The Amish Population in 2025
How many Amish are there? The Amish population in 2025 across North America is estimated to be 400,910. This marks a growth of 16,620 since 2023. The population has more than doubled since 2000, when it was around 177,910. At this rate, the Amish population typically doubles every 20 years.
Where the Amish Live
Amish communities can be found in 32 U.S. states and three Canadian provinces. Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Indiana are home to 61% of the total Amish population. While most Amish live in North America, a small number also attempted to settle in South America.
Communities in Bolivia and Argentina were established in 2015, but only the Bolivian settlement remains, and it has since declined in size.
New and Existing Communities
In the past year, 46 new Amish settlements were created, while ten were dissolved. Most new settlements are small, starting with just a few families and a single church district (or congregation).
Larger, older settlements like those in Holmes County, Ohio, and Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, have over 250 districts and may include various subgroups. In contrast, 56% of all Amish settlements in North America consist of just one church district.
Growth of Congregations
The number of Amish church districts in North America rose from 2,914 in 2023 to 3,038 in 2024, an increase of 124 districts. Each district typically includes 20 to 40 households.
Why the Amish Population Is Growing
The Amish population grows rapidly due to two key factors:
- Large Families: Most Amish families have five or more children.
- High Retention Rates: Over 85% of Amish youth choose to join the church as adults.
Though a few outsiders join the Amish, nearly all growth comes from within the community.
Why New Settlements Are Started
The Amish create new settlements for reasons such as:
- Access to affordable farmland.
- Nonfarm work opportunities in specific trades.
- A desire for rural isolation to maintain their traditional way of life.
- Favorable social and physical conditions, such as good climate, government policies, or local economies.
- Proximity to family or other Amish groups.
- Resolving church or leadership disagreements.
A 24-Year Trend
Since 2000, the Amish have added 223,000 people to their population, 1,703 new church districts, and 359 settlements.
These include new communities in six U.S. states (Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, South Dakota, Vermont, and Wyoming) and two Canadian provinces (New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island).
The Amish continue to grow and expand, driven by their strong family values, beliefs and ability to adapt to new environments while maintaining their traditional way of life.
