The fact that this is the religious equivalent of a no man’s land does not mean that the Pacific Northwest is devoid of a colorful religious history, however. “Religion in the West is like an aquarium full of exotic fish,” said Killen. “It’s quite ecumenical and has always been so; perhaps because no one religion or denomination has prevailed.”

That said, among those who say they affiliate with an organized religious institution, Roman Catholics claim the highest number of what Killen calls “adherents” (11 percent) with evangelical and conservative Christians making up close to nine percent of adherents. Mormons (Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) are a critical player in the future of the Pacific Northwest, with eight percent of the adherents. Episcopalians and Jews both weigh in with only two percent each of adherents.

Close to 63 percent of the population of the Pacific Northwest is what Killen calls “unaffiliated,” or “none,” because when asked to identify with a religious institution, these respondents wrote in “none.” This is the highest number of “nones” in any region in the U.S. And, in turn, “nones” are the fastest growing segment of the adult population in the country.