NAICS 8131

Religious Organizations

NAICS 8131 religious organizations: churches, temples, mosques, synagogues, and faith-based worship institutions providing spiritual services and community engagement.

Published by VantaInsights Research·Methodology·Data Sources· AI-drafted
Built on data from Census Bureau CBP Bureau of Labor Statistics Federal Reserve FRED SEC EDGAR

Industry at a Glance

Sector-wide aggregates across all businesses classified under NAICS 8131 (2017 classification frame). For specific sub-industries within this sector, see the individual reports below.

Employment
1.6M
US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Establishments
187K
US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Annual Payroll
$45.2B
US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Avg Annual Wage
$28,701
Derived from US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017

Industry Overview

Religious organizations (NAICS 8131) encompasses establishments primarily engaged in operating religious institutions and related activities. This includes churches, temples, mosques, synagogues, and other places of worship, along with their associated administrative functions, religious education programs, and faith-based community services. These organizations operate on both tax-exempt and for-profit bases, serving as spiritual centers while also functioning as significant economic and social institutions that provide employment, community infrastructure, and charitable services to millions of Americans.

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Industry Trends

01

Increased adoption of digital platforms and virtual religious services has accelerated, driven by technological advancement and demand for accessibility, fundamentally changing how congregations engage members beyond physical locations.

02

Growing emphasis on community outreach and social services integration reflects expanding roles of religious organizations in addressing homelessness, food security, mental health, and social justice initiatives.

03

Declining traditional membership and attendance in some denominations has prompted organizational restructuring, consolidation of facilities, and strategic repositioning to attract younger demographics through contemporary worship styles and community-focused programming.

04

Rising operational costs and decreased financial contributions have pressured many organizations to diversify revenue streams through facility rentals, educational programs, and strategic partnerships with secular nonprofits and government agencies.

05

Increasing focus on transparency, governance accountability, and institutional reforms reflects heightened public scrutiny regarding financial management, safeguarding policies, and organizational leadership practices.

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Religious Organizations
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Religious Organizations

Frequently Asked Questions

What is NAICS 8131? ▾
NAICS 8131 classifies religious organizations, encompassing establishments operated by religious institutions such as churches, temples, mosques, and synagogues. This includes congregations, monasteries, theological seminaries, and other faith-based organizations engaged in religious worship, instruction, and related community services. The classification primarily includes organizations that are tax-exempt under IRC 501(c)(3) or operate as faith-based nonprofit entities.
What types of organizations fall under this classification? ▾
This classification includes Christian churches (Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox denominations), Jewish synagogues and temples, Islamic mosques, Buddhist temples, Hindu temples, and other faith-based worship centers. It also encompasses related organizations such as theological schools, religious retreat centers, faith-based community centers, and ancillary administrative offices that support congregational activities and religious missions.
How do religious organizations generate revenue? ▾
Religious organizations primarily generate revenue through member contributions (tithes and donations), fundraising events, grants and donations from individuals and foundations, facility rentals, educational program fees, and sales of religious materials. Many also benefit from endowments and planned giving programs. As tax-exempt entities, they do not pay corporate income taxes, allowing them to reinvest revenue into programs and community services.
What challenges does this industry currently face? ▾
Religious organizations face declining membership and attendance in traditional denominations, reduced financial contributions from aging populations, increased operational and facility maintenance costs, competition for volunteer engagement, and pressure to modernize facilities and technological infrastructure. Additionally, changing demographics and secularization trends in some regions have reduced the overall religious participation rate, requiring organizations to innovate service delivery and community relevance.
How does NAICS 8131 differ from other nonprofit classifications? ▾
NAICS 8131 specifically focuses on organizations whose primary purpose is religious worship, practice, and instruction. This distinguishes it from NAICS 8132 (grantmaking and charitable organizations) and NAICS 8133 (civic and professional organizations), which focus on philanthropy, advocacy, and professional activities. Religious organizations may engage in charitable work, but their core mission centers on faith-based spiritual and religious community functions.

Related Industries

Grantmaking & Giving Services 8132Social Advocacy Organizations 8133Business Schools & Computer & Management Training 6114Amusement Parks & Arcades 7131

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