Howdy, Partner! How Many Mormons Are Moseyin' Around Texas?
Ever wondered just how many folks in the Lone Star State are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (better known as LDS or, well, Mormons)? Buckle up, sugar, because we're about to wrangle some statistics and have some fun.
More Than You Might Yeehaw at First
You might think with all the wide-open spaces and two-steppin', Texas wouldn't be a hotbed for Mormonism. But surprise, surprise! The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints actually has the fifth-highest membership in the entire United States, and guess what? A big chunk of that chunk lives right here in Texas.
We're talkin' about around 371,000 members as of 2023. That's more people than you could fit in, well, let's just say a whole lotta rodeos!
So, They're Everywhere?
Well, not exactly. Texas is a big state, and while there's a strong LDS presence, they're not exactly outnumbering the cattle. Here's the thing: those 371,000 members are spread out across the state.
There are pockets where you'll find more LDS folks, like down in Dallas or over in Houston. But you might not run into too many cowboy hats and scripture cases out in the dusty West Texas plains.
Think of it like sprinkles on a giant kolache: there's a good amount, but they're not overwhelming the whole thing.
Why So Many Mormons in Texas, Y'all?
That's a mighty fine question, partner. The truth is, there's no single answer. Some folks might have moved to Texas for work, some for the wide-open spaces (perfect for spreading the gospel, if you know what I mean), and some maybe just because they like sweet tea and rodeos as much as the next fella.
There's also a bit of history there. Back in the day, some early LDS leaders even considered buying land in Texas as a safe haven! Didn't quite work out, but hey, sometimes those pioneer plans take a detour.
The Takeaway: Mormons and Texas, a Match Made in...?
Well, maybe not heaven, but it seems to be working out alright. The LDS Church is a growing part of the Texas landscape, and who knows, maybe someday we'll see a giant golden temple rise up next to the Alamo! (Just kidding... mostly.)
So next time you're out there two-steppin' or wranglin' some data, remember: there's a good chance you might just mosey on by a fellow Texan who's a member of the LDS Church. Howdy, neighbor!
