The 12 Most Religious States in the U.S.
In 2025, Americans are pretty much giving the whole “religion” thing a second thought, with fewer people calling themselves devout compared to ten years ago.
But hold onto your hats, because some states are stubbornly holding onto their faith. According to Newsweek, the South, along with Utah and North Dakota, has the most religious populations.
Despite the rising wave of secularism sweeping the nation, these states are like the last holdouts in a game of religious musical chairs. Talk about a twist in the trend!
Mississippi
Mississippi takes the top spot. Pew Research Center study confirms that Mississippi is the most religious state, with 50% of its adult population classified as “highly religious.” Mississippians pray daily and are certain of their belief in God.
This deeply ingrained religious culture is no surprise, given Mississippi’s strong evangelical Protestant roots, making it the epicenter of U.S. religiosity in 2025.
South Carolina
Not far behind is South Carolina, Pew Research Center’s 2023-2024 Religious Landscape Study reports that 46% of adults in South Carolina qualify as “highly religious”. They believe in God with absolute certainty, a reflection of the state’s deeply entrenched evangelical and Black Protestant traditions.
Louisiana
Louisiana’s religious intensity stands out. According to Newsweek, 45% of Louisiana’s population is considered “highly religious. The state’s Catholic and evangelical communities are very much alive, with religion being highly important.
South Dakota
South Dakota may not be in the Bible Belt, but it certainly holds its own in the religious stakes. Family Voice Action states 45% of South Dakota residents are “highly religious. Strong rural church networks and a mix of Native and immigrant religious traditions contribute to the state’s devout culture.
Utah
Utah, home to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, brings its own unique religious flavor to the list. According to Deseret News, 43% of adult Utahns say religion is “very important” to them, and 41% attend religious services at least once a week.
Alabama
Alabama isn’t just known for its football; it also boasts one of the highest rates of religiosity in the country, with about 40% of its population categorized as highly religious, according to the Pew Research Center’s 2023-2024 Religious Landscape Study.
North Carolina
North Carolina may not always grab the spotlight. According to the Pew Research Center, 41% of adults in North Carolina are classified as “highly religious” as of 2025. Daily prayer is part of life, further solidifying North Carolina’s place in the Southeast’s religious core.
Georgia
Georgia, the Peach State, may have a growing urban population, but it still ranks highly in religious observance, with 49% of Georgians stating that religion is important, according to the 2023-2024 Pew Research Center.
Arkansas
Pew Research Center data shows that Arkansas has one of the highest rates of Christian affiliation in the United States, with 79% of adults identifying as Christian. This strong combination of faith and practice ensures that Arkansas remains one of the most devout states in the U.S.
Kansas
The Wichita Eagle reported that Kansas has a Christian adult population of 70%, which is above the national average. This is a testament to the state’s strong rural congregations, which keep religious practice alive even as national trends show a decline in regular participation.
North Dakota
North Dakota mirrors its southern neighbor. According to the Pew Research Center, South Dakota has strong religious adherence, with 79% of adults identifying as Christian. Adults pray daily and express absolute belief in God, a mix of Lutheran, Catholic, and evangelical traditions that keeps North Dakota firmly religious.
Oklahoma
Rounding out the list is Oklahoma, with 38% of its adult population classified as highly religious according to a Pew Research study. They believe in God with absolute certainty, further cementing Oklahoma’s place in the religiously vibrant South.
Key takeaway
In 2025, the most religious states in the U.S. are concentrated in the South and a few outliers like Utah and the Dakotas. These regions are the exception to the decline in U.S. religiosity, providing a unique snapshot of American devotion in an increasingly secular world.
Disclosure line: This article was developed with the assistance of AI and was subsequently reviewed, revised, and approved by our editorial team.
10 Simple Habits to Recharge Your Mind and Body
10 Simple Habits to Recharge Your Mind and Body
These 10 simple habits to recharge your mind and body demonstrate that sustainable wellness starts with everyday choices, not drastic changes.
And if you’re looking for an easy way to support those habits, try pairing your morning ritual with a wellness-focused coffee.
