The Amish live in 32 states (and 5 Canadian provinces). But 75% are in three states.
Top 5
Pennsylvania: 85,000+ Amish. Lancaster — oldest community (1730s). Most touristy. Ohio: 82,000+. Holmes County — largest community in the world (35,000+). Indiana: 60,000+. Elkhart/LaGrange — furniture capital. Wisconsin: 22,000+. Rapid growth. New York: 20,000+. Central part of state.
Growth
Amish need land. Gets expensive → they migrate. 1990s: Kentucky, Missouri, Maine. 2000s: Montana, Colorado, South Dakota. 2010s: Wyoming, New Mexico. Every year — 15-20 new communities.
How They Choose a Place
Cheap land (farmland). Tolerant neighbors. Good soil. Road infrastructure (buggies need roads). Not too far from other communities (so people don't marry only cousins).
Fact
In 2025: 400,000+ Amish. By 2050 — projected 1 million. By 2100 — 4-5 million. Exponential growth without advertising, missionary work, or immigration. Only family.