10 Most Religious Cities in The United States

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Hey Friends! Ready to dive into some good ol' religious talk? Today, we're going to explore the top 10 most religious cities in the United States. We'll be checking out where all those Bible Thumpers reside and what makes these cities so spiritually inclined.

A Look into America's Religious Past

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's take a trip down history lane. Back in the days of the Civil War, almost 94% of the American population was involved with some sort of religion. Fast forward to 2021, and according to Gallup polling, 67% of Americans still identify with a specific religious faith. Christianity leads the pack, with 69% of folks affiliating with various Christian denominations. But hey, there's room for diversity too, with 7% identifying with non-Christian religions.

10. Charleston, South Carolina - Southern Charm and Spirituality

Ah, Charleston, is a city with around 150,000 residents and a whole lot of religious organizations. From the Episcopal church to the Roman Catholic Church, they've got it all. Fun fact - it's also home to one of the most historic military colleges, The Citadel, though it's not religious, just a cool tidbit. Per thousand residents, there are 8.6 religious organizations, and Charlestonians are quite generous, giving an estimated $1831 each year. 69.9% of the population here claim affiliation with some form of religion.

9. Little Rock, Arkansas - Where Church is Bigger than Big

Surprise, surprise! Little Rock, the capital of Arkansas, might have its challenges, but finding a church ain't one of them. With around 200,000 residents, they have a bunch of religious organizations, including the Southern Baptist Convention and the United Methodist Church. Per thousand residents, they have 8.7 religious organizations, and folks here give an average of $1848 each year. 70.2% of Little Rock's population claims some religious affiliation.

8. Nashville, Tennessee - Music and Church Go Hand in Hand

Ah, Nashville, the Music City! While it's famous for its tunes, it's equally popular for its churches. Most of them are Southern Baptist and United Methodist. And hey, don't forget about Vanderbilt University, which started as a religious institution thanks to some generous donations. They've got 8.8 religious organizations per thousand residents, and the giving per capita is $1865 annually. 70.5% of Nashvillians find solace in religion.

7. Greensboro, North Carolina - The Place I Liked

Greensboro is a lovely place I've visited before. It's got a population of about 300,000 residents, and they've got a mix of religious organizations, with the Southern Baptist Church and the United Methodist Church leading the pack. Per thousand residents, there are 8.9 religious organizations, and they give about $1882 annually. 70.8% of the folks here are affiliated with some form of religion.

6. Macon, Georgia - Whoopee, Not So Great

Macon, Georgia - not the greatest place, but they do have a minor-league hockey team with a fun name! It's sandwiched between Columbus and Augusta. Macon has about 150,000 residents, and yes, you guessed it, more Southern Baptist and United Methodist Churches. They've got 9.1 religious organizations per thousand residents, and their giving per capita is around $1902 each year. 71.4% of Macon's population claims religious affiliation.

5. Fayetteville, Arkansas - The Bright Spot in Arkansas

Surprisingly, Fayetteville, Arkansas, made it to the good list! It's in the northwest corner of the state, and they've got some positive vibes going on there. Southern Baptist and United Methodist Churches dominate here too. Per thousand residents, they have 9.3 religious organizations, and the giving per capita is about $1929 each year. A significant 72.8% of Fayetteville's population identifies with some religious group.

4. Greenville, South Carolina - Not the Only Greenville Around

Greenville, is a name that seems to pop up everywhere, including here in Oregon. This Greenville has around 73,000 residents and plenty of religious organizations, including the usual suspects - Southern Baptists and United Methodist Churches. They've got 9.5 religious organizations per thousand residents and give about $1954 annually. A whopping 73.8% of the folks here claim some religious affiliation.

3. Huntington, West Virginia - Facing Challenges with Faith

Huntington, a city dealing with its fair share of difficulties, is still holding onto faith. With about 47,000 residents, they've got a lot of religious organizations tackling the poverty issues. They've got 9.7 religious organizations per thousand residents, and the giving per capita is around $1773 each year. 74.1% of Huntington's population finds solace in religion.

2. Meridian, Mississippi - Prayers Needed

Meridian, Mississippi, needs our prayers. With poverty levels at 31.5% and a crime rate above the national average, it's a tough place to be. But hey, it's affordable! Meridian only has around 35,000 residents, and like much of the South, they're big on Southern Baptist and United Methodist Churches. They've got 10.5 religious organizations per thousand residents and give about $1878 per capita annually. 74.6% of the folks in Meridian are associated with some kind of religious organization.

1. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma - Surprisingly Religious

Who would've thought we'd get out of the South for the top spot? But here we are, in Oklahoma City! With a population of about 681,000 residents and a total metro area of 1.4 million, this city takes the crown as the most religious in the nation. They've got 10.1 religious organizations per thousand residents, and the giving per capita is a generous $2027 each year. A remarkable 75.4% of Oklahoma City's population identifies with some form of religious organization.

Well, friends, there you have it! The top 10 most religious cities in the United States. Religion is still very much a part of our lives, and these cities sure know how to keep the faith. Until next time, be kind, be nice, and take care of each other. Stay blessed!

Reference: World According To Briggs