While Montana did not rank among the most religious states in the U.S. this year (those would be Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Arkansas), there’s no denying that many Montanans are proud of their faith. After all, we are home to one of the country’s most majestic cathedrals, and many of us have fond memories of growing up going to church or other religious services.
USA Today published an article featuring the most religious county in every state, based on those who worship in each county as compared to those in the rest of the state. Montana’s most religious county might surprise you.
According to the data from 2018 (the most recent year available), Sheridan County is Montana’s most religious county.
J.B. Chandler / Wikipedia Sheridan County is as remote as it gets, at least for most Montanans. Its northern boundary is the Canada–United States border south of Saskatchewan, and it also borders North Dakota.
Sheridan County is home to Plentywood (its county seat), Medicine Lake, Westby, Outlook, Antelope, and Reserve.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr There are also a couple of ghost towns (Dooley and Archer) and a few unincorporated communities in the area. The entire population of Sheridan County is only 3,384.
Of the 3,384 Sheridan County residents, about 100% attend religious services.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr Considering about 38.1% of Montanans attend religious services, it’s easy to see why this county wins the award.
There are 77 congregations in Sheridan County for every 10,000 people.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr And if you drive through Plentywood, the largest city in the county, it does seem like there’s a church on every corner.
Our country was founded on the principle of the separation of church and state, but part of that means that we all get to choose our religious paths (if we choose a path at all).
Larry D. Moore / Wikipedia The free will and personal choice just makes our faith that much more beautiful.
Do you think your current city or town is religious?
J.B. Chandler / Wikipedia
Sheridan County is as remote as it gets, at least for most Montanans. Its northern boundary is the Canada–United States border south of Saskatchewan, and it also borders North Dakota.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr
There are also a couple of ghost towns (Dooley and Archer) and a few unincorporated communities in the area. The entire population of Sheridan County is only 3,384.
Considering about 38.1% of Montanans attend religious services, it’s easy to see why this county wins the award.
And if you drive through Plentywood, the largest city in the county, it does seem like there’s a church on every corner.
Larry D. Moore / Wikipedia
The free will and personal choice just makes our faith that much more beautiful.
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Address: Sheridan County, MT, USA
