Latter-day Saints and Polygamy

Abstract

Most historians estimate the rate of plural marriage in 19th-century Latter-day Saint communities was between 15% and 30% — meaning approximately 1 in 5 men had plural wives. The practice was never universal among Church members.

Findings for Latter-day Saints

• Most historians estimate 15–30% of 19th-century LDS men entered plural marriage.
• Roughly 1 in 5 LDS men had plural wives at the practice's peak.
• Plural marriage was never universal among Church members.

Limitations in methodology

Historical estimates vary by time period, community, and source; 19th-century recordkeeping limits precision.

Cite this study

Unknown (n.d.). Latter-day Saints and Polygamy. MormonR. https://mormonr.org/qnas/tM3Gfb/latter_day_saints_and_polygamy

Unknown. "Latter-day Saints and Polygamy." MormonR,. https://mormonr.org/qnas/tM3Gfb/latter_day_saints_and_polygamy.

@article{mormonr_polygamy_prevalence,
  title = {Latter-day Saints and Polygamy},
  author = {Unknown},
  year = {n.d.},
  journal = {MormonR},
  url = {https://mormonr.org/qnas/tM3Gfb/latter_day_saints_and_polygamy},
}