Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Man Tries to Order Priciest Starbucks Drink Ever Total cost: $23.60 »

Mississippi Most Religious State, Vermont the Least

Bible belt has most religious states, New England some of least

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 31, 2009 8:20 AM CST
Email

(Newser) – If you’re looking for religion, head to Mississippi; if you want to avoid it, choose Vermont, a new Gallup survey suggests. Mississippi is ranked as America’s most religious state, with 85% saying religion is “an important part of daily life.” At the other end of the scale is Vermont at 42%, USA Today reports. Other Bible-belt states fill out the top spots, while New England dominates among the nonbelievers.

"New England is now slightly ahead of the Pacific Northwest in terms of the high rate of unchurched people," said one expert. After Mississippi, most-religious states include Alabama (82%) and South Carolina (80%). Least-religious leaders include New Hampshire (46%) and Maine (48%). Overall, 65% of Americans said religion was a key part of daily life.

Marchers walk past the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church toward the Alabama State Capitol to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, Jan. 19, 2009 in Montgomery.
Marchers walk past the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church toward the Alabama State Capitol to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, Jan. 19, 2009 in Montgomery.   (AP Photo/Jamie Martin)
The colors of fall are seen on trees that frame the First Congregational Church in South Woodbury, Vt., Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2007.
The colors of fall are seen on trees that frame the First Congregational Church in South Woodbury, Vt., Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2007.   (AP Photo/Toby Talbot)
People attend a church service in Minneapolis, Thursday, Aug. 2, 2007.
People attend a church service in Minneapolis, Thursday, Aug. 2, 2007.   (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 7 comments
Shannonals
Feb 2, 2009 2:05 AM CST
Funny, no one I know who contacted
Guest
Feb 1, 2009 5:06 AM CST
Since religion is our moral center, that would mean that MIssissippi has the least crime and Vermont the most. I feel sorry for Vermont. They ought to get a bailout so they can hire more police.
Thinker
Jan 31, 2009 7:55 PM CST
The horrible state of our schools absolutely contributes to the high percentage of irrational thought and religious belief. Stronger schools, better education and more rational school boards will eventually reduce the influence of mysticism and religion on society. Keep voting for reason and logic.

The survey results
Gallup

 
New Hampshire • South Carolina • religion • Vermont • Alabama • Maine • Mississippi • survey • nonbelievers

More Newser Stories

US Health Ranking Puts Vermont First, Louisiana Last

Wildfire Smoke Shrouds New England, Quebec

Fattest States in America
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne