What does this congregations ranking show?

It orders states by Congregations per 100,000 residents. It is a comparison of this one published measure, not an overall ranking of where to live.

Where do these figures come from?

2020 US Religion Census (ASARB) supplies this measure. States without a comparable published value are shown as not ranked rather than estimated.

How should I use this ranking?

Use it to narrow a search, then open a state or county profile for the underlying figures, source dates and caveats. A statewide number may not describe every neighbourhood.

Rankings · Place

Lowest congregations by state

Congregations per 100,000 residents.

This measure has no better end. The order describes the states, it does not rank them — see the other direction.

Places of worship per 100,000 residents, from the same census of 372 participating bodies. Counts buildings and congregations rather than people, so a rural county of many small churches can rank far above a city with a few large ones. A count of congregations is not a measure of religiosity: it reflects how a tradition organises itself as much as how many people attend.

How to read this ranking

Nevada has the lowest published congregations in this comparison, at 50. The next states shown are California (60) and Massachusetts (62).

The table orders 50 states by congregations per 100,000 residents. It describes one published measure, not an overall judgment about where to live.

Use the result as a starting point, then compare the underlying source, dates, and local county figures before making a decision. Places of worship per 100,000 residents, from the same census of 372 participating bodies. Counts buildings and congregations rather than people, so a rural county of many small churches can rank far above a city with a few large ones. A count of congregations is not a measure of religiosity: it reflects how a tradition organises itself as much as how many people attend.

Not ranked, because this measure is not published for them: Connecticut.

Related place rankings

Frequently asked questions

What does this ranking show?: It orders states by Congregations per 100,000 residents. It is one measure, not an overall verdict on where to live.
Where do the figures come from?: 2020 US Religion Census (ASARB). States without a comparable published figure are listed as not ranked rather than estimated.
How should I use it?: Use it to narrow your search, then open a state or county profile for the source date, caveats and local context.

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Source: 2020 US Religion Census (ASARB). · How this is built

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