You’ve probably seen them at some point — a horse-drawn buggy quietly trotting down a rural road, a neatly dressed family at a roadside produce stand, or hand-built furniture that puts modern craftsmanship to shame. That’s the Amish.
But where exactly do they live in today’s America, and why are their communities spreading out more than ever?
As of 2025, nearly 400,910 Amish people live in the United States, spread across 32 states, according to The Daily Yonder.
Their numbers are rising fast — up 14.3% since 2020 — and their reasons for choosing one patch of land over another go far beyond just available space.
It’s a mix of tradition, faith, practicality, and sometimes even quiet resistance to the noise of modern life. Let’s take a closer look at where the Amish live, from their historic heartlands to the lesser-known settlements that are popping up in places you might not expect.
Key Highlights
- The U.S. Amish population reached nearly 400,910 in 2025, with settlements in 32 states.
- Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana remain core Amish hubs, but states like Montana and Colorado are seeing the fastest growth.
- Amish expansion is driven by affordable rural land, tight-knit communities, and room to grow.
- Amish population growth is steady due to high birth rates and low attrition.
The Core States
Here are the states with the highest Amish population in the United States:
Pennsylvania
- Population (2024): 92,660
- % of Total US Amish: 23.5%
If there’s one place that people think of as “Amish Country,” it’s Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. It’s the oldest Amish settlement in the U.S., dating back to the 1700s.
Beyond Lancaster, Big Valley, Smicksburg, and New Wilmington are also home to thriving Amish communities. Pennsylvania is not just where it started — it’s still where it thrives.
The farmland is fertile, the communities are tight-knit, and many families have roots here going back generations.
While some districts are slightly more lenient with modern tools, most still follow the Ordnung (their unwritten but widely followed rules) closely.
Furniture making, dairy farming, and roadside markets are staples of everyday life.
Ohio
- Population (2024): 85,965
- % of Total US Amish: 21.8%
Holmes County is Ohio’s Amish epicenter, home to one of the most varied Amish populations in the country. Some communities are very conservative, others allow certain forms of electricity or use propane-powered equipment.
That diversity means you’ll find everything from ultra-traditional homesteads to bustling furniture workshops with semi-modern tools. Geauga County, closer to Cleveland, leans more conservative.
Ashland, Medina, and Knox Counties round out the map, each contributing to Ohio’s Amish growth with fertile land, fewer zoning restrictions, and a history of welcoming Anabaptist groups.
Indiana
- Population (2024): 65,540
- % of Total US Amish: 16.6%
Indiana is no stranger to Amish life. Elkhart-Lagrange is the largest settlement, with Shipshewana and Nappanee close behind.
You might have seen Shipshewana in travel brochures thanks to its famous flea market — but at its core, it’s a hardworking Amish farming community.
The state’s Amish are big on craftsmanship, especially in woodworking, quilts, and baked goods. You’ll often find small family-owned shops dotting the countryside.
States With Surging Numbers
Wisconsin
- Population (2024): 26,365
- Growth Since 2020: +18.6%
The Cashton and Wilton/Tomah areas lead Wisconsin’s Amish growth, and for good reason — the land supports dairy farming, which the Amish do exceptionally well.
Grant and Clark Counties are growing fast, with family-run farms and cheese operations becoming more common.
New York
- Population (2024): 24,325
- Growth Since 2020: +14.6%
New York might not scream “Amish” at first glance, but it’s catching up fast. Arthurville in Steuben County and Black Creek are major hubs.
Land is cheaper here compared to the Midwest, and that’s a huge draw for young families looking to start new settlements.
Michigan
- Population (2024): 20,690
- Growth Since 2020: +25.2%
Over 40 Amish settlements dot Michigan, many near Indiana’s border. St. Joseph County is known for fine Amish furniture, while others focus on agriculture.
The state is a bit of a patchwork when it comes to Ordnung — some groups allow solar panels and phone shacks, while others don’t.
Missouri
- Population (2024): 17,635
- Growth Since 2020: +21.4%
With affordable land and a welcoming culture, Missouri is becoming a go-to for Amish families moving from more crowded states.
Seymour is a major hub, known for being deeply conservative. Jamesport offers a bit more public interaction, hosting large horse auctions and events that draw visitors from across the Midwest.
Kentucky
- Population (2024): 15,915
- Growth Since 2020: +17.1%
Kentucky is home to over 40 Amish communities. Arthur and Berne are key settlements, and Daviess County is rapidly growing.
Many families here are involved in tobacco farming, small-scale lumber operations, and quilting.
Longtime Amish Roots
Iowa
- Population (2024): 10,540
- Key Communities: Kalona, Bloomfield, Buchanan County
Kalona’s Amish roots go back nearly 180 years. You’ll find well-established communities here, many focused on both farming and craftsmanship.
Growth is slower than in some other states, but the cultural ties run deep.
Illinois
- Population (2024): 9,050
- Growth Since 2020: +25.0%
Arthur is Illinois’ largest Amish community, with Tuscola and Arcola also making a mark. The emphasis here is on traditional farming and handmade goods.
Tourism is minimal, which suits most families just fine.
Where Amish Are Expanding
The Amish are not standing still. In fact, some of the fastest-growing settlements are in places you might not expect.
| State | Population (2024) | Growth (2020–2024) |
| Montana | 1,520 | +62.6% |
| Colorado | 1,020 | +56.9% |
| Nebraska | 585 | +64.8% |
| Maine | 1,245 | +30.4% |
| Kansas | 2,650 | +30.9% |
| Virginia | 2,210 | +39.0% |
Places like Montana, Maine, and Nebraska offer wide open spaces and cheap land — perfect for a lifestyle built around farming and simplicity. Maine alone has seen eight new settlements since 2011.
In Florida, the Pinecraft neighborhood in Sarasota serves as a winter haven, where Amish travelers ride bicycles instead of buggies.
Why They Settle Where They Do
So, what pulls the Amish to one place over another? It’s not random. A few factors carry serious weight:
Rural Land
Affordable, fertile land is the top priority. Farming is central to the Amish lifestyle, not just economically but spiritually.
Distance from Modern Distractions
Amish communities thrive best where there’s less urban influence — fewer cell towers, fewer highways, less noise. The more remote, the better.
Close Community Ties
Settling near family and other Amish districts matters. Church is held in homes, not buildings, and large families rely on their neighbors for work, weddings, and support.
Room to Grow
Many new communities are springing up where existing towns are getting crowded. Younger generations move out to start fresh, often forming new settlements hundreds of miles away.
Not Just Staying — Growing
Between 2020 and 2025, the total Amish population grew from about 345,000 to nearly 400,910. That’s a big jump. High birth rates (averaging 6–7 children per family) and relatively low rates of leaving the church fuel that growth.
Some states, like Mississippi, have seen declines — a 55.2% drop since 2020 — usually because families relocate to areas with better land or stronger communities, as per Amish America.
Meanwhile, other places are seeing huge spikes. Colorado’s Amish population jumped nearly 57%, and Montana’s grew by over 60%.
Final Thoughts
The Amish may live quiet lives, but they’re quietly growing, too — stretching from the age-old heartlands of Pennsylvania and Ohio to the wide-open ranges of Montana and Maine.
It’s not about escaping the world. It’s about building a life centered on faith, family, and hard work — away from the distractions that dominate modern life.
Wherever they settle, one thing’s clear: they’re not just surviving; they’re thriving. If you’re ever driving through rural America and spot a buggy on the shoulder, chances are you’ve just passed through a living piece of American tradition — still going strong, state by state.
