Worship attendance at churches up for the first time in decades, according to new report
The median in-person adult attendance rose from 45 during COVID-19 to 70, while 43% of congregations said they grew by at least 5%.
- For the first time in 25 years, median worship attendance in the United States climbed to 70 adults, according to a report from the Hartford Institute for Religion Research released Friday, April 24.
- Past decades proved difficult for American houses of worship, with median attendance dropping by more than half as faith in institutions plummeted. Researchers surveyed 7,453 congregations between September and December 2025.
- Financial health improved alongside attendance, with median income reaching $205,000 in 2025. Online giving drove this growth, with 76% of churches offering digital contributions and about 40% of revenue coming from online sources.
- Alison Norton, co-director of the Hartford Institute for Religion Research, told reporters the data showed "a story of resilience and recalibration." However, authors cautioned this shift does not represent a major religious revival.
- Scott Thumma, director of the Hartford Institute for Religion Research, said researchers initially doubted the data, noting "we were pretty surprised when we saw the 2025 data." The long-term trajectory of decline persists despite stabilization.
30 Articles
30 Articles
Worship attendance at churches up for the first time in decades, according to new report
The median worship attendance dropped by more than half.
Study: In-person worship attendance in U.S rises for first time in decades
A new study finds that for the first time in 25 years, median in-person worship attendance at U.S. congregations has increased. But researchers caution that post-pandemic recovery is uneven.
HIRR Report Shows First Rise in U.S. Congregation Attendance in 25 Years, Uneven Recovery
At Hartford International, you’ll join an interfaith peer group and professors who broaden your perspective and, in turn, deepen your ability to make a difference in a world where the roads no longer diverge – they come together.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 52% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
















