Introduction
The United States is a country with diverse religious beliefs and practices, and certain states stand out for their higher levels of religious adherence. The most religious states in the US typically exhibit a strong presence of Christianity, with a significant percentage of the population identifying as highly religious. These states often include a mix of southern and midwestern states, commonly known as the Bible Belt, where conservative evangelical Protestantism holds a prominent influence. However, it’s important to acknowledge that religious landscapes can vary, and there are also pockets of religious devotion and diverse religious traditions in other regions throughout the country.
Most Religious States in America
| # | State | Highly Religious Population |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alabama | 77% |
| 2 | Mississippi | 77% |
| 3 | Tennessee | 73% |
| 4 | Louisiana | 71% |
| 5 | Arkansas | 70% |
| 6 | South Carolina | 70% |
| 7 | West Virginia | 69% |
| 8 | Georgia | 66% |
| 9 | Oklahoma | 66% |
| 10 | North Carolina | 65% |
| 11 | Texas | 64% |
| 12 | Utah | 64% |
| 13 | Kentucky | 63% |
| 14 | Virginia | 61% |
| 15 | Missouri | 60% |
| 16 | South Dakota | 59% |
| 17 | Ohio | 58% |
| 18 | New Mexico | 57% |
| 19 | Iowa | 55% |
| 20 | Kansas | 55% |
| 21 | New Jersey | 55% |
| 22 | Florida | 54% |
| 23 | Indiana | 54% |
| 24 | Maryland | 54% |
| 25 | Nebraska | 54% |
| 26 | Wyoming | 54% |
| 27 | Arizona | 53% |
| 28 | District of Columbia | 53% |
| 29 | Michigan | 53% |
| 30 | North Dakota | 53% |
| 31 | Pennsylvania | 53% |
| 32 | Delaware | 52% |
| 33 | Idaho | 51% |
| 34 | Illinois | 51% |
| 35 | California | 49% |
| 36 | Minnesota | 49% |
| 37 | Nevada | 49% |
| 38 | Rhode Island | 49% |
| 39 | Montana | 48% |
| 40 | Oregon | 48% |
| 41 | Colorado | 47% |
| 42 | Hawaii | 47% |
| 43 | New York | 46% |
| 44 | Alaska | 45% |
| 45 | Washington | 45% |
| 46 | Wisconsin | 45% |
| 47 | Connecticut | 43% |
| 48 | Maine | 34% |
| 49 | Vermont | 34% |
| 50 | Massachusetts | 33% |
| 51 | New Hampshire | 33% |
Most Religious States
The ten most religious states in the US, based on the percentage of highly religious population, are Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Louisiana, Arkansas, South Carolina, West Virginia, Georgia, Oklahoma, and North Carolina. Alabama ranks first with an impressive 77% highly religious population, closely followed by Mississippi in second place, also with 77%. Tennessee takes the third spot with 73%, while Louisiana and Arkansas hold the fourth and fifth positions with 71% and 70% respectively. South Carolina and West Virginia rank sixth and seventh with 70% and 69% highly religious populations. Georgia and Oklahoma follow closely in eighth and ninth place, both with 66%, and North Carolina rounds up the top ten with 65% highly religious individuals. These states showcase a strong presence of religious beliefs and practices, influencing their cultural and social landscapes.
The ten most religious states in the US are :
1. Alabama – 77%
2. Mississippi – 77%
3. Tennessee – 73%
4. Louisiana – 71%
5. Arkansas – 70%
6. South Carolina – 70%
7. West Virginia – 69%
8. Georgia – 66%
9. Oklahoma – 66%
10. North Carolina – 65%
Most Christian States
The United States is home to a diverse religious landscape, with Christianity being the predominant religion across the country. Several states stand out for their higher concentration of Christian residents. Known for their strong Christian influence, Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee consistently rank among the most Christian states. Louisiana, Arkansas, and West Virginia also have notable Christian populations, influenced by a mix of Catholicism and Protestant denominations. Oklahoma, Kentucky, Georgia, and North Carolina round out the list with their significant Christian communities, reflecting a range of Protestant traditions and Catholicism.
Most Religious State
The most religious state in the US, based on the percentage of highly religious population, is Alabama. With an impressive 77% of its population identifying as highly religious, Alabama takes the top spot. The state’s deeply ingrained religious values are primarily influenced by Protestant denominations, with a strong presence of Christianity. Alabama’s religious landscape plays a significant role in shaping its communities, values, and cultural practices, highlighting the enduring influence of faith in the state’s identity.
Most Catholic State
The state with the highest proportion of Catholic residents in the United States is Rhode Island. Rhode Island has a significant Catholic population, and Catholicism has played a significant role in shaping the religious and cultural landscape of the state. It’s worth noting that other states, such as Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Jersey, also have sizable Catholic populations and a strong Catholic heritage. However, when considering the highest concentration of Catholic residents, Rhode Island consistently stands out as the most Catholic state in the country.
States by Religion
Alabama
Highly Religious Population
77%
Ranked in the US
#1
Topping the list is Alabama, where an impressive 77% of the population identifies as highly religious. This southern state has a rich history of religious traditions, with a strong presence of Christianity, particularly Protestantism.
Alaska
Highly Religious Population
45%
Ranked in the US
#44
Arizona
Highly Religious Population
53%
Ranked in the US
#27
Arkansas
Highly Religious Population
70%
Ranked in the US
#5
Arkansas is the fifth most religious state, with 70% of its population identifying as highly religious. The state has a strong Evangelical Protestant tradition and is home to a variety of religious denominations.
California
Highly Religious Population
49%
Ranked in the US
#35
Colorado
Highly Religious Population
47%
Ranked in the US
#41
Connecticut
Highly Religious Population
43%
Ranked in the US
#47
Delaware
Highly Religious Population
52%
Ranked in the US
#32
District of Columbia
Highly Religious Population
53%
Ranked in the US
#28
Florida
Highly Religious Population
54%
Ranked in the US
#22
Georgia
Highly Religious Population
66%
Ranked in the US
#8
Georgia occupies the eighth spot, with 66% of its population being highly religious. The state's religious landscape reflects a mix of Protestant denominations, including Baptist, Methodist, and Pentecostal churches.
Hawaii
Highly Religious Population
47%
Ranked in the US
#42
Idaho
Highly Religious Population
51%
Ranked in the US
#33
Illinois
Highly Religious Population
51%
Ranked in the US
#34
Indiana
Highly Religious Population
54%
Ranked in the US
#23
Iowa
Highly Religious Population
55%
Ranked in the US
#19
Iowa follows closely behind, with 55% of its population identifying as highly religious. The state has a predominantly Protestant population, with a strong presence of Lutheran and Methodist churches.
Kansas
Highly Religious Population
55%
Ranked in the US
#20
Occupying the 20th spot, Kansas also has 55% of its population classified as highly religious. The religious landscape of Kansas comprises various Protestant denominations, including Baptist, Methodist, and Presbyterian churches.
Kentucky
Highly Religious Population
63%
Ranked in the US
#13
Kentucky is the 13th most religious state, with 63% of its population being highly religious. Christianity, especially Protestantism, holds a strong influence in the state, with Baptist and Methodist denominations being widely represented.
Louisiana
Highly Religious Population
71%
Ranked in the US
#4
Known for its vibrant cultural heritage, Louisiana also boasts a considerable religious population, with 71% identifying as highly religious. The state's religious fabric is a mix of Catholicism and various Protestant denominations.
Maine
Highly Religious Population
34%
Ranked in the US
#48
Maryland
Highly Religious Population
54%
Ranked in the US
#24
Massachusetts
Highly Religious Population
33%
Ranked in the US
#50
Michigan
Highly Religious Population
53%
Ranked in the US
#29
Minnesota
Highly Religious Population
49%
Ranked in the US
#36
Mississippi
Highly Religious Population
77%
Ranked in the US
#2
Sharing the first spot with Alabama, Mississippi boasts an equally high percentage of highly religious individuals – at 77%. Mississippi's deeply ingrained religious values are predominantly influenced by Protestant denominations.
Missouri
Highly Religious Population
60%
Ranked in the US
#15
Missouri is the 15th most religious state in the US, with 60% of its population being highly religious. The state's religious makeup reflects a mix of Protestant denominations, including Baptist, Methodist, and Lutheran churches.
Montana
Highly Religious Population
48%
Ranked in the US
#39
Nebraska
Highly Religious Population
54%
Ranked in the US
#25
Nevada
Highly Religious Population
49%
Ranked in the US
#37
New Hampshire
Highly Religious Population
33%
Ranked in the US
#51
New Jersey
Highly Religious Population
55%
Ranked in the US
#21
New Mexico
Highly Religious Population
57%
Ranked in the US
#18
New Mexico claims the 18th spot on the list, with 57% of its population being highly religious. The state's religious composition is shaped by a combination of Catholicism, Protestantism, and Native American spiritual traditions.
New York
Highly Religious Population
46%
Ranked in the US
#43
North Carolina
Highly Religious Population
65%
Ranked in the US
#10
Rounding up the top ten most religious states, North Carolina boasts a highly religious population of 65%. The state has a diverse religious tapestry, with a significant presence of Protestantism, along with Catholicism and other faith traditions.
North Dakota
Highly Religious Population
53%
Ranked in the US
#30
Ohio
Highly Religious Population
58%
Ranked in the US
#17
Ohio ranks 17th, with 58% of its population identifying as highly religious. The state has a diverse religious landscape, including Protestant denominations, Catholicism, and a growing number of non-Christian faiths.
Oklahoma
Highly Religious Population
66%
Ranked in the US
#9
With the same percentage as Georgia, Oklahoma also stands at 66% of its population identifying as highly religious. The state is known for its strong Christian influence, particularly among Protestant groups.
Oregon
Highly Religious Population
48%
Ranked in the US
#40
Pennsylvania
Highly Religious Population
53%
Ranked in the US
#31
Rhode Island
Highly Religious Population
49%
Ranked in the US
#38
South Carolina
Highly Religious Population
70%
Ranked in the US
#6
With an equal percentage of highly religious individuals as Arkansas, South Carolina shares the sixth spot among the most religious states. The state has a rich history of Protestantism, with a notable presence of Baptists and Methodists.
South Dakota
Highly Religious Population
59%
Ranked in the US
#16
With 59% of its population being highly religious, South Dakota occupies the 16th spot on our list. The state's religious fabric is predominantly influenced by Protestantism, with a significant presence of Lutheran and Methodist churches.
Tennessee
Highly Religious Population
73%
Ranked in the US
#3
As the third most religious state, Tennessee demonstrates a significant religious presence with 73% of its population identifying as highly religious. The state has a diverse religious landscape, with Protestantism being the dominant faith.
Texas
Highly Religious Population
64%
Ranked in the US
#11
Texas, often referred to as the Lone Star State, ranks 11th on the list for most religious states in the US, with 64% of its population identifying as highly religious. The religious landscape of Texas is characterized by a blend of Protestant denominations, Catholicism, and a growing presence of other faiths.
Utah
Highly Religious Population
64%
Ranked in the US
#12
Known for its predominant affiliation with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), Utah stands at 12th place, sharing the same percentage as Texas. The state has a unique religious composition with a high concentration of Mormons.
Vermont
Highly Religious Population
34%
Ranked in the US
#49
Virginia
Highly Religious Population
61%
Ranked in the US
#14
Virginia ranks 14th most religious state, with 61% of its population identifying as highly religious. The religious landscape of Virginia is diverse, encompassing various Protestant denominations, Catholicism, and other faith traditions.
Washington
Highly Religious Population
45%
Ranked in the US
#45
West Virginia
Highly Religious Population
69%
Ranked in the US
#7
West Virginia ranks seventh most religious state, with 69% of its population identifying as highly religious. The state has a predominantly Christian population, with various Protestant denominations and Catholicism being the most prevalent.
Wisconsin
Highly Religious Population
45%
Ranked in the US
#46
Wyoming
Highly Religious Population
54%
Ranked in the US
#26
FAQs
What are the Bible Belt states ?
The Bible Belt refers to a region in the United States where conservative evangelical Protestantism holds a strong influence and religious culture plays a significant role. It encompasses states such as Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.
These states are commonly associated with a concentrated presence of Christianity, particularly within Protestant denominations. The term “Bible Belt” represents the cultural, social, and religious impact of Christianity in these areas, often characterized by high rates of church attendance, religious activities, and adherence to conservative religious beliefs. However, it’s important to note that the scope and intensity of the Bible Belt may vary within specific counties or cities within these states.
What percentage of the US is Christian ?
Approximately 65-70% of the United States population identifies as Christian. The Christian population in the United States is diverse and includes various denominations such as Protestantism, Catholicism, Orthodox Christianity, and other Christian traditions.
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