
Are there any Amish settlements in California?
Amish have tried settling states including California, Oregon, and Colorado. Colorado is one of the handful of Western states that have an Amish population today, but California and most of the rest of the region’s 11 states do not. Reasons such as climate and distance from other Amish communities discourage new settlement in the West.
Are there Amish settlements outside the United States?
Amish settlements outside the US. There are Amish settlements in four Canadian provinces, Ontario, founded in the 1820s, Manitoba, founded in 2018, [12] New Brunswick in 2015 and Prince Edward Island, in 2016. There was an Amish settlement in Honduras from about 1968 to 1978 but the settlement failed. [13]
Where is the largest Amish community in Pennsylvania?
The most popular are in Lancaster, Pennsylvania because they have the biggest communities. There are other states though where you can visit these towns, such as Ohio, Mississippi, Wisconsin, Missouri and Michigan.
Are there Amish in Texas?
The Amish and Mennonites in Texas share the beliefs and customs of their eastern brethren: self-sufficiency and a simple life. About a half-dozen Amish settlements exist in Texas, most of them in the southern part of the state. The largest and most stable is in Stephenville, about 70 miles southwest of Fort Worth.

Are there Amish in all 50 states?
As of 2020, 31 U.S. states have significant Amish populations.
How many Amish colonies are there?
Spain once had up to 35 colonies throughout the world, some of which it still governs today. The areas that are now the US states of California, Florida, and New Mexico where once governed by Spain, and still hold evidence of this today through place names and local architecture.
What state has the largest Amish population?
Table 1: Top 10 Amish Inhabited States by Percent of Total Population, 2010RankStateAdherents1Indiana45,1442Ohio59,1033Pennsylvania58,0094Wisconsin14,9576 more rows
What is the largest Amish settlement in the world?
The Pennsylvania Amish community in Lancaster County is the oldest and largest Amish community in the United States, numbering about 30,000. The population has more than doubled in size in the past 20 years.
Do the Amish own guns?
The short answer is simple: Yes, the Amish are able to own guns.
Are there any famous Amish?
Rebecca Fisher from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, has become arguably the most famous Amish user on the platform. Using the handle @AmishBek, she's raked in over one million views on TikTok and has more than 12 thousand followers.
What language do Amish speak?
Pennsylvania DutchPennsylvania Dutch is the language used by the Amish population here in Lancaster County. It is considered to be their first and native language. The Amish learn to read, write and speak in English, allowing them to communicate with the 'outside world'.
Can Amish drink alcohol?
New Order Amish prohibit alcohol and tobacco use (seen in some Old Order groups), an important factor in the original division. Different from the Old Order, the New Order actively suppress the use of tobacco and alcohol and do not allow bed courtship (bundling), which was an important factor in the original division.
Can I join the Amish?
You can begin wherever you are.” Yes, it is possible for outsiders, through conversion and convincement, to join the Amish community, but we must quickly add that it seldom happens. First, the Amish do not evangelize and seek to add outsiders to their church.
Are the Amish friendly?
The Amish are private people who avoid as much contact with strangers and the "outside world" as possible for important religious and cultural reasons. When visiting their community, please keep the following basic courtesy rules in mind: Don't stare, gawk, or otherwise be disrespectful of the Amish.
What state has the most Amish 2021?
The Amish have settled in as many as 32 US-states though about 2/3 are located in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana....Statistics of states.StatePennsylvania201059,350202081,500202286,965Change 2020–20226.7%32 more columns
Can Amish drink alcohol?
New Order Amish prohibit alcohol and tobacco use (seen in some Old Order groups), an important factor in the original division. Different from the Old Order, the New Order actively suppress the use of tobacco and alcohol and do not allow bed courtship (bundling), which was an important factor in the original division.
How many Amish go back after rumspringa?
At first glance, rumspringa appears as a stain on Amish culture. The Amish, however, feel as though this fling with worldliness gives them the strength to come back to the Amish religion and be strong standing members. It is believed that ninety percent of the Amish youth will return to the Amish Church.
How many Amish are in the world?
According to the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown College in Lancaster, Pa., their population has risen from about 5,000 in 1920 to almost 300,000 today. And much of that growth has occurred in the last three decades.
How many Amish states are there in 2020?
Old Order Amish population growth in the 20th century. In 2020 there were 31 states of the United States that had a significant Amish population. The Amish have settled in as many as 31 US-states though about 63% are located in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana.
Where are the Amish located?
Then comes the Amish settlement in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. According to Albrecht Powell, ...
When did the Amish settle in Honduras?
There was an Amish settlement in Honduras from about 1968 to 1978 but the settlement failed.
Where are the Amish in Pennsylvania?
Then comes the Amish settlement in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. According to Albrecht Powell, the Pennsylvania Amish has not always been the largest group of U.S. Amish as is commonly thought. The Amish population in the U.S. numbers more than 270,000 and is growing rapidly, due to large family size (seven children on average) ...
Who compiled the 2010 census?
The data for 2010 are from "Amish Studies - The Young Center". The 2010 census of Amish population was published in 2012, compiled by Elizabeth Cooksey, professor of sociology, and Cory Anderson, a graduate student in rural sociology, both at The Ohio State University. It was commissioned by the Association of Statisticians ...
How many people are in an Amish settlement?
Some such communities are very new – just 10 or 20 people, which might be three homes. On the other hand, a single-district community may have 30+ homes and upwards of a dozen businesses to visit. So that can be useful to know if considering driving to visit a settlement somewhere.
How many Amish are there in 2021?
There are around 600 of them. You’ll find it at the Elizabethtown College Young Center Amish Studies website here.
Who compiles the statistics for Ohio State University?
Statistics were compiled by Edsel Burdge, Jr., Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies, Elizabethtown College, in cooperation with Joseph F. Donner meyer, School of Environment and Natural Resources, The Ohio State University, and with assistance from David Luthy, Heritage Historical Library, Aylmer, Ontario.
How many states are there in Amish?
The Amish State Guide outlines Amish communities in 31 states, plus Canada and South America. Use the jump-links above, or simply scroll down for links to articles on Amish settlements in each state. Arkansas Amish -Few Amish live in Arkansas today, despite attempts at settling the state dating to the 1920s.
How many Amish are there in Maryland?
Maryland Amish -Maryland’s 3 Amish communities are spread to the corners of the state. The St. Mary’s County settlement in southern Maryland is the largest, with a population of about 1,000 Amish. Michigan Amish -Michigan is home to North America’s 6th-largest Amish population.
What is the Amish population in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin Amish -Wisconsin is America’s #4 Amish state, with an Amish population of over 15,000. Significant settlements are found at Cashton, Wilton/Tomah, Hillsboro, and the Kingston/Dalton area, among others. Clark County in the central part of the state is home to 5 separate Amish communities.
How many Amish live in Hawkeye State?
Kansas Amish -Despite its 140-year history of Amish settlement, today only about 1,500 Amish call the Sunflower State home.
What county is the Amish in Indiana?
The Elkhart-Lagrange County community is by far the largest in the state. Other sizable Indiana Amish communities are found at Adams County, Nappanee, Allen County, and Daviess County. Around 2 dozen Amish settlements can be found across Indiana.
How many Amish are there in Kentucky?
Kentucky Amish -Amish are found in over 30 communities in the Bluegrass State. Around 8,000 Amish are found in Kentucky, making it the state with the 8th-largest Amish population.
What is Nebraska Amish?
However “Nebraska Amish” more commonly refers to the ultraconservative Pennsylvania group, who take their name from connections with an early Nebraska Bishop and community (read more about PA Nebraska Amish ).
How many Amish settlements are there in Michigan?
Michigan – Since the 1970s, Michigan has steadily added new Amish communities, and at a pace that has increased over the past decade. There are currently 52 settlements in the Wolverine State. 6. Missouri – The Show Me State is right there with Michigan at 51 settlements.
Which state has the most Amish settlements?
Indiana as noted above is one of the big three states in total Amish population, but has relatively few settlements. 8. (tie) Iowa – Also 25 settlements. Despite this, Indiana has about six times the total Amish population. 10. Minnesota – The Land of 10,000 Lakes rounds out the list with 22 Amish settlements.
What is a church district in Amish?
A church district is what the Amish call their individual congregations, with each district having its own ministry.
What is settlement in Amish?
A settlement is different from an affiliation, which is a way to describe the “type” of Amish. Affiliations have been described as “loose federations of like-minded Amish churches” (see T he Amish p. 140), which are generally similar (but not necessarily identical) in their Ordnung, permitted technologies, and so on. Some examples of affiliations are Swartzentruber, Adams County Swiss, and Troyer Amish.
Where do Amish live?
An Amish settlement is a distinct geographic location where Amish live. The roughly 350,000-strong Amish population is found in close to 600 separate settlements – most in the US, with around 20 in Canada and two in South America. Nebraska Amish settlement at Andover, Ohio. Photo by Don Burke.
How many families are in a church district?
A church district is typically 25-35 families in size, but can be larger or smaller. A settlement can contain a single church district, or hundreds in some cases. Many settlements are just a single church district in size. When a new settlement is just starting out, it might be just a handful of households in size until it begins to attract more settlers.
Where is Plain Amish Farm in Michigan?
Plain Amish farm in Branch County, Michigan. The county is today home to all or part of six Amish settlements
What is the largest Amish settlement in Illinois?
7. Arthur, Illinois (1865; 27 districts). The largest and oldest Amish settlement in Illinois. The Arthur settlement is very entrepreneurial, with numerous Amish cabinet shop and furniture businesses scattered around the flat countryside surrounding the small town.
Where did the Amish settle in Indiana?
The Geauga County Amish settlement originated from the Holmes County settlement to the south. 3. Elkhart/Lagrange Counties, Indiana (1841; 133 districts). Indiana’s largest Amish settlement long thrived thanks to the RV industry. With the local economic downturn some Amish have had to look elsewhere to make a living.
Which county in Pennsylvania is the oldest Amish settlement?
2. Lancaster County, Pennsylvania (ca. 1760; 171 districts). Lancaster is the most well-known, and the oldest existing Amish settlement. Lancaster is in certain ways different from most other Amish communities, for example in its ‘urban’ character. Nearly half-a-million people live in Lancaster County, with perhaps 6 or 8% of them being Amish. Holmes County, Ohio, on the other hand, is home to around 40,000 total residents, with the Amish likely comprising half the population (not including Amish in neighboring counties).
Is Amish Acres a tourist attraction?
Amish Acres is a big tourist attraction here. It’s not impossible that this and the Lagrange/Elkhart settlement will ‘grow into’ one another in future, forming one even larger settlement. 5. Adams County, Indiana (1850; 47 districts).
Why are there Amish settlements in the US?
Because of the rapid population growth of the Amish communities, new settlements in the United States are being established each year, thus: 19 new settlements were established in 2016, 22 in 2017, 19 in 2018, 26 in 2019, 20 in 2020 and 9 by mid-2021. The main reason for the continuous expansion is to obtain enough affordable farmland, other reasons for new settlements include locating in isolated areas that support their lifestyle, moving to areas with cultures conducive to their way of life, maintaining proximity to family or other Amish groups, and sometimes to resolve church or leadership conflicts.
How many people have joined the Amish?
Only a few hundred outsiders, so-called seekers, have ever joined the Old Order Amish. Since 1950, only some 75 non-Anabaptist people have joined and remained lifelong members of the Amish. Since 1990, some twenty people of Russian Mennonite background have joined the Amish in Aylmer, Ontario.
What was the Amish church called in the early 20th century?
The more progressive members, comprising roughly two-thirds of the group, became known by the name Amish Mennonite, and eventually united with the Mennonite Church, and other Mennonite denominations, mostly in the early 20th century. The more traditionally minded groups became known as the Old Order Amish. The Egli Amish had already started to withdraw from the Amish church in 1858. They soon drifted away from the old ways and changed their name to "Defenseless Mennonite" in 1908. Congregations who took no side in the division after 1862 formed the Conservative Amish Mennonite Conference in 1910, but dropped the word "Amish" from their name in 1957.
What are Amish known for?
The Amish are known for simple living, plain dress, Christian pacifism, and slowness to adopt many conveniences of modern technology, with a view to not interrupt family time, nor replace face-to-face conversations whenever possible.
What was the purpose of the Dienerversammlungen meetings in 1862?
In the years after 1850, tensions rose within individual Amish congregations and between different Amish congregations. Between 1862 and 1878, yearly Dienerversammlungen (ministerial conferences) were held at different places, concerning how the Amish should deal with the tensions caused by the pressures of modern society. The meetings themselves were a progressive idea; for bishops to assemble to discuss uniformity was an unprecedented notion in the Amish church. By the first several meetings, the more traditionally minded bishops agreed to boycott the conferences.
How many Amish were there in the US in 2008?
Rough estimates from various studies placed their numbers at 125,000 in 1992, 166,000 in 2000, and 221,000 in 2008. Thus, from 1992 to 2008, population growth among the Amish in North America was 84 percent (3.6 percent per year). During that time, they established 184 new settlements and moved into six new states. In 2000, about 165,620 Old Order Amish resided in the United States, of whom 73,609 were church members. The Amish are among the fastest-growing populations in the world, with an average of seven children per family in the 1970s and a total fertility rate of 5.3 in the 2010s.
Why did Amish men start small businesses?
In the last quarter of the 20th century, a growing number of Amish men left farm work and started small businesses because of increasing pressure on small-scale farming. Though a wide variety of small businesses exists among the Amish, construction work and woodworking are quite widespread.
Who compiles Amish settlement listings?
Credit also goes to Joseph Donnermeyer and David Luthy, who do yeoman’s work compiling comprehensive Amish settlement listings. I’ve used some of their info in this post.
Where are the Amish communities located?
The 10 Biggest Amish Communities (2019) Posted on October 2, 2019 in Amish Communities. Half of them are in Indiana. Two apiece in Pennsylvania and Ohio. And one in Illinois. The list of the top 10 largest Amish settlements doesn’t change much from year-to-year. These places generally have similar steady growth, and relatively few people leaving.
What are the Amish called in Geauga County?
Did you know? There are two main affiliations of Amish in the Geauga County settlement, the “mainline ” group, and the smaller plainer group known as “Number Twos”. Maple syrup is a big industry in this region, and you will find some Amish producers and sellers in the area. Amish here use ice for cooling, and get it from coolers scattered throughout the community.
How to tell Amish from Daviess County?
Did you know? You can usually tell an Amish person from Daviess County by their accent, which has a Southern-sounding twang. This would be the most southern on the map of the ten settlements listed here.
What is the most common Amish name in Lancaster County?
Did you know? Lancaster County is also home to a large Old Order Mennonite community. One of the most common Amish names is “ Stoltzfus “. An alternative, rarer spelling you will find in Lancaster County is “Stoltzfoos”.
What is the name of the valley in the Shawnee Indian tribe?
The official name of the 30-mile long valley where the settlement is found is Kishacoquillas Valley. It was named after a friendly Shawnee Indian chief. Another nickname is “Kish Valley.”
What do Amish men wear?
Did you know? Most adult males work in the RV industry, a mainstay here dating to the 1960s. Amish men here often wear winter caps aka “toboggans” in lieu of the traditional hat.
How many Amish are there in 2021?
Last week we saw the release of the 2021 Amish population figures at the Young Center website, showing an estimated Amish population of 361,635 Amish in 608 settlements.
What is the Amish census?
Like the census of the U.S. population, it is a decennial census, which means it is conducted every ten years.
Do Amish have borders?
It can be said that the Amish know no borders. Their history begins in mostly German-speaking regions of Europe, but transitioned completely to Canada and the United States, a process that began nearly three centuries ago.
