How Many Christian Churches Are There In America?

March 17, 2025

How Many Christian Churches in America?

There are over 380,000 Christian churches in America, representing various denominations, including Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox. This total includes large church buildings, house churches, and informal gatherings. The number of churches varies by state, reflecting regional demographic and religious differences. Adjusting for these factors, the 380,000 number of the Christian churches in the United States remains the most reliable estimate, accounting for valid changes and trends in the religious landscape.

Role of Christianity and Christian Churches in the United States

Christianity plays a major role in the cultural and social fabric of many states across the U.S. While the overall number of Christian churches comprising of many types of Christian denominations remains high, the religious landscape is influenced by factors such as regional traditions, historical backgrounds, and demographic shifts. For example, some states have a higher concentration of Protestant churches, particularly in the Bible Belt, while others are home to large Catholic communities due to their historical ties to immigration patterns. Additionally, certain areas have seen an increase in non-denominational and evangelical churches in recent decades, reflecting broader trends in American religious life. By examining each state’s unique religious makeup, we can gain a deeper understanding of how Christian communities are distributed and their influence within the broader context of U.S. society.

How Many Christian Churches in the United States By State (+ Washington D.C.)

We've compiled all the key figures from the U.S. Religion Census regarding the number of Christian churches in America so you can easily compare the number of congregations, adherents, and their distribution per population. The number of congregations per 100,000 people is rounded to the nearest whole number, while adherents as a percentage of the population is rounded to two decimal places. Check out the table below:

State Name	2020 Population	Congregations	Adherents	Congregations per 100,000 Population	Adherents as % of Population
Texas	29,145,505	29,750	16,045,479	102	0.55
California	39,538,223	23,567	17,726,437	60	0.45
Florida	21,538,187	17,511	10,140,053	81	0.47
North Carolina	10,439,388	16,200	5,443,737	155	0.52
Pennsylvania	13,002,700	15,135	6,097,345	116	0.47
Ohio	11,799,448	13,906	5,646,238	118	0.48
New York	20,201,249	13,828	10,347,548	68	0.51
Tennessee	6,910,840	13,397	3,844,957	194	0.56
Georgia	10,711,908	12,891	5,439,946	120	0.51
Illinois	12,812,508	12,153	6,510,363	95	0.51
Alabama	5,024,279	10,756	3,195,509	214	0.64
Virginia	8,631,393	10,465	3,970,305	121	0.46
Michigan	10,077,331	9,694	3,998,585	96	0.40
Missouri	6,154,913	9,058	2,979,494	147	0.48
Indiana	6,785,528	9,028	2,859,439	133	0.42
South Carolina	5,118,425	8,205	2,695,900	160	0.53
Kentucky	4,505,836	8,143	2,226,288	181	0.49
Arkansas	3,011,524	7,428	1,739,575	247	0.58
Mississippi	2,961,279	7,182	1,759,935	243	0.59
Oklahoma	3,959,353	7,166	2,422,123	181	0.61
Louisiana	4,657,757	6,600	2,949,420	142	0.63
Washington	7,705,281	6,196	3,184,751	80	0.41
Wisconsin	5,893,718	6,183	2,831,594	105	0.48
New Jersey	9,288,994	6,071	4,846,460	65	0.52
Utah	3,271,616	6,018	2,489,571	184	0.76
Minnesota	5,706,494	5,970	2,824,374	105	0.49
Maryland	6,177,224	5,715	2,685,338	93	0.43
Arizona	7,151,502	5,244	3,151,361	73	0.44
Iowa	3,190,369	4,822	1,431,349	151	0.45
Kansas	2,937,880	4,624	1,352,241	157	0.46
Massachusetts	7,029,917	4,357	3,419,370	62	0.49
Colorado	5,773,714	4,333	2,044,440	75	0.35
Oregon	4,237,256	4,072	1,405,973	96	0.33
West Virginia	1,793,716	4,072	677,633	227	0.38
Connecticut	3,605,944	2,889	1,708,179	80	0.47
Nebraska	1,961,504	2,856	966,578	146	0.49
Idaho	1,839,106	2,534	969,901	138	0.53
New Mexico	2,117,522	2,405	1,111,977	114	0.52
South Dakota	886,667	1,944	491,026	219	0.55
Montana	1,084,225	1,766	377,713	163	0.35
Maine	1,362,359	1,574	419,523	116	0.31
Nevada	3,104,614	1,540	1,291,778	50	0.42
North Dakota	779,094	1,452	428,647	186	0.55
Hawaii	1,455,271	1,424	603,730	98	0.41
Alaska	733,391	1,264	258,020	172	0.35
New Hampshire	1,377,529	1,048	374,948	76	0.27
Delaware	989,948	966	409,412	98	0.41
Wyoming	576,851	958	233,016	166	0.40
Vermont	643,077	823	242,017	128	0.38
Washington D.C.	689,545	751	389,241	109	0.56
Rhode Island	1,097,379	708	565,251	65	0.52

1. Texas

Congregations: 29,750
Population: 29,145,505
Churches per 1,000 people: 102.07
Percentage of Population Involved in Congregations: 55.05%
Context: Texas has a deeply rooted Christian presence, with large Protestant denominations such as Southern Baptists being prominent. The state has a wide variety of churches, including megachurches and small community-based congregations. Evangelical Christianity is particularly influential in the region.

2. California

Congregations: 23,567
Population: 39,538,223
Churches per 1,000 people: 59.61
Percentage of Population Involved in Congregations: 44.83%
Context: California has a diverse religious landscape with many denominations, including a large number of non-denominational and evangelical churches. While it has a sizable Catholic population due to its history with Spanish missions, there has been a trend toward religious disaffiliation in recent years, especially in urban areas like Los Angeles and San Francisco.

3. Florida

Congregations: 17,511
Population: 21,538,187
Churches per 1,000 people: 81.30
Percentage of Population Involved in Congregations: 47.08%
Context: Florida has a significant evangelical Christian population, with many Protestant denominations. The state is also home to large immigrant communities, adding Catholicism and other Christian traditions to the mix. Churches in Florida are often involved in social and political issues, especially in areas like Miami and Orlando.

4. North Carolina

Congregations: 16,200
Population: 10,439,388
Churches per 1,000 people: 155.18
Percentage of Population Involved in Congregations: 52.15%
Context: North Carolina is home to a deep tradition of evangelical Christianity, particularly in the Baptist and Methodist denominations. The state has one of the highest concentrations of churches per capita in the country, especially in rural and suburban areas.

5. Pennsylvania

Congregations: 15,135
Population: 13,002,700
Churches per 1,000 people: 116.40
Percentage of Population Involved in Congregations: 46.89%
Context: Pennsylvania has a rich religious history, with large populations of Catholics, Protestants, and a growing number of non-religious individuals. Historically, it was a center of Quaker influence, and today, Philadelphia remains a hub for Christian denominations, particularly in the Northeast.

6. Ohio

Congregations: 13,906
Population: 11,799,448
Churches per 1,000 people: 117.85
Percentage of Population Involved in Congregations: 47.85%
Context: Ohio's religious landscape is diverse, with a strong presence of Evangelical Christians, particularly in the Southern and Western parts of the state. The Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati areas also feature large Catholic populations, and there is growing influence from megachurches in suburban areas.

7. New York

Congregations: 13,828
Population: 20,201,249
Churches per 1,000 people: 68.45
Percentage of Population Involved in Congregations: 51.22%
Context: New York is the most religiously diverse state in the U.S., with significant Catholic, Jewish, and Protestant populations. New York City is home to some of the largest and most influential churches, while upstate New York has a strong history of Methodist and Baptist traditions.

8. Tennessee

Congregations: 13,397
Population: 6,910,840
Churches per 1,000 people: 193.85
Percentage of Population Involved in Congregations: 55.64%
Context: Tennessee is part of the Bible Belt, with a strong evangelical presence. Southern Baptists, Pentecostals, and Methodists are predominant in the region, and Nashville is often seen as a hub for Christian music. Religion plays a significant role in the state's politics and social life.

9. Georgia

Congregations: 12,891
Population: 10,711,908
Churches per 1,000 people: 120.34
Percentage of Population Involved in Congregations: 50.78%
Context: Like Tennessee, Georgia is heavily influenced by evangelical Christianity. Baptists make up the largest religious group, and the state is home to many large, influential megachurches, particularly in the Atlanta area.

10. Illinois

Congregations: 12,153
Population: 12,812,508
Churches per 1,000 people: 94.85
Percentage of Population Involved in Congregations: 50.81%
Context: Illinois has a large and diverse religious community, with Catholics being especially prominent in Chicago. Evangelical Protestants are growing in influence in suburban and rural areas. Chicago also has a robust religious culture, with a variety of denominations and megachurches.

11. Alabama

Congregations: 10,756
Population: 5,024,279
Churches per 1,000 people: 214.08
Percentage of Population Involved in Congregations: 63.60%
Context: Alabama is deeply rooted in evangelical Christianity, particularly within the Southern Baptist and Methodist traditions. The state has one of the highest numbers of churches per capita in the country, especially in its rural areas, where faith plays a central role in community life.

12. Virginia

Congregations: 10,465
Population: 8,631,393
Churches per 1,000 people: 121.24
Percentage of Population Involved in Congregations: 46.00%
Context: Virginia has a strong religious presence, with a variety of Christian denominations. The state has significant Catholic, Baptist, and Evangelical populations, particularly in rural areas. Northern Virginia, with its proximity to Washington D.C., has a growing diverse religious community.

13. Michigan

Congregations: 9,694
Population: 10,077,331
Churches per 1,000 people: 96.20
Percentage of Population Involved in Congregations: 39.68%
Context: Michigan's religious landscape is shaped by its history with industrialization, leading to a mix of Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox Christian communities. Detroit, in particular, has a diverse religious community with large African American and immigrant congregations.

14. Missouri

Congregations: 9,058
Population: 6,154,913
Churches per 1,000 people: 147.17
Percentage of Population Involved in Congregations: 48.41%
Context: Missouri is a part of the Bible Belt, with many Evangelical and Catholic congregations. The state has a growing number of non-denominational churches, especially in urban centers like St. Louis and Kansas City, where religious influence is still significant in the cultural and political arenas.

15. Indiana

Congregations: 9,028
Population: 6,785,528
Churches per 1,000 people: 133.05
Percentage of Population Involved in Congregations: 42.14%
Context: Indiana's religious culture is heavily shaped by Evangelical and Protestant denominations, especially the Church of God and United Methodists. The state has a strong tradition of Bible Belt Christianity, with churches playing a central role in local communities and politics.

16. South Carolina

Congregations: 8,205
Population: 5,118,425
Churches per 1,000 people: 160.30
Percentage of Population Involved in Congregations: 52.67%
Context: South Carolina, like much of the South, is part of the Bible Belt, with a strong presence of Evangelical Christians, especially within the Baptist and Methodist denominations. The state has a high number of churches per capita, and religious observance is a central part of life, especially in rural communities.

17. Kentucky

Congregations: 8,143
Population: 4,505,836
Churches per 1,000 people: 180.72
Percentage of Population Involved in Congregations: 49.41%
Context: Kentucky is deeply embedded in Christian tradition, particularly within the Baptist and Presbyterian denominations. The state has historically been a center for religious revival movements, and it continues to maintain a high concentration of churches, particularly in rural areas where religion holds a strong cultural influence.

18. Arkansas

Congregations: 7,428
Population: 3,011,524
Churches per 1,000 people: 246.65
Percentage of Population Involved in Congregations: 57.76%
Context: Arkansas has one of the highest numbers of churches per capita, a reflection of its strong Evangelical Christian presence. The state is primarily Protestant, with the Southern Baptist Convention playing a major role. Religion is an integral part of both community life and politics, particularly in rural areas.

19. Mississippi

Congregations: 7,182
Population: 2,961,279
Churches per 1,000 people: 242.53
Percentage of Population Involved in Congregations: 59.43%
Context: Mississippi is another state that is part of the Bible Belt, where Christianity, particularly in the form of Baptist and Methodist churches, is central to daily life. The state has a high concentration of churches, reflecting the deeply religious culture that permeates much of Mississippi's social and political fabric.

20. Oklahoma

Congregations: 7,166
Population: 3,959,353
Churches per 1,000 people: 180.99
Percentage of Population Involved in Congregations: 61.17%
Context: Oklahoma is home to a large number of evangelical and Pentecostal churches, with a high percentage of the population being actively involved in religious life. The state is a significant part of the Bible Belt, and churches play a central role in both rural and urban communities, especially in areas like Oklahoma City.

21. Louisiana

Congregations: 6,600
Population: 4,657,757
Churches per 1,000 people: 141.70
Percentage of Population Involved in Congregations: 63.32%
Context: Louisiana, with its unique blend of French, Catholic, and Protestant traditions, has a rich religious history. While Catholicism is predominant in areas like New Orleans, Protestant denominations, especially Baptist and Pentecostal, have a strong presence in the state. Religious observance plays an important role in community life across Louisiana.

22. Washington

Congregations: 6,196
Population: 7,705,281
Churches per 1,000 people: 80.41
Percentage of Population Involved in Congregations: 41.33%
Context: Washington has a more secular reputation compared to other states, but it still maintains a significant religious community. Protestantism, particularly in evangelical and non-denominational forms, is prominent, especially outside of urban areas like Seattle. The state also has a notable number of religiously unaffiliated individuals.

23. Wisconsin

Congregations: 6,183
Population: 5,893,718
Churches per 1,000 people: 104.91
Percentage of Population Involved in Congregations: 48.04%
Context: Wisconsin has a strong religious presence, especially among Roman Catholics, due to its large German and Polish immigrant populations. Lutheranism is also significant in the state. The state’s religious landscape includes both a deep sense of tradition and increasing secularization, particularly in larger cities like Milwaukee.

24. New Jersey

Congregations: 6,071
Population: 9,288,994
Churches per 1,000 people: 65.36
Percentage of Population Involved in Congregations: 52.17%
Context: New Jersey is home to a wide variety of religious traditions, with significant populations of Catholics, Protestants, and Jews. The state has a high density of religious diversity, particularly in urban areas like Newark and Jersey City. While Catholicism has historically been dominant, evangelical Christianity has been growing in influence.

25. Utah

Congregations: 6,018
Population: 3,271,616
Churches per 1,000 people: 183.95
Percentage of Population Involved in Congregations: 76.10%
Context: Utah is the heart of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), with nearly 60% of the population identifying as Mormon. The state's religious culture is heavily shaped by the LDS community, which has a significant influence on its social and political life. Other Christian denominations are less prominent but still present.

26. Minnesota

Congregations: 5,970
Population: 5,706,494
Churches per 1,000 people: 104.62
Percentage of Population Involved in Congregations: 49.49%
Context: Minnesota has a strong religious presence, with large Lutheran and Catholic populations, especially in rural areas. The state’s churches are deeply involved in social justice issues, and the religious landscape is diverse, with a notable number of non-denominational churches growing in recent years.

27. Maryland

Congregations: 5,715
Population: 6,177,224
Churches per 1,000 people: 92.52
Percentage of Population Involved in Congregations: 43.47%
Context: Maryland's religious landscape is diverse, with significant populations of Catholics, Protestants, and Jews. The state is more secular in comparison to southern states but still has a strong Christian community, particularly in Baltimore and suburban Washington D.C. Non-denominational and evangelical congregations are growing in number.

28. Arizona

Congregations: 5,244
Population: 7,151,502
Churches per 1,000 people: 73.33
Percentage of Population Involved in Congregations: 44.07%
Context: Arizona's religious culture is shaped by its significant Catholic and Protestant populations, with a growing evangelical Christian presence. The state also has large Mormon and Native American populations, both of which have a strong influence on the state’s religious landscape, particularly in areas like Phoenix and the Navajo Nation.

29. Iowa

Congregations: 4,822
Population: 3,190,369
Churches per 1,000 people: 151.14
Percentage of Population Involved in Congregations: 44.86%
Context: Iowa has a strong Christian presence, with a significant number of Lutheran and Catholic congregations, due to its German and Scandinavian immigrant heritage. Evangelical Christianity is growing, especially in rural areas, and religious observance remains an important part of life in both small towns and larger cities like Des Moines.

30. Kansas

Congregations: 4,624
Population: 2,937,880
Churches per 1,000 people: 157.39
Percentage of Population Involved in Congregations: 46.03%
Context: Kansas is a state with a strong evangelical Protestant tradition, particularly among Baptists and Methodists. The state's religious culture is deeply tied to its rural identity, with churches serving as community hubs. Like many other Midwestern states, Kansas has experienced some secularization, especially in urban areas, but religion remains central to many communities.

31. Massachusetts

Congregations: 4,357
Population: 7,029,917
Churches per 1,000 people: 61.98
Percentage of Population Involved in Congregations: 48.64%
Context: Massachusetts is historically known for its Puritan roots, but in recent decades, the state has become more secular, especially in urban areas like Boston. Still, there is a significant presence of Roman Catholics, especially among the Irish and Italian-American communities, and evangelical and mainline Protestant churches maintain a presence, particularly in suburban areas.

32. Colorado

Congregations: 4,333
Population: 5,773,714
Churches per 1,000 people: 75.05
Percentage of Population Involved in Congregations: 35.41%
Context: Colorado is known for its diverse religious landscape, with a notable presence of non-denominational and evangelical Protestant congregations. While the state has a growing secular population, many areas, particularly outside of Denver, remain strongly influenced by religious communities. The state's history of religious freedom, particularly with the rise of the Mormon population, has contributed to its diverse spiritual culture.

33. Oregon

Congregations: 4,072
Population: 4,237,256
Churches per 1,000 people: 96.10
Percentage of Population Involved in Congregations: 33.18%
Context: Oregon, similar to Washington, has a more secular reputation but is still home to a variety of Christian denominations. Evangelical and non-denominational churches are growing, particularly in areas like Portland and Eugene. The state also has a large population of religiously unaffiliated individuals, and the liberal political environment influences the religious landscape significantly.

34. West Virginia

Congregations: 4,072
Population: 1,793,716
Churches per 1,000 people: 227.01
Percentage of Population Involved in Congregations: 37.78%
Context: West Virginia is part of the Bible Belt, with a large number of Baptist and Methodist congregations. The state’s mountainous geography has contributed to a strong sense of local community, with churches often serving as both spiritual and social centers. While the state has a high number of churches per capita, religious involvement has been declining, especially in urban areas.

35. Connecticut

Congregations: 2,889
Population: 3,605,944
Churches per 1,000 people: 80.12
Percentage of Population Involved in Congregations: 47.37%
Context: Connecticut is historically known for its Puritan roots and has a rich religious history, though it has become more secular in modern times. While Catholicism is the largest religion, the state also has a significant number of Protestant denominations, including Congregationalists, who have deep historical ties to the state. In recent years, the number of religiously unaffiliated individuals has increased, particularly in urban areas.

36. Nebraska

Congregations: 2,856
Population: 1,961,504
Churches per 1,000 people: 145.60
Percentage of Population Involved in Congregations: 49.28%
Context: Nebraska has a strong Christian presence, particularly among Lutherans, due to its German and Scandinavian immigrant population. Evangelical Protestantism is also growing, and rural communities continue to maintain a high number of churches. The state is known for its religiously active population, although secularization is gradually becoming more evident in its larger cities.

37. Idaho

Congregations: 2,534
Population: 1,839,106
Churches per 1,000 people: 137.78
Percentage of Population Involved in Congregations: 52.74%
Context: Idaho has a primarily Protestant religious landscape, with a significant Mormon population. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) has a strong influence in the state, particularly in areas like Boise. The state’s rural communities maintain a high number of churches, and religious observance is an important part of life in many parts of the state.

38. New Mexico

Congregations: 2,405
Population: 2,117,522
Churches per 1,000 people: 113.58
Percentage of Population Involved in Congregations: 52.51%
Context: New Mexico is culturally diverse, with a significant Hispanic Catholic population and a strong Protestant presence, particularly among Evangelicals. The state’s Native American population also has its own unique spiritual practices. Christianity plays a central role in many communities, especially in rural areas, although New Mexico also has a notable secular population.

39. South Dakota

Congregations: 1,944
Population: 886,667
Churches per 1,000 people: 219.25
Percentage of Population Involved in Congregations: 55.38%
Context: South Dakota, like much of the Midwest, is predominantly Protestant, with significant Lutheran and Methodist populations. The state’s small population is concentrated in rural communities, where churches serve as central gathering places. Religious involvement remains high in the state, with many rural areas maintaining a strong church-going culture.

40. Montana

Congregations: 1,766
Population: 1,084,225
Churches per 1,000 people: 162.88
Percentage of Population Involved in Congregations: 34.84%
Context: Montana has a relatively low population density, but religion, particularly Protestantism, remains an important part of community life, especially in rural areas. The state has a diverse religious landscape, including significant Catholic and Evangelical Protestant populations. However, Montana is increasingly becoming more secular, particularly in urban centers like Billings and Missoula.

41. Maine

Congregations: 1,574
Population: 1,362,359
Churches per 1,000 people: 115.53
Percentage of Population Involved in Congregations: 30.79%
Context: Maine is a state with a rich religious history, particularly with strong roots in Congregationalism and Roman Catholicism, but like many New England states, it has seen a decline in religious affiliation in recent decades. Despite this, a significant number of churches remain, especially in rural areas, where they continue to serve as central social and community hubs. Evangelicalism has also seen growth in some parts of the state.

42. Nevada

Congregations: 1,540
Population: 3,104,614
Churches per 1,000 people: 49.60
Percentage of Population Involved in Congregations: 41.61%
Context: Nevada is a rapidly growing state with a diverse religious population. Historically, it has been less religious than many other states, partly due to its reputation as a center for tourism and entertainment in cities like Las Vegas. However, it still has a growing religious community, with an increasing number of non-denominational and evangelical Protestant congregations. The Mormon Church also has a notable presence in the state, especially in the northern regions.

43. North Dakota

Congregations: 1,452
Population: 779,094
Churches per 1,000 people: 186.37
Percentage of Population Involved in Congregations: 55.02%
Context: North Dakota is a predominantly Christian state, with a large Lutheran population due to its Scandinavian immigrant roots. Like many rural states, churches play an important social role, especially in small towns. The state has some of the highest rates of church attendance in the country, and religious communities remain central to many people's lives, especially in more remote areas.

44. Hawaii

Congregations: 1,424
Population: 1,455,271
Churches per 1,000 people: 97.85
Percentage of Population Involved in Congregations: 41.49%
Context: Hawaii's religious landscape is diverse, influenced by its multicultural population, which includes large Christian, Buddhist, and Hindu communities. Christianity is predominant, particularly among Protestant denominations and Roman Catholics. Many Hawaiian Christians observe a blend of traditional and modern practices. Churches in Hawaii serve as both spiritual and community gathering spaces, and the state has a rich history of missionary work, particularly by American Protestants.

45. Alaska

Congregations: 1,264
Population: 733,391
Churches per 1,000 people: 172.35
Percentage of Population Involved in Congregations: 35.18%
Context: Alaska’s population is relatively small but spread out over a large area, and its religious composition includes a mix of Protestant denominations and a sizable Roman Catholic presence. Alaska has a significant number of Evangelical Christians and has seen growth in non-denominational churches. Many churches in the state serve as critical community centers, particularly in remote areas.

46. New Hampshire

Congregations: 1,048
Population: 1,377,529
Churches per 1,000 people: 76.08
Percentage of Population Involved in Congregations: 27.22%
Context: New Hampshire is one of the least religious states in the country, with a high percentage of the population identifying as religiously unaffiliated. However, there remains a significant number of Protestant and Catholic congregations, particularly in rural areas. The state's secular shift is particularly noticeable in its urban areas, but churches still play an important role in small communities.

47. Delaware

Congregations: 966
Population: 989,948
Churches per 1,000 people: 97.58
Percentage of Population Involved in Congregations: 41.36%
Context: Delaware is home to a diverse religious population, with significant Protestant and Catholic communities. The state has a long history of religious freedom, and churches continue to be important community centers. Although secularization is on the rise, especially in urban areas like Wilmington, religion remains influential, particularly in more suburban and rural parts of the state.

48. Wyoming

Congregations: 958
Population: 576,851
Churches per 1,000 people: 166.07
Percentage of Population Involved in Congregations: 40.39%
Context: Wyoming, with its small and largely rural population, has a significant number of churches per capita, mainly due to the central role religion plays in rural communities. Evangelical Protestantism is the dominant religion, with a noticeable presence of Mormons in certain regions. Like many western states, Wyoming has a religiously conservative population, and churches are a key part of community life.

49. Vermont

Congregations: 823
Population: 643,077
Churches per 1,000 people: 127.98
Percentage of Population Involved in Congregations: 37.63%
Context: Vermont is one of the most secular states in the U.S., with a significant portion of its population identifying as religiously unaffiliated. However, Vermont still has a range of Protestant denominations, including Congregationalists and Baptists, who maintain a presence in the state’s smaller communities. Many churches also serve as social spaces for residents in these tight-knit areas.

50. Washington D.C.

Congregations: 751
Population: 689,545
Churches per 1,000 people: 108.91
Percentage of Population Involved in Congregations: 56.45%
Context: The District of Columbia is home to a diverse religious landscape, reflecting its status as the nation's capital and a melting pot of cultures. There is a strong African American Protestant presence, particularly in Baptist and Methodist congregations, and a large Roman Catholic population. The city also has a growing number of evangelical churches. Despite being in a highly secular environment, religion plays an important role in many communities, especially in certain neighborhoods.

51. Rhode Island

Congregations: 708
Population: 1,097,379
Churches per 1,000 people: 64.52
Percentage of Population Involved in Congregations: 51.51%
Context: Rhode Island is one of the more religiously diverse states in the Northeast, with a significant Roman Catholic population due to its Italian and Irish heritage. Protestant denominations are also well-represented, though church attendance has declined in urban areas like Providence. However, religious congregations remain important in many parts of the state, especially in suburban and rural communities.

Christian Churches: Modern Technology

Christian churches in the United States continue to adapt to cultural and societal shifts while maintaining their foundational beliefs. Many churches have embraced digital technology, offering online services, live-streamed sermons, and social media outreach to connect with a broader audience. This shift has been particularly evident in urban areas, where younger generations increasingly seek spiritual engagement through digital platforms rather than traditional in-person attendance. Despite declining church attendance in some regions, the overall presence of Christian churches remains strong, demonstrating their ability to evolve while still serving as pillars of faith and community support.

Humanitarian and Charitable Efforts in Christian Churches

Christian churches play a significant role in humanitarian and charitable efforts across the nation. Many congregations actively participate in food drives, disaster relief programs, and initiatives that support vulnerable populations such as the homeless and refugees. Churches often collaborate with local organizations and national charities to provide aid, reflecting Christianity’s core teachings on compassion and service. This continued commitment to social outreach ensures that Christian churches remain influential beyond their congregational walls, impacting communities through both spiritual guidance and tangible acts of kindness.

Conclusion

The United States is home to a vast and diverse array of Christian churches, with over 380,000 congregations serving millions of believers. These churches not only provide spiritual guidance but also contribute to social and cultural life through outreach programs, community support, and digital engagement. As demographic and technological trends continue to shape the religious landscape, Christian churches will likely continue evolving to meet the needs of modern society while preserving their foundational mission.

Citation

www.usreligioncensus.org

Clifford Grammich, Erica Dollhopf, Mary Gautier, Richard Houseal, Dale E. Jones, Alexei Krindatch, Richie Stanley, and Scott Thumma. 2022.

2020 U.S. Religion Census: Religious Congregations & Adherents Study. Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies.

Back to blog

Country/region