Sarah Mitchell
Texas is one of the most religious states in the US, with approximately 8.5 million Catholics, making up about 30% of the state's population. The Catholic population in Texas has been steadily increasing, more than doubling between 1960 and 1993, and the state is now predominantly Catholic and Southern Baptist. The growth of Catholicism in Texas can be attributed to various factors, including immigration and the establishment of new dioceses to serve the growing number of Catholics.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Catholics in Texas | 8.5 million |
| Percentage of Texas population that is Catholic | 22-30% |
| Number of priests | 1,900-2,100 |
| Number of permanent deacons | 1,934 |
| Number of religious sisters | 1,980 |
| Number of religious brothers | 181 |
| Number of Catholic schools | 273 (56 high schools and 218 elementary schools) |
| Number of Catholic colleges and universities | 8 |
| Number of Catholic seminaries | 18 (5 diocesan and 13 religious) |
| Texas ranking among most religious states | 3rd |
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What You'll Learn
Texas is the third most religious state in the US
Texas has a significant religious presence, with a large number of religious organizations, establishments, and charities. The state ranks highly in terms of religious support and engagement, with many Texans considering religion important in their lives and attending religious services regularly.
The religious landscape of Texas is diverse, with a mix of denominations and faiths. According to sources, Texas is predominantly Catholic and Southern Baptist, with over 9 million combined adherents as of 2020. The Catholic population in Texas is substantial, with approximately 8.5 million Catholics, comprising about 30% of the state's total population. The Catholic Church in Texas has about 2,000 priests, 1,900 religious sisters, and a growing number of lay ministers and deacons.
However, it is worth noting that Texas also has a significant proportion of unaffiliated individuals, with a smaller percentage of Texans affiliated with a congregation than a decade ago. The state also ranked 42nd in religious education and careers categories, indicating a lower focus on religious careers and degrees.
Overall, Texas's ranking as the third most religious state reflects the importance of faith and the active engagement of its religious organizations and communities. The state's diverse religious landscape, including its large Catholic and Southern Baptist populations, contributes to its high ranking among religious states in the US.
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Catholicism is the largest religious denomination in the US
Catholicism has a long history in the US, dating back to the early 16th century when Catholic Hispanics first brought Christianity to what is now Texas. In 1634, the second Lord of Baltimore, George Calvert, established Maryland as a "Catholic Proprietary", providing a refuge for Catholics who were facing persecution in England. The first US Catholic university, Georgetown University, was founded in 1789.
Over the centuries, Catholicism grew in the US, primarily through immigration and the acquisition of continental territories under the jurisdiction of French and Spanish Catholic powers. By the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the Catholic population in Texas had more than doubled, increasing from 23% of the state's total population in 1993 to 30% in 2018. This growth has been driven by an increasing number of Hispanic and Asian Catholics.
Despite the overall growth of Catholicism in the US, there has been a general decline in religious affiliation. In Texas, the percentage of Texans adhering to a religion decreased from 67.1% in 2000 to 56.0% in 2010, with a similar decline observed nationwide, among Catholics whose share of the population dropped from 23.9% in 2007 to 20.8% in 2014.
Today, US Catholics tend to be older, with 58% of Catholic adults aged 50 and older, compared to 47% of all US adults. However, Hispanic and Asian Catholics tend to be younger, with only 14% of Hispanic Catholics and 20% of Asian Catholics aged 65 and older. US Catholics are spread out across the country, with roughly 29% living in the South, 26% in the Northeast, 25% in the West, and 20% in the Midwest.
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Hispanics and Asians are prominent in Texas' Catholic population
Texas is home to a large Catholic population, with about 8.5 million Catholics residing in the state, constituting about 30% of the total population. The history of Catholicism in Texas dates back to Spanish missions, and the religion has faced various challenges over the years due to immigration and social changes.
Among the Catholic population in Texas, Hispanics and Latinos hold a significant presence. In 2021, Hispanics and Latinos comprised 39.3% of Texas's population, and their influence within the Catholic Church is substantial. The share of Hispanic Catholics is growing in Texas, and they now constitute the largest religious group in the state. A survey by the Public Religion Research Institute found that in 2022, Hispanic Catholics accounted for over 20% of all religiously affiliated people in Texas. Despite their growing numbers, Hispanic Catholics are not well-represented in political offices. Texas has never had a Hispanic Catholic governor, reflecting a disconnect between the religious demographics and political representation.
The prominence of Hispanics within the Texas Catholic population is deeply rooted in history. As early as the 16th century, Catholic Hispanics, including clergy, were among the first Christians to encounter various indigenous peoples in what is now Texas. In the 18th century, Franciscan clergy served Hispanic Catholics and missionized natives throughout Texas, and by 1808, native Hispanics were joining the clergy. This historical context has shaped the religious landscape of the state.
In addition to Hispanics, Asians have also brought a significant presence to the Texas Catholic population. Asians comprise about 5% of Texas's population, with over 1.2 million individuals of Asian descent calling Texas home. While the Asian population in Texas is diverse, with Indian Americans, Vietnamese Americans, Chinese Americans, Filipino Americans, Korean Americans, and Japanese Americans all contributing to the state's demographic tapestry, their collective impact on the Catholic Church is notable. The increasing diversity of the Texas Catholic population has led to the establishment of new dioceses, such as the Diocese of Victoria, Lubbock, and Tyler, with another planned for the Laredo area.
The Texas Catholic population is characterized by its ethnic, racial, and religious pluralism, with Hispanics and Asians playing prominent roles. While Hispanics continue to be a driving force behind the growth of Catholicism in the state, Asians are also contributing to the religious landscape in significant ways. Together, they navigate the challenges of pluralism, economic inequality, and evolving ministerial structures, striving for a better society for all Texans.
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The number of Catholic schools in Texas has decreased
Texas is one of the more "religious" states in the US, with 56% of Texans adhering to a religion, compared to the national average of 48.8%. However, the number of Texans affiliated with a congregation has decreased in recent years, with a smaller proportion of Texans affiliated with a congregation than a decade ago. This trend is also reflected in the Catholic Church in Texas. While the Catholic population in Texas more than doubled between 1960 and 1993, reaching 3,975,000 or 23% of the state's population in 1993, the number of Catholic schools in the state has decreased.
Several factors have contributed to the decline in Catholic schools in Texas. One key factor is the changing demographic of the Catholic Church in Texas. The Catholic population in Texas is increasingly diverse, with a significant presence of Hispanics and Asians. This changing demographic has led to the establishment of new dioceses, such as the Diocese of Victoria in 1982, the Diocese of Lubbock in 1983, and the Diocese of Tyler in 1987, to serve the growing number of Catholics in the state. However, the overall number of Catholic clergy in Texas has remained relatively stable or declined in some cases. The number of brothers in Texas, for example, plummeted from 440 in 1967 to 240 in 1972, and the number of priests has remained at 1,900 to 2,100 since the mid-1960s.
This decline in the number of Catholic clergy has particularly affected Catholic educational institutions, which heavily rely on the contributions of sisters, brothers, and priests. As a result, the number of Catholic schools in Texas has decreased, and the remaining schools are primarily staffed by laypeople. Additionally, the percentage of Catholic youth receiving formal religious instruction has declined. The aging ranks of Catholic clergy are being replaced by relatively few new recruits, which will likely lead to an even more significant decline in the number of Catholic school personnel in the future.
Despite the decrease in the number of Catholic schools, Texas is home to several highly regarded Catholic high schools. Sources cite St. Agnes Academy in Houston as one of the best Catholic high schools in the state, with students praising its emphasis on college preparation. Other notable Catholic high schools in Texas include St. John XXIII College Preparatory, St. Thomas High School, St. Anthony Catholic High School, St. Francis Academy, and St. Mary's Catholic School. These schools offer rigorous academic curricula and foster extreme college readiness among their students. However, some alumni note that these schools may not be suitable for all students, as the curriculum is inflexible and may not allow for adequate parent involvement.
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Texas' most populous areas are predominantly Catholic
Texas is one of the most religious states in the US, ranking third in 2024. The state is predominantly Catholic and Southern Baptist. While North Texas is predominantly Southern Baptist, the most populous areas of Texas, including Dallas, Tarrant, and Collin counties, are predominantly Catholic.
In South Texas, most counties are predominantly Catholic, with a few being predominantly Southern Baptist. Texas has about 8.5 million Catholics, constituting about 30% of the state's total population. This is a notable increase from 1993, when there were 3,975,000 Catholics in Texas, or 23% of the state's population.
The growth in the number of Catholics in Texas can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, Hispanics constitute a significant portion of the growing Catholic population in the state. Additionally, Asians have also contributed to this growth, introducing a significant new presence within the Catholic community. Moreover, the establishment of new dioceses, such as the Diocese of Victoria in 1982, the Diocese of Lubbock in 1983, and the Diocese of Tyler in 1987, reflects the expanding Catholic population in Texas.
The history of Catholicism in Texas dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries, with the arrival of Spanish and French missionaries. The first Christian encounters by indigenous peoples in what is now Texas were with Catholic Hispanics and non-Spaniards like Estevanico "the Moor," of African origin. In the 1680s and 1690s, the first European foundations were established in what would eventually become Texas.
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Frequently asked questions
There are about 8.5 million Catholics in Texas, which is about 30% of the state's population.
Texas has one of the highest Catholic populations in the US. Only Rhode Island, with 42%, and Massachusetts, with 34%, have higher Catholic populations.
The number of Catholics in Texas has grown over time. In 1993, there were 3,975,000 Catholics in Texas, making up 23% of the state's population.
Texas is predominantly Catholic and Southern Baptist.
