Church membership growth varies widely across U.S. states over 25 years
August 27, 2026 at 6:03 AM MT · via Church News · Summarized by Mormon News from original reporting

Church News published an analysis of Latter-day Saint membership growth across U.S. states from 2000 to 2025, showing dramatic variation in growth rates and geographic shifts. Western states saw slower growth or declines while some Southern and Southeastern states showed faster increases.
The data, drawn from Church statistics, shows Utah's share of total U.S. membership declining even as absolute numbers rose, while states like Texas, Florida, and North Carolina saw larger percentage gains. Membership in some traditional strongholds like California grew more slowly than national averages.
The analysis offers no single explanation for the patterns but reflects both domestic migration trends and differences in conversion and retention rates across regions.
More coverage of this story
- Church News →August 27, 2026 at 6:00 AM MT
- LDS Living →August 27, 2026 at 10:06 AM MT
- YouTube →September 1, 2026 at 6:00 PM MT
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