The trend of atheism and secularism has been rising across the United States with 56% of its population describing themselves as “non-religious”.
According to WorldAtlas, certain states have been exhibiting higher proportions of individuals identifying as atheists. The influence of cultural, social, and historical factors contribute to this phenomenon.
Vermont
Vermont tops the list with 56.3% of non-religious citizens. This state is known for its progressive values and is the fifth most educated state in the country. Its high levels of education correlate with the higher rates of secularism. Vermont’s culture emphasizes individualism and questioning traditional norms. It leads to many adopting atheistic beliefs.
Maine
Maine has 51.1% of atheists, and its population leans towards liberal ideologies, often associated with secularism. The state’s emphasis on environmentalism and scientific reasoning may contribute to its higher rates of atheism.
New Hampshire
With a motto of “Live Free or Die,” New Hampshire has 49.2% of non-religious citizens. The state ranks the ninth most educated state in the country. It fosters a culture of independence and skepticism of authority, including religious institutions. This mindset promotes a secular worldview among its residents.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts has 46% of atheists. The state has a strong tradition of education and intellectualism, particularly in cities like Boston.
The presence of numerous prestigious universities encourages a culture of critical thinking and skepticism. This leads to a higher rate of atheism.
Washington
The number of non-religious citizens in Washington is 43.7%. This state is characterized by its progressive politics and emphasis on technology and science, especially in cities like Seattle. The state’s forward-thinking culture often aligns with secular beliefs.
Oregon
Oregon has 43.4% of non-religious citizens. The state’s liberal social policies and environmental consciousness contribute to its secularism. The culture of Oregon promotes questioning traditional beliefs and exploring alternative lifestyles, including atheism.
Alaska
Alaska has 42.7% of atheists. The state focuses on individualism and remote lifestyle. This fosters a sense of self-reliance and skepticism of traditional authority, including religious institutions. This independence often translates into atheistic beliefs.
Hawaii
Hawaii’s diverse cultural and religious landscape promotes tolerance and acceptance of various beliefs. The state has 41% of atheists. The emphasis on personal spirituality over the church or other organized religions contributes to its secular population.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island has a history of religious freedom and tolerance, dating back to its foundation. This continues to influence its modern secular culture, with 41% of non-religious people. The state’s progressive social policies also align with secular values.
Colorado
Colorado has 40.6% of atheists who are influenced by its progressive politics and active lifestyle. These attract individuals who value scientific reasoning and personal autonomy. The state’s emphasis on outdoor activities and environmentalism often aligns with secularism.
Connecticut
Connecticut’s high levels of education and progressive values contribute to its secular population. The state has 40.4% of non-religious people. Its proximity to major academic institutions fosters a culture of intellectualism and skepticism of traditional beliefs.
Nevada
Nevada has around 39.7% of atheists. The state has a unique cultural landscape that is influenced by cities like Las Vegas. It promotes a lifestyle centered around entertainment and personal freedom. This is often at odds with traditional religious values.
California
With 37.8% of non-religious people, California’s diverse population and progressive social policies create a ground for secularism. The state’s strong emphasis on technology, science, and innovation, particularly in areas like Silicon Valley, fosters a culture of atheism.
Montana
Montana’s culture of rugged individualism and self-reliance promotes skepticism of traditional authority, including religious institutions. The state has a 37.8% atheist population. Its emphasis on personal freedom is often in alignment with secular beliefs.
New York
New York has 37.1% of non-religious citizens. Its diverse cosmopolitan population fosters a culture of acceptance and tolerance for various beliefs, including atheism. The state’s emphasis on education and intellectualism, especially in cities like New York City, contributes to its secular population.
Wyoming
Wyoming has a sparse population with 35.1% of atheists. The state’s emphasis on self-reliance and independence promotes a culture of skepticism towards traditional authority. This includes religious institutions. This mindset often translates into atheistic beliefs.
Idaho
Idaho, while traditionally conservative, has pockets of progressive communities that value scientific reasoning and personal autonomy. This has led to around 34.8% of non-religious citizens in the state.
Minnesota
Minnesota’s progressive politics and high levels of education foster a culture of acceptance and tolerance for various beliefs. The state has 34.2% of atheists. The emphasis on social justice and scientific reasoning lines up with the secular values of the state.
Arizona
Arizona has 33.8% of the atheist population. Its growing population of younger, more progressive individuals contributes to its secular culture. The state’s emphasis on individual freedom and skepticism of traditional norms promotes atheistic beliefs.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s progressive values and high standard of education lead to its secular population. With 32.7% of non-religious citizens, the state’s culture of intellectualism and emphasis on scientific reasoning aligns with atheistic beliefs.
Illinois
The atheist population in Illinois is 32.6%. Particularly cities like Chicago are characterized by their diverse and progressive population. The state’s emphasis on education and social justice promotes a culture of acceptance of various beliefs, including atheism.
New Jersey
New Jersey has 32.5% of non-religious citizens. The state’s high levels of education and progressive social policies contribute to its secular culture. The state is also located close to major academic institutions which fosters a culture of intellectualism and skepticism of traditional beliefs.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s diverse population and progressive values, particularly in urban areas like Philadelphia, create a culture of acceptance for various beliefs. The state has a 32.5% atheist population. Moreover, the state’s emphasis on education and scientific reasoning is in alignment with secularism.
South Dakota
South Dakota has 31.9% of the atheist population. Despite its traditionally conservative reputation, the state has progressive communities that value science and personal autonomy.
Michigan
The diverse population of Michigan and progressive values have resulted in its 31.6% non-religious population. Cities like Ann Arbor and Detroit especially contribute to secular culture. The emphasis on education and intellectualism also promotes atheistic beliefs.