The "Highly Religious" Rankings: New 2026 Data on U.S. State Religiosity

State wise percentage of Religious people in USA

State wise Population of Religious people in USA (2025)

Rank	Region name	Values
1	South Carolina	83%
2	Arkansas	82%
3	South Dakota	81%
4	Louisiana	78%
4	Mississippi	78%
4	Nebraska	78%
7	Alabama	76%
7	Delaware	76%
7	Kentucky	76%
10	North Dakota	75%
10	Tennessee	75%
12	Georgia	74%
12	North Carolina	74%
14	Texas	73%
15	Oklahoma	72%
16	Florida	71%
16	New Jersey	71%
18	Illinois	70%
18	Kansas	70%
18	Minnesota	70%
18	New York	70%
22	Hawaii	69%
22	Ohio	69%
22	Pennsylvania	69%
22	Virginia	69%
26	Arizona	68%
26	Connecticut	68%
26	Indiana	68%
26	Rhode Island	68%
30	Iowa	67%
30	Maryland	67%
30	Michigan	67%
30	West Virginia	67%
30	Wyoming	67%
35	District of Columbia	66%
35	Idaho	66%
35	Missouri	66%
38	California	65%
38	Nevada	65%
38	Utah	65%
38	Wisconsin	65%
42	Massachusetts	64%
43	Alaska	62%
44	Montana	61%
44	Washington	61%
46	Maine	60%
47	Colorado	59%
47	New Mexico	59%
49	Oregon	53%
49	Vermont	53%
51	New Hampshire	50%

The table categorizes U.S. states and the District of Columbia according to the percentage of residents identifying as religious, based on their affiliation with either Christian or non-Christian faiths in 2025.

The figures were obtained from the Pew Research Center’s 2023-24 Religious Landscape Study, incorporating minor projections for 2025 trends that indicate slight declines in religious affiliation.

South Carolina leads the rankings at 83 percent, whereas New Hampshire is at the bottom with 50 percent. This distribution reveals regional trends, with Southern states occupying the top positions and New England states grouped at the lower end.

The data illustrates ongoing transitions towards secularization, shaped by demographic changes, migration patterns, and cultural shifts.

Regional Trends in Religious Affiliation

The Southern states are at the forefront of religious affiliation, with South Carolina, Arkansas, and South Dakota surpassing 80 percent. This prevalence can be attributed to historical influences.

The establishment of robust Protestant traditions by colonists in the South, along with the ongoing impact of evangelical churches through community activities and social services, plays a significant role.

Faith is often transmitted through generations within families, which helps maintain these high affiliation rates. Additionally, economic difficulties in certain regions tend to increase dependence on religion for both support and identity.

Data indicates that these states exhibit elevated church attendance rates, which are linked to their levels of affiliation. For instance, Mississippi’s 78 percent affiliation is a result of its position in the Bible Belt, where religion significantly influences politics and education.

In the Midwest, states such as Nebraska and North Dakota also report high affiliation rates, ranging from 75 to 78 percent. The agricultural way of life in these regions fosters strong community ties that revolve around churches.

European immigrants introduced Lutheran and Catholic traditions, which continue to thrive. The data table shows Kansas with a 70 percent affiliation, highlighting urban-rural disparities where rural communities elevate the average.

These states are experiencing a slower pace of secularization, as many younger individuals tend to remain in their local areas, thereby preserving established traditions.

Western states exhibit varied outcomes. Utah’s 65 percent is largely attributed to its significant Latter-day Saints community, which incorporates religion into everyday life.

Following closely are Idaho and Wyoming at 66 percent and 67 percent, influenced by Mormon and Protestant traditions. In contrast, Oregon and Colorado fall behind at 53 percent and 59 percent, respectively.

The influx of secular migrants from coastal regions contributes to a dilution of religious affiliation. Urban areas such as Portland and Denver draw in young professionals who tend to prioritize their careers over religious commitments.

Data suggests that higher education levels in these states are associated with a rise in unaffiliation, as research connects college attendance with a tendency to question religious beliefs.

In the Northeastern states, the unaffiliation rates are the lowest, with New Hampshire at 50 percent, Vermont at 53 percent, and Maine at 60 percent.

The arrival of European settlers introduced Puritanism, but the effects of industrialization and immigration have diversified the region, resulting in a shift towards secularism.

Cities like Boston and New York act as centers for progressive thought, further promoting unaffiliation. The data shows Massachusetts at 64 percent, a figure bolstered by its Catholic roots stemming from Irish and Italian immigrants.

New Jersey’s 71 percent reflects its varied demographics, which include Jewish and Muslim populations in urban settings.

The high rates of unaffiliation in this area are linked to fast-paced lifestyles and the availability of diverse perspectives.

Factors Influencing Changes

Demographic changes are shaping the percentages for 2025. Younger demographics, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, are less likely to affiliate with organized religion, opting instead for spirituality.

The rate of national unaffiliation increased from 23 percent in 2014 to 29 percent in 2023, with projections indicating it will reach 30 percent by 2025.

States such as California, which stands at 64 percent, are experiencing this trend due to an influx of educated, global workers from the tech industry. Migration trends also play a significant role.

Southern states are attracting retirees in search of community, which enhances religious affiliation, while Western states are witnessing a decline in religious residents as they move to urban secular centers.

Cultural and social dynamics are crucial as well. In states with high rankings, religion is intertwined with personal identity.

For instance, Alabama’s 76 percent affiliation is linked to its civil rights history, where churches were pivotal in leading movements. Conversely, low-ranking states like Vermont prioritize individualism and environmental concerns over religious beliefs.

Economic factors also impact affiliation; wealthier states, such as Connecticut at 68 percent, tend to have lower affiliation rates as individuals concentrate on material achievements.

Pew data corroborates this, revealing an inverse relationship between income levels and the significance of religion.

Political environments influence these statistics too. States with conservative governance, like Texas at 73 percent, tend to align religion with political authority, maintaining high levels of affiliation.

In contrast, liberal states such as Oregon face a backlash against organized religion, driven by scandals and social controversies.

The data illustrates how religion continues to be a divisive issue, with Southern states incorporating faith into public discussions, while Northeastern states maintain a clear separation.

Implications for Society

States with high levels of affiliation benefit from robust community networks that help mitigate feelings of isolation.

For instance, churches play a crucial role in providing support during emergencies, as evidenced by the 78 percent of aid offered in Louisiana during hurricanes.

Conversely, states with low affiliation rates tend to encourage innovation and diversity, drawing talent to regions such as Washington, which boasts a 61 percent affiliation.

Nonetheless, the national trend of declining affiliation presents significant challenges for religious organizations, necessitating adaptations to retain their congregants.

States like Minnesota, with a 70 percent affiliation, exemplify a balance between upholding tradition and fostering inclusivity through interfaith initiatives.

Forecasts indicate a continued decline in affiliation, with estimates suggesting that national levels could drop to 65 percent by 2030. It is imperative for states to confront the rising trend of unaffiliation to preserve social unity.

In regions with lower affiliation, leaders are actively encouraging civic participation to bridge the void left by religious institutions.

In summary, the data reflects the dynamic nature of America’s religious landscape, influenced by historical context, demographic shifts, and cultural factors.