Mapping Faith: The Mormon Landscape of America

April 1, 2017 Alex

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When we think about religious diversity in the United States, few groups stand out quite like the Mormons. Officially known as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), Mormons have a fascinating history and distribution across the American landscape. Today, we’re going to explore where Mormons live in the U.S. and examine their rate of adherence across different counties.

The Mormon story in America is one of migration, persecution, and ultimately, thriving communities. It began in the 1820s when Joseph Smith, the founder of the LDS Church, reported receiving visions and revelations in upstate New York. From these humble beginnings, the church grew rapidly, facing both fervent converts and fierce opposition.

As we look at our first map of the United States showing where Mormons live in the country, a clear pattern emerges. While Mormons can be found in every state, there’s a distinct concentration in the Western United States, particularly in Utah. This is no coincidence – it’s the result of a historic migration known as the Mormon Exodus.

In the mid-1840s, facing persecution in Illinois, Brigham Young led thousands of Mormon pioneers westward. They settled in the Salt Lake Valley in 1847, then part of Mexico but soon to become U.S. territory. This area, which would eventually become the state of Utah, has remained the heartland of Mormonism ever since.

Our second map created by George Eastman, showing the rate of adherence to the LDS Church by U.S. county, paints an even more detailed picture. Utah stands out dramatically, with many counties showing over 50% Mormon adherence. Idaho, particularly in its southeast corner bordering Utah, also shows high rates of Mormon population.

But the Mormon story isn’t confined to Utah and Idaho. Significant Mormon populations can be found in parts of Arizona, Nevada, and Wyoming. There are also notable communities in unexpected places. For instance, a pocket of high Mormon adherence appears in western Iowa – a remnant of the Mormon Trail that led pioneers westward.

What’s particularly interesting about these maps is how they reflect both historical patterns and ongoing trends. The concentration in the Mountain West reflects the church’s 19th-century history. But we can also see the results of more recent Mormon outmigration from Utah. As the church has grown, many Mormons have moved to other parts of the country, establishing communities in places like California, Texas, and the Eastern Seaboard.

These maps also hint at the cultural and political influence of Mormons in certain regions. In areas of high Mormon concentration, particularly in Utah and Idaho, the church often plays a significant role in local culture and politics. This influence can be seen in everything from local laws to community events.

However, it’s important to note that even in areas of low Mormon population density, LDS communities often have a significant presence. Mormon meetinghouses and temples can be found across the country, serving as centers of worship and community for church members.

The global reach of the LDS Church is also worth mentioning. While our maps focus on the United States, Mormonism has spread far beyond American borders. Today, there are more Mormons outside the U.S. than within it, with significant populations in Latin America, the Philippines, and other parts of the world.

As we examine these maps, we’re reminded of the complex interplay between religion, history, and geography in shaping the American landscape. The Mormon experience – from its beginnings in New York to its concentration in Utah and subsequent spread across the nation and globe – is a unique chapter in the story of American religious diversity.

For those interested in exploring this topic further, here are some relevant resources available on Amazon: