Montgomery County, Maryland, has been recognized as the most religiously diverse county in the United States, according to the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI). This vibrant community is home to a variety of places of worship, including a Kingdom Hall, the Cambodian Buddhist Society, a Muslim Community Center, and the Hindu Milan Mandir. The county's demographic landscape is equally diverse, with only 40% of residents identifying as white, while significant populations of Hispanic, African-American, and Asian-American residents enrich the cultural fabric of the area [949646f3].
The spirit of interfaith cooperation is exemplified by the Spencerville Seventh-day Adventist Church, which has been meeting at the Lutheran Church of St. Andrew following a fire that damaged their own facility. This collaboration highlights the community's commitment to supporting one another across different faiths [949646f3].
Montgomery County's diversity stands in contrast to less diverse regions, such as Holmes County, Mississippi, and Macon County, Alabama. Other counties noted for their diversity include Kings County, New York, and San Francisco County, California [949646f3].
In addition to its religious diversity, Montgomery County is also taking significant steps to address housing issues. Recently, the county received an $800,000 state grant from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency's Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund. This funding will support Your Way Home Montgomery County, a public-private partnership aimed at creating more affordable housing opportunities and preventing homelessness [bd03ae67].
The county has seen a rise in evictions, with 22 per day reported, making it the third-highest eviction rate in Pennsylvania. The median sales price for a house in Montgomery County is $450,000, and the median rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,886 per month, indicating a pressing need for affordable housing solutions [bd03ae67].
As Montgomery County continues to embrace its religious and cultural diversity, it also faces challenges in ensuring that all residents have access to affordable housing and community resources. The county's efforts in both areas serve as a model for other communities across the nation [949646f3].