Recent data from the Pew Research Center indicates that the decline in the number of Americans identifying as Christians has plateaued in recent years. As of 2023-2024, 62% of U.S. adults identify as Christian, a decrease from 78% in 2007. However, this figure has remained relatively stable between 60% and 64% over the past five years, suggesting a potential leveling off in the decline.
Rise and Stabilization of the Religiously Unaffiliated
Concurrently, the proportion of Americans who are religiously unaffiliated—often referred to as “nones,” encompassing atheists, agnostics, and those with no particular religious affiliation—has seen significant growth over the past decades. The percentage rose from 16% in 2007 to 29% in recent years. Notably, this increase has also shown signs of stabilizing, with the figure holding steady at 29% since 2019. ?
Generational and Political Disparities
The survey highlights notable generational differences in religious identification. Among the youngest adults, only 46% identify as Christian, whereas 80% of the oldest adults do so. Additionally, political affiliation appears to correlate with religious identity; 37% of self-identified liberals currently identify as Christian, a decline from 62% in 2007.
Regional Variations: The Case of Utah
Regional studies reflect these national trends. In Utah, for instance, the percentage of residents identifying as religiously unaffiliated has risen from 22% in 2014 to 34% in recent years, surpassing the national average. Simultaneously, the proportion of Latter-day Saints in Utah has decreased from 55% to 50% over the past decade.
Implications and Future Outlook
The apparent stabilization in the decline of Christian identification may suggest a shift in the religious landscape of the United States. Alan Cooperman of the Pew Research Center describes this as a significant social change, although the increase in religiously unaffiliated individuals has plateaued in recent years.
These findings provide a nuanced understanding of religious affiliation trends in the U.S., indicating that while previous decades saw a marked decline in Christian identification, recent years have experienced a stabilization in these figures.