I was pleasantly surprised to learn the Association of Religion Data Archives offers free and easily searchable county-level information on religion (a big thanks to Jerry Park for mentioning it a few days ago). A few seconds after clicking through to the site I was viewing data on my current county of residence. The bar graph appears below, but the actual data produced by the county search includes the 2010 report broken down by religious bodies and the ability to see previous reports (2000, 1990, and 1980) or view trends during specific time periods (2000-2010, 1990-2010, or 1980-2010).
So What?
Based on the data available, the mainline is clearly on the sidelines, numerically speaking, in Collier County, FL. Over the last ten years the two denominations I have been affiliated with here have both experienced dramatic decline: Presbyterian (PCUSA) – 22.4% and United Church of Christ -44.5.
Take a few minutes to search and learn more about your county
- Explore the distribution of Evangelical Protestant, Black Protestant, Mainline Protestant, Orthodox, Catholic, and other.
- How has the group in which your denomination falls fared over time? 2000-2010? 1990-2010? 1980-2010?
- How is the data available in this report helpful to your congregation?