Young Men's Increasing Religiosity Outpaces Women, Says New Gallup Poll

Thu Apr 16 2026 13:48:51 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A recent Gallup poll reveals a remarkable shift in religious engagement among young men in the U.S., with 42% stating that religion plays a very important role in their lives—now surpassing their female counterparts.

According to a newly released Gallup poll, 42% of young men aged 18-29 affirm that religion is very important to them, up from 28% last year, which marks a notable first as young men have outpaced young women in religiosity for the first time in 25 years. This trend appears to be largely driven by Republican young men, while religious affiliation among young women remains comparatively low. The findings highlight a significant cultural shift that may impact future religious community dynamics.

A new Gallup poll released Thursday shows more young men in the U.S. say religion is “very important” in their lives compared to young women — the first time young men have surpassed young women on this measure of religiosity going back 25 years.

Gallup’s latest data shows that 42% of men in the U.S. ages 18-29 said religion is very important to them, a notable increase from 28% in 2022-2023. Over the same time, young women’s attachment to religion has stayed low, at about 30%.

This marks the first time young men have overtaken women by a significant margin on this measure, which goes back to 2000. Gallup reports aggregate findings every two years to ensure the estimates are stable.

Much of the growth in religiosity is happening among young Republicans. The data shows a rising trend in religious attendance among young Republican men and women compared to their Democratic counterparts. Fully 60% of young Republican women now attend church at least monthly, while only about one-quarter of Democratic women under 30 do.

Political scientist Ryan Burge from Washington University in St. Louis remarked that the shift in the gender gap in religiosity among Gen Z adults represents a seismic change in society and could affect the future of American churches.

Rabbi Nicole Guzik, serving at Sinai Temple in Los Angeles, emphasizes that faith plays a crucial role in shaping personal identities amidst current global uncertainties. The overall trend indicates an increasing desire for community ties and spiritual belonging.

Gallup senior scientist Frank Newport adds that while there has been an overall decline in religiosity among Americans, young men seem to be reversing this trend. Religiosity is beginning to stabilize among certain demographics, he notes.