Where Do the Most Generous Christians Live?

By Aaron Earls

Over the past decade, the United States has been the most generous country in the world, according to the Charities Aid Foundation.

Americans are among the world’s most likely to help a stranger (72%), donate money (61%) or volunteer time (42%).

Strictly in terms of donating money, the U.S. ranks 11th globally since 2009.

When it comes to financial generosity within American and among practicing Christians, however, several cities stand out above others, according to Barna.

Combining church and other non-profit giving, shows two metro areas in Idaho as among the nation’s most generous.

Idaho Falls, Idaho is the city where practicing Christians give the most financially by far.

Practicing Christian residents of the Idaho Falls metro area with Pocatello and Jackson, Idaho give an average of almost $18,000 per year—more than $7,000 more than the next most generous city.

In fact, Christians there gave more annually to their church than practicing Christians in other cities gave to all non-profits, including churches.

The second most giving may be the most surprising. Practicing Christian residents of Las Vegas give more than $10,000 annually to non-profits, including churches.

Sin City Christians may be more prone to give as they recognize the needs in the nation’s loneliest city and one of the most unchurched cities in the most sinful state.

Non-profit giving top 10:

Pocatello, Idaho Falls, Jackson, Idaho: $17,977
Las Vegas, Nevada: $10,410
Victoria, Texas: $10,375
Ottumwa, Kirksville, Iowa: $10,000
Jonesboro, Arkansas: $7,999
Twin Falls, Idaho: $7,636
North Platte, Nebraska: $6,764
Lake Charles, Louisiana: $6,200
Salisbury, Maryland: $6,125
Wheeling, Steubenville, West Virginia: $5,735

When only evaluating church giving, most of the top 10 stay the same, except Twin Falls, Lake Charles and Salisbury and replaced by Scottsbluff, Nebraska; Montgomery, Alabama; and Nashville, Tennessee.

Church giving top 10: