- A new Pew Research study suggests that fewer Americans identify as Christian, but the decline has stabilized. The study finds that 62% of U.S. adults identify as Christian, down from 78% in 2007, while 29% are religiously unaffiliated.
- A growing generational divide shows 80% of Americans over 74 identify as Christian, compared to just 46% of adults aged 18 to 24.
- The study finds that immigration has helped slow Christianity’s decline, with 58% of Americans born outside the country identifying as Christian.
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Christianity’s decline in the U.S. may be slowing. A new Pew Research study suggests that fewer Americans identify as Christian, but the drop has stabilized.
The study, released Wednesday, Feb. 26, finds that 62% of U.S. adults identify as Christian, down from 78% in 2007. Meanwhile, the number of religiously unaffiliated Americans—often called “nones”—has leveled off at 29%.
This group includes atheists, agnostics and those who do not follow a specific faith. Despite past trends showing a steady decline, the new data suggests Christianity’s decline in the U.S. has slowed.
Younger adults less likely to be Christian
However, a growing generational divide may impact future religious trends. According to the study, 80% of Americans over 74 still identify as Christian, while just 46% of adults aged 18 to 24 do.
The study also finds that 43% of younger adults are religiously unaffiliated, compared to only 13% of older adults. Many of these individuals previously identified as Christian but have since left the faith, according to Pew’s senior director of religion research.
Political divide in religious identity
Religious affiliation also varies along political lines. Liberals are significantly less likely to identify as Christian compared to conservatives. The study finds that a growing percentage of politically progressive Americans now consider themselves religiously unaffiliated.
However, Black Protestant communities remain a stronghold for Christianity despite many members aligning with the Democratic Party. Their continued religious ties help support the overall Christian demographic in the U.S.
Immigration’s role in Christianity’s stability
The report suggests that immigration has helped slow Christianity’s decline in the U.S. The study finds that 58% of Americans born outside the country identify as Christian, compared to declining numbers among native-born citizens.
Women remain more religious than men
Gender also plays a role in religious affiliation. Women continue to report higher levels of religious identity than men, though the study suggests the gap is narrowing.
Other religions see modest growth
While Christianity remains the largest faith group in the U.S., the study notes modest increases in non-Christian religions. Faiths such as Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism have grown slightly, largely due to immigration. Currently, about 6% of Americans identify with a non-Christian religion.
