in at second and third place respectively, have far fewer Latter-day Saint adherents with populations of around 20 and 10%. As a result, Mormons make up such a substantial percentage of Utah that their influence pervades many aspects of everyday life there. In fact, Latter-day Saints account for more than two-thirds of all missionaries serving abroad from America’s western states and are also responsible for several iconic sites throughout the region including Temple Square in Salt Lake City and This Is The Place Heritage Park outside Ogden. Furthermore, Mormonism has played a historically integral role in shaping Utah’s cultural identity as evidenced by its local cuisine (e.g., funeral potatoes), strong sense of community service (e.g., Pioneer Day celebrations) and penchant for self-sufficiency (e.g., horticulture).
Mormon Population by State
Alabama
Mormon Population
38,845
Ranked in the US
#29
10,325
Ranked in the US
#34
Alaska
Mormon Population
33,250
Ranked in the US
#34
5,750
Ranked in the US
#39
Arizona
Mormon Population
438,249
Ranked in the US
#4
108,075
Ranked in the US
#13
Arizona has a Mormon population of 38,845, ranking the state twenty-ninth nationwide. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is Arizona's third largest religious group, following Catholics and Protestants. Many Mormons in Arizona are concentrated in Maricopa County. Additionally, Arizona is home to numerous temples belonging to the LDS Church, including those located in Mesa and Snowflake. These sacred places serve as spiritual centers for many devout members of the religion who live throughout the state.
Arkansas
Mormon Population
34,027
Ranked in the US
#33
2,225
Ranked in the US
#45
California
Mormon Population
734,989
Ranked in the US
#2
1,187,990
Ranked in the US
#2
Colorado
Mormon Population
149,007
Ranked in the US
#10
98,400
Ranked in the US
#14
Connecticut
Mormon Population
15,625
Ranked in the US
#43
118,350
Ranked in the US
#12
Delaware
Mormon Population
5,595
Ranked in the US
#48
15,100
Ranked in the US
#28
District of Columbia
Mormon Population
3,136
Ranked in the US
#51
57,300
Ranked in the US
#20
Florida
Mormon Population
164,558
Ranked in the US
#8
657,095
Ranked in the US
#3
Georgia
Mormon Population
87,908
Ranked in the US
#13
12,872
Ranked in the US
#30
Hawaii
Mormon Population
74,858
Ranked in the US
#16
7,100
Ranked in the US
#38
Idaho
Mormon Population
471,241
Ranked in the US
#3
2,125
Ranked in the US
#46
Idaho is home to a large Mormon population, with more than 471,241 Latter-day Saints living in the state. This makes Idaho the third highest-ranking state in terms of Mormon population size. Many cities throughout the state have a large Mormon presence, such as Boise which has a few stakes and temples. Other cities, such as Idaho Falls and Rexburg, are largely populated by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and boast multiple chapels, meetinghouses, and temples.
Illinois
Mormon Population
56,535
Ranked in the US
#20
297,735
Ranked in the US
#6
Indiana
Mormon Population
46,253
Ranked in the US
#25
25,145
Ranked in the US
#23
Iowa
Mormon Population
28,471
Ranked in the US
#37
5,475
Ranked in the US
#41
Kansas
Mormon Population
38,640
Ranked in the US
#30
17,425
Ranked in the US
#26
Kentucky
Mormon Population
37,077
Ranked in the US
#31
12,500
Ranked in the US
#33
Louisiana
Mormon Population
29,550
Ranked in the US
#36
14,900
Ranked in the US
#29
Maine
Mormon Population
10,987
Ranked in the US
#46
12,550
Ranked in the US
#32
Maryland
Mormon Population
43,309
Ranked in the US
#27
238,600
Ranked in the US
#8
Massachusetts
Mormon Population
27,932
Ranked in the US
#38
293,080
Ranked in the US
#7
Michigan
Mormon Population
45,185
Ranked in the US
#26
87,905
Ranked in the US
#15
Minnesota
Mormon Population
32,863
Ranked in the US
#35
65,900
Ranked in the US
#18
Mississippi
Mormon Population
21,936
Ranked in the US
#41
1,525
Ranked in the US
#47
Missouri
Mormon Population
75,375
Ranked in the US
#15
64,275
Ranked in the US
#19
Montana
Mormon Population
51,289
Ranked in the US
#23
1,495
Ranked in the US
#48
Nebraska
Mormon Population
25,055
Ranked in the US
#40
9,350
Ranked in the US
#36
Nevada
Mormon Population
182,569
Ranked in the US
#7
76,300
Ranked in the US
#16
New Hampshire
Mormon Population
8,967
Ranked in the US
#47
10,120
Ranked in the US
#35
New Jersey
Mormon Population
34,163
Ranked in the US
#32
546,950
Ranked in the US
#4
New Mexico
Mormon Population
69,096
Ranked in the US
#17
12,625
Ranked in the US
#31
New York
Mormon Population
82,866
Ranked in the US
#14
1,772,470
Ranked in the US
#1
North Carolina
Mormon Population
91,521
Ranked in the US
#12
45,935
Ranked in the US
#21
North Dakota
Mormon Population
11,287
Ranked in the US
#45
Ranked in the US
#50
Ohio
Mormon Population
63,007
Ranked in the US
#19
151,615
Ranked in the US
#10
Ohio has a Mormon population of 63,007, ranking the state nineteenth in the country. Major metropolitan areas that feature high concentrations of Mormons include Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland, though rural counties like Logan and Preble are also home to large Mormon populations. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints boasts dozens of congregations across the state, providing worshipers with ample opportunity to practice their faith.
Oklahoma
Mormon Population
50,800
Ranked in the US
#24
4,425
Ranked in the US
#42
Oregon
Mormon Population
151,151
Ranked in the US
#9
4,065
Ranked in the US
#43
Pennsylvania
Mormon Population
52,149
Ranked in the US
#22
434,165
Ranked in the US
#5
Rhode Island
Mormon Population
4,283
Ranked in the US
#50
18,750
Ranked in the US
#25
South Carolina
Mormon Population
42,902
Ranked in the US
#28
16,820
Ranked in the US
#27
South Dakota
Mormon Population
11,297
Ranked in the US
#44
Ranked in the US
#51
Tennessee
Mormon Population
55,456
Ranked in the US
#21
22,800
Ranked in the US
#24
Texas
Mormon Population
371,007
Ranked in the US
#5
176,000
Ranked in the US
#9
Texas's Mormon population is one of the largest in the country, with 371,007 adherents putting the state in fifth place. The majority of these members are part of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In Texas, LDS congregations are spread throughout the state, from Houston to El Paso to San Antonio and beyond. These churches serve an important role in the lives of their practitioners, providing social support networks and spiritual education opportunities for their members.
Utah
Mormon Population
2,161,526
Ranked in the US
#1
5,650
Ranked in the US
#40
Utah is home to the largest population of Mormons in the United States, with over 2.1 million members. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) was founded in 1830 in upstate New York, but it was not until 1847 that Brigham Young led a group of pioneers and established Salt Lake City, Utah as their new home. This move began a massive influx of members into Utah, helping to make it one of the most religiously homogeneous states in the United States today. In addition to its large Mormon population, Utah also has a significant community of other faiths, including Catholicism, Islam, and Buddhism among others.
Vermont
Mormon Population
4,655
Ranked in the US
#49
7,865
Ranked in the US
#37
Virginia
Mormon Population
96,748
Ranked in the US
#11
150,595
Ranked in the US
#11
Washington
Mormon Population
283,609
Ranked in the US
#6
75,350
Ranked in the US
#17
West Virginia
Mormon Population
17,179
Ranked in the US
#42
2,310
Ranked in the US
#44
Wisconsin
Mormon Population
27,582
Ranked in the US
#39
33,455
Ranked in the US
#22
Wyoming
Mormon Population
67,454
Ranked in the US
#18
1,150
Ranked in the US
#49
FAQs
Which state has the most Mormons?
The state of Utah has the most Mormons in the United States at 2,161,526.
What percentage of the U.S. population is Mormon?
1.7% of the United States population is Mormon.
What can you not do as a Mormon?
Mormons are restricted from partaking in many things, even prohibited from drinking coffee in some instances, the central things Mormons steer clear of are harmful substances like alcohol and drugs, sex before marriage, lying, and doing anything that can jeopardize the family.