The American South remains country’s most religious region

42% of Minnesotans say religion was very important in their lives.

The U.S. remains a fairly religious country, at least as religious as it was in 2008, according to a recent Gallup Daily poll. Frank Newport, the author of the article citing the study, reported that slightly more than 40 percent of Americans classified themselves as “very religious” in 2013, while 29 percent said they are “moderately religious.” The remaining 29 percent classified themselves as “nonreligious,” meaning religion does not play a significant role in their lives.

The South remains the most religious area of the country, with Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana occupying three out of the top four states in terms of religiosity (Utah is number 2). The Northeast—Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine and Massachusetts—are the least religious states in the country.

Minnesota ranked near the middle, with 42 percent of residents saying religion was very important in their lives and 30 percent classifying themselves as nonreligious.

Survey authors say the poll reveals that the American religious scene is fairly stable over that past several years. The South and Midwest remain fairly religious while the Northeast, Pacific Northwest and Western states are less religious.

Combined, roughly 7 in 10 Americans classify themselves as very or moderately religious.