20. Las Vegas, NV
Ratio: one location for every 2,840 people
Bursting with world-famous casinos, mega-hotels, and wild nightlife, Sin City is the last in our list: a mere 210 religious places attempt to compensate for its "sins"! With an average of 115,000 weddings a year, most of these establishments are wedding chapels. A famous one is the Little White Chapel Tunnel of Love, known for its Drive-Thru Tunnel of Vows, where over 750,000 couples got married. Image courtesy of Larry D. Moore.
19. San Diego, CA
Ratio: one location for every 2,788 people
With a population of more than 1.3 million, San Diego is the second-largest city in California. Although enjoying a wide diversity of religious congregations, the beautiful city offers its residents only 480 places dedicated to religion. Situated near La Jolla, the San Diego California (Mormon) Temple is a stunning structure bearing the image of an ice sculpture. The white, palace-style building is 190-feet tall. Image courtesy of Antoine Taveneaux.
18. San Jose, CA
Ratio: one location for every 2,722 people
Not only is San Jose the largest city in Silicon Valley, with a population of almost 1 million, it is also home to 361 places dedicated to religion. A remarkable religious marvel is The Sikh Gurdwara, founded in 1985 by leaders of the Santa Clara Valley Sikh community. It covers 90,000 square feet, making it the largest gurdwara in North America. Image courtesy of manjinder_kaur.
17. San Antonio, TX
Ratio: one location for every 2,465 people
With 561 religious-oriented buildings serving its 1.3 million residents, the second most populated city in Texas achives 17th place in our list. The Cathedral of San Fernando, also known as the Church of Nuestra Senora de la Candelaria y Guadalupe, is one of the oldest active cathedrals in United States, built between 1738 and 1750. Over 5,000 people participate in weekend masses year-round. Image courtesy of Jim Nix.
16. Los Angeles Area, CA
Ratio: one location for every 1,652 people
Home to an impressive number of 2,441 properties related to religion, LA is suggestively entitled the "City of Angels". Each of its 4 million inhabitants, regardless of their faith, can expect to discover a place that accommodates their religious beliefs. Founded in 1899, Hollywood Forever Cemetery is the final resting place for more Hollywood founders and stars than anywhere else on earth. Image courtesy of Scott Beale.
15. San Francisco, CA
Ratio: one location for every 1,564 people
In its rather small surroundings of only 47 square miles, SF is not all business and tourism, but also religion and spirituality. 528 religious locations serve the city's residents. The oldest surviving structure in San Francisco, Mission San Francisco de Asis, also known as "Mission Dolores", was founded in 1776. It welcomes everyone who wants to learn about its unique history, or to enjoy its tranquil garden. Image courtesy of Scott Beale.
14. New York, NY
Ratio: one location for every 1,353 people
On 14th place stands The Big Apple. New York City impresses with by far the biggest number of religious locations: 6,160 places, serving an ever growing population of around 8.3 million residents! It is home to the Temple Emanu-El of New York, the first Reform Jewish congregation in New York City. Built in 1927, it is considered one of the largest and most beautiful Jewish houses of worship in the world.
13. Miami Area, FL
Ratio: one location for every 1,303 people
Miami brings a significant spiritual contribution, counting as many as 462 religious locations. One of the local religious landmarks is Miami Beach Community Church, the first church ever established in Miami (in 1921). It is also very progressive, as the church embraced open communion - meaning that all people, no matter who they are or where they are in their life's journey, are welcome to participate. Image courtesy of Kwong Yee Cheng.
12. Phoenix, AZ
Ratio: one location for every 1,291 people
With a large population of almost 1.5 million inhabitants, Phoenix ranks no. 12 in our list, upholding 1,153 churches, convents, cemeteries, and other religious venues. An impressive and solemn symbol is the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, run by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The first burial occurred here in 1979. The cemetery consists of 225 acres, and will not reach capacity until well after 2030. Image courtesy of Garry Wilmore.
11. Chicago, IL
Ratio: one location for every 1,224 people
The "Windy City" has everything a modern metropolis should have: business, technology, education, sports, and last but not least religion. Chicago stands in 11th place in terms of number of spiritual venues (2,218) for its population of 2.7 million residents. A beautiful architectural and religious enclave is Holy Name Cathedral, the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago, and one of the largest in the U.S. Image courtesy of Chris Smith.
10. Boston, MA
Ratio: one location for every 1,107 people
Boston, one of the oldest cities in the US, is also one of the smallest in terms of area. An international center for higher education, the city occupies the middle position in our Top 20, featuring 575 religious places for 636,479 people. A great example of a local religious edifice is the Old North Church, the oldest standing church building in Boston and a National Historic Landmark. Image courtesy of Adavyd.
9. Houston, TX
Ratio: one location for every 1,085 people
The 4th largest city in the U.S. by population, counting over 2.1 million inhabitants, Houston is home to an impressive 1,991 religious buildings, such as churches, synagogues, cemeteries, convents, and other such establishments. A remarkable example is Lakewood Church, a non-denominational Christian mega-church, and the largest congregation in the United States.
8. Charlotte, NC
Ratio: one location for every 1,053 people
On 8th position in our top 20 we have Charlotte, "The Queen City", home to 736 religious locations. That's one for every 1,053 people. A Charlotte icon is Calvary Church, with its unique exterior and crown-shaped architecture. The 11,499 pipe organ is one of the twenty largest pipe organs in the world.
7. Dallas, TX
Ratio: one location for every 909 people
With a wide variety of beliefs and 1,366 religious establishments that welcome its 1.2 million residents, Dallas ranks no. 7. The Texan city is home to the First Baptist Church, established in 1868. It was one of the most expensive church construction projects in modern American history. It also owns and operates a school, a college, several radio stations, and Dallas Life, a mission for the homeless. Image courtesy of Aidan Wakely-Mulroney.
6. Columbus, OH
Ratio: one location for every 907 people
The largest city in Ohio, Columbus is yearly nominated by prestigious publications and institutions as being among the best U.S. cities in which to live and work. The city of 809,798 residents offers access to 893 religious locations, meaning one for every 907 people. A beautiful architectural landmark that covers more than 10,700 square feet is the Columbus Ohio Mormon Temple, featuring a marble exterior and art glass windows. Image courtesy of More Good Foundation.
5. Memphis, TN
Ratio: one location for every 804 people
Memphis is home to 815 religious venues dedicated to 655,155 inhabitants of many different faiths. Calvary Episcopal Church is a historic Episcopal church, founded in 1832. The nave is the oldest public building in continuous use in the city. Image courtesy of Thomas R Machnitzki.
4. Washington, DC
Ratio: one location for every 738 people
The U.S. capital snatched the 4th place, providing 857 religious locations to its over 650,000 residents. The tallest habitable building in the city, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is the largest Catholic church in the United States and the eighth largest church of any kind in the western hemisphere. An estimated 1 million pilgrims from around the world visit the basilica each year. Image courtesy of AgnosticPreachersKid.
3. Jacksonville, FL
Ratio: one location for every 562 people
A city of 747 square miles, Jacksonville secured a 3rd spot on account of its 1,488 places dedicated to spirituality for all faiths and religious groups. One of them is the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, the oldest Catholic congregation in Jacksonville. The Church was recently granted the designation Minor Basilica because of its historical and spiritual significance and the worthiness of its art and architecture. Image courtesy of Ebyabe.
2. Seattle, WA
Ratio: one location for every 481 people
Seattle made it to no.1 in our recent analysis of Top 20 US Cities with most Cultural venues per city population and now it conquered the 2nd place. There are 1,355 religious venues in Seattle serving its 650,000 inhabitants. Here you can see St. James Cathedral, a Roman Catholic cathedral church which also serves an inner city parish. Image courtesy of lattiboy.
1. Indianapolis, IN
Ratio: one location for every 289 people
Congrats Indianapolis! Here's an impressive number: 2,892 religious and spiritual venues serving merely 834,852 inhabitants. That's one location for every 289 people (wow!), ranking Indianapolis no. 1 in our Top 20! The Scottish Rite Cathedral, located in downtown Indianapolis, is one of the largest Masonic buildings, and has been described as one of the finest examples of Neo-Gothic architecture in the United States. Image courtesy of Poco a poco .
