Catholic Church in Austria sees slowing rate of membership exits in 2025

Catholic Church church exits Austria religious statistics church tax

Official statistics for 2025 show a continuing decline in the number of people leaving the Catholic Church in Austria. While the total number of Catholics decreased to approximately 4.49 million from 4.56 million in 2024, the rate of departures slowed, with 66,930 exits recorded in 2025 compared to 71,531 in 2024.

Regional data highlights varying trends. In Carinthia, exits dropped by 15 percent, and there was a notable increase in re-entries, which officials attribute to easier online registration processes. In Styria, the Diocese of Graz-Seckau reported stable membership and financial stability, earning 128 million euros, largely driven by church contributions.

Despite the decline in total membership, church revenues from contributions rose from 539.4 million to 552.2 million euros. Factors influencing the overall membership numbers include the balance of baptisms, deaths, and migration, rather than just the rate of formal exits. Religious participation, such as church attendance and lay engagement, remains relatively stable.