Which US State Has the Highest Percentage of Atheists?
According to the Pew Research Center's 2014 Religious Landscape Study (the most recent comprehensive state-level data), Massachusetts had the highest share of adults identifying as atheist at 32%.
Top States (Atheist %)
| Rank | State | Atheist % |
|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts | 32% |
| 2 | New Hampshire | 30% |
| 3 | Vermont | 29% |
| 4 | Maine | 27% |
| 5 | Washington | 24% |
Context
- "Atheist" = self-identified; "nothing in particular" / agnostic are separate categories.
- New England + Pacific Northwest consistently lead in religious non-affiliation ("nones").
- National average (2014): 3.1% atheist, 4.0% agnostic, 15.8% "nothing in particular".
- 2023–24 surveys suggest "nones" now ~28% nationally; state rankings likely similar.
Data from Pew's Religious Landscape Study.
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