Grace Thompson
The United States is home to the world's fourth-largest Catholic population, with 25% of American adults raised in the faith. Rhode Island is the state with the highest percentage of Catholic residents, at 42%. The other most Catholic states are located in New England (Connecticut and Massachusetts) and the Mid-Atlantic (New Jersey). The number of practicing Catholics in the US increased by 2.9 million from 2010 to 2020, despite a decline in the number of churches.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| State with the most Catholics | Rhode Island |
| Percentage of Rhode Island population that is Catholic | 42% |
| Second-most Catholic state | Massachusetts |
| Percentage of Massachusetts population that is Catholic | 34% |
| Third-most Catholic state | New Jersey |
| Percentage of New Jersey population that is Catholic | 34% |
| Most Catholic cities | Boston, New York City, Pittsburgh (36%) |
| Second-most Catholic cities | Philadelphia, Chicago (33%) |
| Catholic population as a percentage of total US population | 22% |
| Percentage of Americans raised Catholic | 31.7% |
| Percentage of Americans who no longer identify as Catholic | 41% |
| Number of Americans who self-identify as Catholic | 81.6 million |
| Percentage of Americans who are Catholic and tied to a specific parish | 20% |
| Number of Catholics who attend Mass once a week or more | 25% |
| Number of Catholics who attend Mass at least once a month | 38% |
| Region with the highest percentage of Catholics | The South (32%) |
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What You'll Learn
Rhode Island is the most Catholic state
The Catholic Church in the United States is diverse and multicultural, with modern Catholic immigrants also arriving from the Philippines, Mexico, and Central America. This has influenced the conduct of Catholicism in the country, with most dioceses offering Mass in multiple languages, and an increasing number offering Mass in Latin. The history of the Catholic Church in the US dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries, following the arrival of Spanish and French missionaries.
Rhode Island is one of only four states where at least four in ten residents identify with the same religious traditions. The other three most Catholic states are Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. The US has several large archdioceses and cardinal-archbishops, and the leadership of the Catholic Church in the country is provided by bishops for their own dioceses and collectively through the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Despite the overall growth of Catholicism in the US, the Northeast and Midwest, historically Catholic strongholds, have seen a decline in the number of congregants in recent years. This decline has been attributed in part to the financial repercussions of clergy sexual abuse scandals. However, the number of practicing Catholics in the US increased by 2.9 million from 2010 to 2020, and the religion continues to grow and realign geographically.
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Catholicism is growing in the US
Catholicism is growing in the United States, with the country now home to the world's fourth-largest Catholic population. The US also has the largest Catholic population of English speakers and the largest population of Catholic minorities. The number of practicing Catholics increased by 2.9 million nationwide between 2010 and 2020, according to an NBC News analysis. This growth is despite a decline in the number of churches, with 1,200 closing during this period.
The growth of Catholicism in the US is most evident in states along the southern border. Florida's Catholic population rose from 14.6% in 2010 to 21.3% in 2020, with 1 in 5 Floridians now identifying as Catholic. Arizona saw a similar increase, with its Catholic population growing from 14.6% to 21.3% during the same period. The growth in these states is partly due to the influx of Hispanic Catholics, with data showing that Catholicism is growing most among Hispanics in the US. The percentage of US Catholics who are Hispanic grew from 29% in 2007 to 36% by the end of 2024.
The Northeast and Midwest, historically Catholic strongholds, have seen a decline in the share and number of congregants in recent years. However, certain states in these regions continue to have a high proportion of Catholics. Rhode Island is the most Catholic state in the US, with 42% of its population identifying as Catholic. This is due in part to the state's historical influx of French-Canadian, Irish, and Italian immigrants, as well as more recent Hispanic and Portuguese immigrants. The state of Massachusetts has the second-highest Catholic population with 34%, followed by New Jersey with 34%. Other states with above-average Catholic representation include Connecticut, New York, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Illinois, California, and Wisconsin.
The United States has several large archdioceses and cardinal-archbishops, with leadership provided by bishops for their own dioceses and collectively through the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. The conduct of Catholicism in the US has been influenced by its multiculturalism and diversity, with most dioceses offering Mass in multiple languages and an increasing number offering Masses in Latin. The country has also seen the emergence of a small but growing Traditionalist Catholic movement, with over 600 locations offering the Traditional Latin Mass.
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Illinois has a large Catholic population
With a significant number of adherents, Illinois is home to a large and vibrant Catholic community, reflecting the state's diverse religious landscape. While the exact numbers may vary depending on the source and the method of measurement, it is clear that Catholicism holds a prominent place in the spiritual fabric of Illinois. As of 2022, Illinois is ranked fifth in the United States for the highest Catholic population.
There are several factors that contribute to the significant Catholic presence in Illinois. One key factor is the history of immigration and the establishment of Catholic communities over the years. Illinois, located in the heart of the Midwest, has long been a destination for immigrants from Catholic-majority countries. Historical immigration patterns, particularly from Catholic-dominated European countries, have played a pivotal role. Waves of immigrants from countries like Ireland, Italy, Poland, and Latin America have sought new opportunities in Illinois, bringing their religious traditions and cultural heritage with them. These immigrant communities established Catholic parishes, schools, and social networks, solidifying the presence of the Catholic Church in the state.
Additionally, the establishment of a robust network of Catholic educational institutions has also contributed to the growth and sustainability of the Catholic population in Illinois. The state is home to numerous Catholic schools, from primary to secondary levels, as well as prestigious universities such as Loyola University Chicago and DePaul University. These educational institutions not only provide academic excellence but also foster a sense of community and promote Catholic values, attracting Catholic families and contributing to the overall Catholic character of the state.
Furthermore, the Catholic Church in Illinois has actively engaged in social services and community development initiatives. Catholic Charities, for example, has a strong presence in the state, offering a range of programs and services to those in need, regardless of their religious affiliation. By addressing issues such as poverty, homelessness, and immigration, the Catholic Church in Illinois has demonstrated its commitment to social justice and community building, thereby strengthening its connection to the people it serves.
The large Catholic population in Illinois also contributes to the cultural diversity and richness of the state. Catholic traditions and celebrations are woven into the fabric of Illinois' communities. From vibrant St. Patrick's Day parades in Chicago to the observance of Holy Week and Easter celebrations statewide, Catholic cultural expressions are visible and celebrated. The Catholic Church in Illinois also reflects the state's ethnic diversity, with parishes and communities catering to specific ethnic groups, fostering a sense of cultural preservation and continuity.
Lastly, Illinois' Catholic population benefits from the presence of prominent Catholic leaders and a strong diocesan structure. The Archdiocese of Chicago, led by Cardinal Blase Cupich, is particularly influential, not only within the state but also on a national level. The archdiocese has a long history of producing notable Catholic figures, including the first cardinal in the United States, Cardinal Joseph Bernardin, who played a pivotal role in shaping the Catholic Church in the country.
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Florida has seen an influx of Catholics
The US is home to the world's fourth-largest Catholic population, with Rhode Island being the state with the largest population of Catholic residents, at 42%. The other most Catholic states are located in New England (Connecticut, Massachusetts) and the Mid-Atlantic (New Jersey). However, Florida has also seen a significant influx of Catholics over the years.
Florida has a long history of Catholicism, dating back to the 16th century when it was at the forefront of Christian expansion in the New World. Spanish explorers, including Juan Ponce de Leon and Tristán de Luna, brought Catholic rituals and practices to the region. This was followed by a period of Catholic missionary activity, led by Father Grajales, who appointed Spanish soldiers to instruct Native Americans in the Roman Catholic faith. This led to a “Mestizaje", or mixing of Spanish and Native American cultures, as Spanish soldiers married Native American women.
In the 18th century, Florida passed under English rule, leading to an exodus of Catholics as freedom of worship was not respected. However, when Florida was restored to Spain in 1784, there was a resurgence of Catholic influence. During the second Spanish regime (1783-1821), immigration to Florida increased, and when Florida became a part of the United States in 1821, the population continued to grow rapidly.
Florida has also seen an influx of Catholics due to its large Latino population. Latinos are predominantly Catholic, and Florida's proximity to Latin America and its cultural ties to the region have likely contributed to the growth of the Catholic population in the state. Additionally, the establishment of Catholic institutions of higher education, such as St. Leo College, has further solidified the presence of Catholicism in Florida.
While Florida may not be among the most Catholic states in the US, it has certainly experienced a significant Catholic influence and continues to be a centre of Catholic culture and education in the country.
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Catholics are most represented in the East and to some degree the Midwest
The United States is home to the world's fourth-largest Catholic population, after Brazil, Mexico, and the Philippines. It also has the largest Catholic population of English speakers. While the number of churches has decreased, the number of practicing Catholics in the US increased from 2010 to 2020. This growth is most significant among the Hispanic population.
Catholics are most represented in the East and, to some degree, the Midwest. Rhode Island is the state with the largest Catholic population, with 42% of the state identifying as Catholic. This is due to the historical influx of French-Canadian, Irish, and Italian immigrants, as well as more recent Hispanic and Portuguese immigration. The state of Massachusetts has the second-highest Catholic population, at 34%, due to the arrival of immigrants from Catholic countries, particularly in Latin America, Poland, Quebec, Ireland, Portugal, and Italy. New Jersey is the third most Catholic state, with 34% of the population, or about 500,000 people, identifying as Catholic.
Other states with above-average Catholic representation include Connecticut, New York, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Illinois, California, and Wisconsin. Illinois, the home state of Pope Leo XIV, has seen a decline in Catholic worshippers. However, states like Florida and Arizona have experienced significant increases in their Catholic populations from 2010 to 2020. The average congregation in Florida is quite large, with 7,000 regular worshippers, while in Nevada, the number exceeds 10,000.
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Frequently asked questions
Rhode Island is the state with the largest population of Catholic residents, with 42% of the state identifying as Catholic.
The high number of Catholics in Rhode Island is due to the large number of French-Canadian, Irish, Italian, Hispanic and Portuguese immigrants who settled there.
Yes, the three other most Catholic states are located in New England (Connecticut and) Massachusetts and the Mid-Atlantic (New Jersey).
The number of practicing Catholics in the US increased by 2.9 million from 2010 to 2020, despite a decline in the number of churches. However, the Northeast and Midwest, historically Catholic strongholds, have seen a decline in congregants.
States along the southern border, such as Florida and Arizona, have experienced an influx of Catholics. Florida's Catholic population rose by 5.6 percentage points from 2010 to 2020, and in Arizona, the share of Catholics increased from 14.6% in 2010 to 21.3% in 2020.
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