Data covering 2024–25 shows that 42% of men aged 18 to 29 describe religion as very important in their lives, up sharply from 28% in 2022–23. By contrast, young women’s responses have remained broadly stable over the same period at around 30%, according to a report by The Guardian.

Earlier surveys had shown young men and women at roughly equal levels on this measure. The latest figures indicate a statistically significant divergence, driven by the increase among younger men. Older men and women have shown little change since 2022–23.

The rise brings young men’s reported importance of religion close to levels last seen about 25 years ago, nearly matching the 43% recorded in 2000–01. Women across all age groups, along with older men, remain at or near historic lows.

The shift is concentrated among those aged 18 to 29. Among adults aged 30 and older, women continue to report higher religiosity than men.

Young men’s views now align more closely with those of men aged 30–49 and remain just below those of older men. Young women, by contrast, rank as the least religious group among women, with 29% saying religion is very important—18 percentage points lower than women aged 30–49 and less than half the level reported by senior women.

Church attendance among young men has also risen. The share reporting attendance at least monthly increased by seven percentage points between 2022–23 and 2024–25, reaching 40%, the highest level since 2012–13.

Attendance among young women edged up by three points to 39%, though it remains below levels seen in the early 2000s. Rates among older men and women are currently at or near record lows.

A decline in attendance in 2020 is attributed largely to the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to widespread church closures across the country.

The data also shows differences by political affiliation. Since 2022–23, attendance has risen by seven points among young Republican men, eight points among young Republican women and three points among young Democratic men, while young Democratic women show little change.

Over a longer period, attendance among young Republican men has generally trended upward since 2018–19, while participation among young Democratic men has declined.

Analysts cited by The Guardian suggest that rising loneliness among young men may be a contributing factor. Studies indicate declining social connections, with many reporting a lack of close relationships and limited interaction outside their households, trends exacerbated by the disruptions of the pandemic.