Religious composition of independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services once or twice a month/a few times a year

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services once or twice a month/a few times a year

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services once or twice a month/a few times a year who are ages…

Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201427%39%23%11%1,653
200722%45%22%11%1,611
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Generational cohort among independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services once or twice a month/a few times a year

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services once or twice a month/a few times a year who are…

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
201415%20%30%27%6%1%1,653
2007< 1%15%36%34%12%2%1,611
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Gender composition among independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services once or twice a month/a few times a year

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services once or twice a month/a few times a year who are…

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201447%53%1,728
200748%52%1,719
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Racial and ethnic composition among independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services once or twice a month/a few times a year

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services once or twice a month/a few times a year who identify as…

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201457%9%6%22%6%1,681
200764%7%4%20%5%1,690
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Immigrant status among independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services once or twice a month/a few times a year

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services once or twice a month/a few times a year who are…

Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
201423%9%67%1,672
200721%8%72%1,659
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Income distribution among independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services once or twice a month/a few times a year

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services once or twice a month/a few times a year who have a household income of…

Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201447%19%21%13%1,360
200739%22%24%14%1,251
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Educational distribution among independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services once or twice a month/a few times a year

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services once or twice a month/a few times a year who have completed…

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201450%32%11%7%1,703
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Marital status among independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services once or twice a month/a few times a year

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services once or twice a month/a few times a year who are…

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201443%10%15%5%27%1,706
200753%10%14%6%17%1,705
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Parent of children under 18 among independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services once or twice a month/a few times a year

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services once or twice a month/a few times a year who are…

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201434%66%1,713
200740%60%1,701
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services once or twice a month/a few times a year

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services once or twice a month/a few times a year who say they…

Survey yearBelieve in God; absolutely certainBelieve in God; fairly certainBelieve in God; not too/not at all certainBelieve in God; don't knowDo not believe in GodOther/don't know if they believe in GodSample size
201461%26%6%1%4%2%1,728
200768%22%4%1%2%3%1,719
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Importance of religion in one's life among independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services once or twice a month/a few times a year

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services once or twice a month/a few times a year who say religion is…

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201447%39%9%4%1%1,728
200745%42%10%3%1%1,719
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of prayer among independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services once or twice a month/a few times a year

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services once or twice a month/a few times a year who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201451%20%10%17%2%1,728
200751%23%8%15%3%1,719
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services once or twice a month/a few times a year

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services once or twice a month/a few times a year who attend prayer group…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20149%13%15%62%1%1,728
20077%8%9%74%2%1,719
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of meditation among independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services once or twice a month/a few times a year

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services once or twice a month/a few times a year who meditate…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201436%10%5%47%3%1,728
200734%9%4%50%4%1,719
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services once or twice a month/a few times a year

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services once or twice a month/a few times a year who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201453%17%11%16%3%1,728
200741%15%16%22%6%1,719
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services once or twice a month/a few times a year

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services once or twice a month/a few times a year who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201442%15%15%26%2%1,728
200736%13%15%31%6%1,719
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services once or twice a month/a few times a year

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services once or twice a month/a few times a year who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201426%10%52%9%4%1,728
200718%9%62%6%6%1,719
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services once or twice a month/a few times a year

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services once or twice a month/a few times a year who say…

Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201428%69%2%1%1,728
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of reading scripture among independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services once or twice a month/a few times a year

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services once or twice a month/a few times a year who read scripture…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201425%15%13%46%1%1,728
200720%12%11%55%2%1,719
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Interpreting scripture among independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services once or twice a month/a few times a year

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services once or twice a month/a few times a year who say the holy scripture is…

Survey yearWord of God; should be taken literallyWord of God; not everything taken literallyWord of God; other/don't knowNot the word of GodOther/don't knowSample size
201428%26%4%29%13%1,728
200727%27%4%26%16%1,719
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Heaven among independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services once or twice a month/a few times a year

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services once or twice a month/a few times a year who …in heaven

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201476%15%9%1,728
200774%14%12%1,719
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Hell among independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services once or twice a month/a few times a year

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services once or twice a month/a few times a year who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201458%31%11%1,728
200755%29%16%1,719
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Political ideology among independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services once or twice a month/a few times a year

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services once or twice a month/a few times a year who are…

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201426%37%18%19%1,728
200724%37%20%20%1,719
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about size of government among independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services once or twice a month/a few times a year

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services once or twice a month/a few times a year who would rather have…

Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201445%44%5%6%1,728
200736%49%6%9%1,719
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about government aid to the poor among independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services once or twice a month/a few times a year

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services once or twice a month/a few times a year who say government aid to the poor…

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201443%47%6%4%1,728
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about abortion among independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services once or twice a month/a few times a year

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services once or twice a month/a few times a year who say abortion should be…

Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201452%41%7%1,728
200752%38%10%1,719
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about homosexuality among independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services once or twice a month/a few times a year

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services once or twice a month/a few times a year who say homosexuality…

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201466%21%6%6%1,728
200752%30%8%9%1,719
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about same-sex marriage among independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services once or twice a month/a few times a year

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services once or twice a month/a few times a year who …same-sex marriage

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201455%30%15%1,728
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about environmental regulation among independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services once or twice a month/a few times a year

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services once or twice a month/a few times a year who say…

Survey yearStricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economyStricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the costNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201436%55%4%5%1,728
200730%56%5%10%1,719
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about human evolution among independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services once or twice a month/a few times a year

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services once or twice a month/a few times a year who say humans…

Survey yearEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
201428%28%7%30%8%1,728
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.