What does this measure?

The percentage of the total population who are active participants in religious organizations, including all full members, their children, and others who regularly attend services or participate in the congregation.

Why is this important?

Religious organizations have been a major part of our society and culture since the founding of our country. Many studies suggest an association between religious participation and civic engagement. Individuals who are involved in religious activities are more likely to volunteer and engage in community service, belong to community and neighborhood groups, give to charitable causes and be politically active.

How is our region performing?

In 2000, 51% of our region's residents were active participants in religious organizations, compared to 60% in the state and 50% in the nation. The rate has stayed nearly constant in the region since 1980, while it increased in 1990 in both the state and the nation before declining in 2000. The surrounding counties as a whole have had a consistently lower membership rate each year than in Monroe County, the state and the nation. However, Genesee County's religious participation rate has consistently exceeded all other counties in the region by a wide margin.

Notes about the data

The available data source does not include many African-American churches as well as some other religious groups. Data were only available in census years.