Religious composition of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they do not believe in God

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they do not believe in God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they do not believe in God who are ages…

Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201444%35%16%6%457
200730%39%17%14%267
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 say they do not believe in God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they do not believe in God who are…

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
201429%23%27%18%3%< 1%457
2007< 1%23%32%29%14%2%267
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 say they do not believe in God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they do not believe in God who are…

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201471%29%473
200772%28%276
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 say they do not believe in God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they do not believe in God who identify as…

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201467%3%13%15%3%458
200775%4%7%10%4%265
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 say they do not believe in God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they do not believe in God who are…

Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
201418%14%68%458
200716%8%75%267
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 say they do not believe in God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they do not believe in God who have a household income of…

Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201440%18%26%15%398
200732%24%23%21%218
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 say they do not believe in God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they do not believe in God who have completed…

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201448%29%15%8%470
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 say they do not believe in God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they do not believe in God who are…

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201432%12%10%2%44%470
200751%11%12%4%23%271
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 say they do not believe in God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they do not believe in God who are…

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201426%74%470
200730%70%275
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

Importance of religion in one's life among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they do not believe in God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they do not believe in God who say religion is…

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
20142%10%18%68%1%473
20077%15%17%60%< 1%276
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.

Attendance at religious services among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they do not believe in God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they do not believe in God who attend religious services…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20141%13%85%1%473
20078%13%79%< 1%276
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 say they do not believe in God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they do not believe in God who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20143%< 1%4%93%< 1%473
20076%3%3%87%1%276
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 say they do not believe in God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they do not believe in God who attend prayer group…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20141%< 1%2%96%< 1%473
20073%3%1%92%1%276
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 say they do not believe in God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they do not believe in God who meditate…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201421%6%5%66%1%473
200720%3%5%70%2%276
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 say they do not believe in God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they do not believe in God 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
201432%9%7%49%3%473
200724%7%5%58%5%276
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 say they do not believe in God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they do not believe in God 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
201445%9%10%34%1%473
200733%7%12%45%3%276
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 say they do not believe in God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they do not believe in God who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
20141%16%55%26%2%473
20075%12%65%15%4%276
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 say they do not believe in God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they do not believe in God who say…

Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201419%78%1%1%473
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 say they do not believe in God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they do not believe in God who read scripture…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20142%2%5%91%< 1%473
20074%3%4%88%1%276
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 say they do not believe in God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they do not believe in God 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
20141%3%< 1%89%7%473
20074%4%< 1%83%10%276
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 say they do not believe in God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they do not believe in God who …in heaven

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
20147%89%5%473
200712%84%5%276
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 say they do not believe in God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they do not believe in God who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
20145%90%5%473
200712%82%6%276
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 say they do not believe in God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they do not believe in God who are…

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201411%40%27%21%473
200716%41%25%19%276
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 say they do not believe in God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they do not believe in God who would rather have…

Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201458%33%5%4%473
200748%37%4%11%276
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 say they do not believe in God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they do not believe in God who say government aid to the poor…

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201440%51%5%3%473
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 say they do not believe in God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they do not believe in God who say abortion should be…

Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201474%18%8%473
200771%22%7%276
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 say they do not believe in God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they do not believe in God who say homosexuality…

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201483%10%4%3%473
200772%18%5%5%276
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 say they do not believe in God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they do not believe in God who …same-sex marriage

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201482%10%8%473
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 say they do not believe in God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they do not believe in God 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
201427%65%4%5%473
200731%60%4%5%276
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 say they do not believe in God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they do not believe in God 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
201479%7%3%10%1%473
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.