Importance of religion in one's life among 30-49 year olds

% of 30-49 year olds who say religion is…

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201451%25%11%12%1%9,178
200754%28%10%7%1%11,823
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.

Learn More: Very important, Somewhat important, Not too important, Not at all important

Importance of religion in one's life among 30-49 year olds by religious group

% of 30-49 year olds who say religion is…

Religious traditionVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Catholic57%33%8%2%< 1%1,763
Evangelical Protestant78%19%2%1%1%2,168
Hindu22%57%13%8%< 1%109
Historically Black Protestant85%12%1%2%< 1%552
Jewish38%34%18%9%< 1%165
Mainline Protestant47%39%11%3%1%1,269
Mormon82%12%4%2%< 1%223
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")14%21%26%39%1%2,371
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.

Learn More: Very important, Somewhat important, Not too important, Not at all important

DemographicInformation

Generational cohort among 30-49 year olds by importance of religion

% of 30-49 year olds who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Very important< 1%16%84%< 1%< 1%< 1%4,494
Somewhat important< 1%19%81%< 1%< 1%< 1%2,335
Not too important< 1%22%78%< 1%< 1%< 1%1,123
Not at all important< 1%23%77%< 1%< 1%< 1%1,170
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 30-49 year olds by importance of religion

% of 30-49 year olds who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeMenWomenSample size
Very important44%56%4,494
Somewhat important51%49%2,335
Not too important58%42%1,123
Not at all important62%38%1,170
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 30-49 year olds by importance of religion

% of 30-49 year olds who identify as…

Importance of religion in one's lifeWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Very important52%18%3%23%4%4,448
Somewhat important66%8%5%17%4%2,306
Not too important76%4%6%9%4%1,113
Not at all important75%5%5%11%4%1,153
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 30-49 year olds by importance of religion

% of 30-49 year olds who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Very important23%7%70%4,440
Somewhat important18%8%73%2,315
Not too important14%9%77%1,105
Not at all important14%10%75%1,153
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 30-49 year olds by importance of religion

% of 30-49 year olds who have a household income of…

Importance of religion in one's lifeLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Very important35%21%27%18%4,097
Somewhat important28%20%29%23%2,179
Not too important22%19%31%28%1,063
Not at all important20%19%29%32%1,111
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 30-49 year olds by importance of religion

% of 30-49 year olds who have completed…

Importance of religion in one's lifeHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Very important40%32%17%11%4,485
Somewhat important35%30%20%14%2,324
Not too important26%31%23%19%1,121
Not at all important27%29%25%19%1,169
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 30-49 year olds by importance of religion

% of 30-49 year olds who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Very important60%7%14%1%17%4,483
Somewhat important55%11%14%2%18%2,334
Not too important54%10%11%1%23%1,120
Not at all important48%13%12%1%26%1,167
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 30-49 year olds by importance of religion

% of 30-49 year olds who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeParentsNon-parentsSample size
Very important64%36%4,476
Somewhat important57%43%2,327
Not too important49%51%1,121
Not at all important45%55%1,166
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 30-49 year olds by importance of religion

% of 30-49 year olds who say they…

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieve 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
Very important87%11%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%4,494
Somewhat important52%36%7%< 1%3%1%2,335
Not too important21%38%17%< 1%16%7%1,123
Not at all important14%14%9%1%56%7%1,170
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 30-49 year olds by importance of religion

% of 30-49 year olds who attend religious services…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important57%31%11%< 1%4,494
Somewhat important11%56%32%< 1%2,335
Not too important2%32%65%< 1%1,123
Not at all important1%9%90%< 1%1,170
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 30-49 year olds by importance of religion

% of 30-49 year olds who pray…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important81%13%2%3%1%4,494
Somewhat important39%28%13%19%< 1%2,335
Not too important15%12%12%60%< 1%1,123
Not at all important9%4%4%83%< 1%1,170
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 30-49 year olds by importance of religion

% of 30-49 year olds who attend prayer group…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important42%15%10%33%< 1%4,494
Somewhat important7%8%10%75%< 1%2,335
Not too important2%2%3%93%< 1%1,123
Not at all important2%1%1%96%< 1%1,170
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 30-49 year olds by importance of religion

% of 30-49 year olds who meditate…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important49%8%3%37%2%4,494
Somewhat important27%9%6%58%1%2,335
Not too important22%12%6%59%1%1,123
Not at all important24%8%5%62%< 1%1,170
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 30-49 year olds by importance of religion

% of 30-49 year olds who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important74%13%6%5%1%4,494
Somewhat important42%22%15%20%1%2,335
Not too important35%15%18%31%1%1,123
Not at all important36%14%11%37%1%1,170
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 30-49 year olds by importance of religion

% of 30-49 year olds who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important46%16%12%24%2%4,494
Somewhat important36%17%17%30%< 1%2,335
Not too important37%18%18%26%< 1%1,123
Not at all important45%15%15%24%< 1%1,170
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 30-49 year olds by importance of religion

% of 30-49 year olds who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Importance of religion in one's lifeReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Very important55%6%31%5%3%4,494
Somewhat important12%14%61%11%2%2,335
Not too important4%17%65%13%1%1,123
Not at all important2%16%57%24%2%1,170
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 30-49 year olds by importance of religion

% of 30-49 year olds who say…

Importance of religion in one's lifeThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important43%55%1%1%4,494
Somewhat important28%71%1%< 1%2,335
Not too important22%77%1%< 1%1,123
Not at all important19%78%1%1%1,170
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 30-49 year olds by importance of religion

% of 30-49 year olds who read scripture…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important58%13%9%20%1%4,494
Somewhat important14%12%13%60%< 1%2,335
Not too important5%4%6%85%< 1%1,123
Not at all important4%3%4%88%< 1%1,170
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 30-49 year olds by importance of religion

% of 30-49 year olds who say the holy scripture is…

Importance of religion in one's lifeWord 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
Very important50%31%3%10%6%4,494
Somewhat important16%32%1%42%9%2,335
Not too important4%14%< 1%72%9%1,123
Not at all important3%4%< 1%89%4%1,170
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 30-49 year olds by importance of religion

% of 30-49 year olds who …in heaven

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Very important88%6%6%4,494
Somewhat important76%17%7%2,335
Not too important44%44%11%1,123
Not at all important17%76%7%1,170
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 30-49 year olds by importance of religion

% of 30-49 year olds who …in hell

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Very important77%16%7%4,494
Somewhat important57%35%8%2,335
Not too important30%60%10%1,123
Not at all important12%82%6%1,170
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

Party affiliation among 30-49 year olds by importance of religion

% of 30-49 year olds who identify as…

Importance of religion in one's lifeRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Very important41%21%38%4,494
Somewhat important36%21%43%2,335
Not too important31%18%51%1,123
Not at all important21%21%58%1,170
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.

Political ideology among 30-49 year olds by importance of religion

% of 30-49 year olds who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Very important46%29%18%7%4,494
Somewhat important27%41%27%5%2,335
Not too important19%40%36%5%1,123
Not at all important13%34%46%7%1,170
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 30-49 year olds by importance of religion

% of 30-49 year olds who would rather have…

Importance of religion in one's lifeSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Very important50%44%3%3%4,494
Somewhat important53%42%3%3%2,335
Not too important54%40%3%3%1,123
Not at all important48%43%4%5%1,170
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 30-49 year olds by importance of religion

% of 30-49 year olds who say government aid to the poor…

Importance of religion in one's lifeDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important48%46%4%2%4,494
Somewhat important46%48%4%1%2,335
Not too important41%55%3%1%1,123
Not at all important34%60%4%1%1,170
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 30-49 year olds by importance of religion

% of 30-49 year olds who say abortion should be…

Importance of religion in one's lifeLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Very important37%59%4%4,494
Somewhat important66%30%3%2,335
Not too important79%19%2%1,123
Not at all important80%16%4%1,170
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 30-49 year olds by importance of religion

% of 30-49 year olds who say homosexuality…

Importance of religion in one's lifeShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important47%44%5%4%4,494
Somewhat important77%17%4%3%2,335
Not too important85%12%2%2%1,123
Not at all important87%8%3%2%1,170
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 30-49 year olds by importance of religion

% of 30-49 year olds who …same-sex marriage

Importance of religion in one's lifeStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Very important37%54%9%4,494
Somewhat important68%24%8%2,335
Not too important81%15%4%1,123
Not at all important85%9%5%1,170
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 30-49 year olds by importance of religion

% of 30-49 year olds who say…

Importance of religion in one's lifeStricter 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
Very important42%53%3%3%4,494
Somewhat important33%63%2%2%2,335
Not too important29%68%2%1%1,123
Not at all important23%73%2%2%1,170
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 30-49 year olds by importance of religion

% of 30-49 year olds who say humans…

Importance of religion in one's lifeEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Very important15%29%3%48%4%4,494
Somewhat important40%28%4%25%2%2,335
Not too important66%15%5%12%2%1,123
Not at all important79%7%3%9%2%1,170
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.