Recent Developments in Amish Demographics and Communities
The most current estimates of the Amish population, including figures from the United States, Canada, and Bolivia, now stand at approximately 401,005 individuals. The total number of recognized Amish settlements has expanded to 675. Here are five notable facts from the latest data update:
1. The Disappearance of the Amish in Manitoba
The Amish presence in Manitoba has officially ceased. Thanks to a tip from reader Urs, we learned that the Amish who previously inhabited the Stuartburn region of Manitoba have sold their properties and relocated to Minnesota. The new owners of these lands are Orthodox Mennonites. The Manitoba Amish settlement, established in 2017, is now considered defunct. This change reduces the Canadian Amish presence to three provinces: Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick.
2. Vermont Welcomes a Second Amish Community
Vermont has recently added a second Amish community to its landscape. These Amish are believed to have Lancaster County roots, with connections to St. Mary’s County, Maryland. The community from St. Mary’s County tends to be more conservative than the original Lancaster County Amish. Notably, the Amish from St. Mary’s County played a role in establishing Virginia’s largest Amish settlement in Charlotte County. The first Vermont Amish community was founded in 2015 in Orleans County, within the Northeast Kingdom. The newly established community appears to be in close proximity, situated within the same county. In 2018, there was speculation about another Amish group exploring settlement options in Vermont. Whether this current community is related remains uncertain. With this development, Vermont seems poised to become an emerging hub for Amish life, potentially attracting more settlers in the future.
3. No New Amish States Introduced This Year
This year, no new states have been added to the list of regions with Amish communities. The most recent addition was New Mexico in 2022. Consequently, the total number of Amish states remains at 18. Looking ahead, predictions suggest that the next states to potentially host Amish settlements might include North Dakota, New Hampshire, or Washington. Among these, North Dakota and Washington previously hosted Amish populations, indicating a possibility for future growth. Only time will tell whether these predictions materialize, potentially over the span of a few years or even sooner.
4. Distinction Between Lancaster and York County Amish
In assessing the population sizes of the 12 largest Amish communities, researchers have noted a recent methodological shift. Previously, the Lancaster settlement encompassed certain church districts in southeastern York County, Pennsylvania. However, as these districts have developed their own identities, they are now recognized as a separate settlement. This update results in a slight decrease in Lancaster County’s estimated population from the previous year. Despite this change, Lancaster County remains the largest Amish community with an estimated 43,640 members. Holmes County, Ohio, follows closely behind with 40,435 residents. Interestingly, the Amish themselves have started to differentiate between the Amish residing in York County and those in Lancaster County, acknowledging York as a distinct community. This shift is reflected in church publications and Almanacs, which now list York County as a separate entity. Notably, there is also a younger Amish community in Glen Rock, York County, adding to the region’s diversity.
5. Growth Trends in Smaller Amish States
Analyzing the data reveals that since 2015, six states have experienced at least a doubling in the number of church districts, indicating significant growth. These states include:
- Colorado: from 5 districts in 2015 to 11 in 2024
- Maine: from 5 to 13 districts
- Montana: from 4 to 15 districts
- Virginia: from 8 to an impressive 27 districts
- West Virginia: from 3 to 14 districts
- Wyoming: from 1 to 6 districts
While these numbers reflect the number of districts, they serve as a proxy for overall growth, although some districts may still be small or newly formed. This trend highlights where settlement momentum is strongest among smaller Amish populations, suggesting potential for future expansion.
Additional Resources
- To explore detailed listings of all Amish communities, including population estimates and founding dates, visit the comprehensive county and state directories.
- For an in-depth overview of each state’s Amish history, key communities, and visitor tips, consult the dedicated Amish state guide.
Special thanks go to Steven Nolt and the Young Center for providing this valuable data, along with the dedicated efforts of Edsel Burdge Jr., Joe Donnermeyer, and Adam Hershberger, whose meticulous work made this report possible.