San Francisco is often seen as a hub of progressive values, but recent research from the American Bible Society reveals some unexpected trends. Surprisingly, residents of the Bay Area turn to the Bible more than one might assume.
The results align with a broader national trend indicating a rise in spiritual movements across the United States.
On Monday, John Prake, the chief innovation director at the American Bible Society, presented these findings during the Evangelical Press Association’s annual conference in Branson, Missouri.
“There’s a great opportunity. There’s an open door for fruitful ministry,” he mentioned, referring to San Francisco and its nearby areas.
At first look, data from San Francisco appears to conform to expectations: 33% of Bay Area residents qualify as Bible users, compared to 41% nationwide.
However, deeper analysis reveals some generational trends that defy these expectations.
For instance, Bible engagement among Gen Z in the Bay Area is slightly higher than the national average for that demographic (37% compared to 36%). The same is true for Millennials, with 40% of Bay Area Millennials using the Bible, versus 39% nationally. Even among Generation X, the gap is narrow—38% in the Bay Area versus 42% across the country. The only noticeable difference arises within those over 61, where only 19% are Bible users compared to 46% nationally.
This data reflects a growing desire for biblical engagement across the nation. The American Bible Society’s 2025 Bible Report indicates an uptick in interest in the Bible compared to the previous year, even in the typically resistant northeastern and western regions.
The American Bible Society defines a Bible user as someone who engages with the Bible on their own at least three times a year, outside of a church setting. While this may seem like a low frequency, it nonetheless shows a personal commitment to reading the Bible periodically.
Additional data reveals a spiritually curious generation in San Francisco. When looking specifically at Bay Area Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X, the percentage of Bible non-users is roughly similar to national figures (57% in the Bay Area versus 56% in the U.S.). While the national average of 17% indicates more engagement than the Bay Area’s 11%, the region is often viewed by the American Bible Society as a “movable middle” for this age group.
“The younger you are in the San Francisco area, the more likely you are to engage with the Bible, and the more likely you are to start a meaningful journey of exploration with its teachings that might even change your life,” he said.
