Importance of religion in one's life among 50-64 year olds

% of 50-64 year olds who say religion is…

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201459%24%9%8%1%10,296
200759%25%8%7%1%10,484
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 50-64 year olds by religious group

% of 50-64 year olds who say religion is…

Religious traditionVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Catholic58%33%7%3%< 1%2,277
Evangelical Protestant81%16%2%1%< 1%2,758
Historically Black Protestant89%9%1%< 1%1%622
Jewish37%36%21%6%< 1%236
Mainline Protestant57%32%9%2%< 1%1,819
Mormon84%14%2%< 1%< 1%168
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")16%23%23%36%1%1,838
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 50-64 year olds by importance of religion

% of 50-64 year olds who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Very important< 1%< 1%< 1%100%< 1%< 1%5,842
Somewhat important< 1%< 1%< 1%100%< 1%< 1%2,446
Not too important< 1%< 1%< 1%100%< 1%< 1%971
Not at all important< 1%< 1%< 1%100%< 1%< 1%968
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 50-64 year olds by importance of religion

% of 50-64 year olds who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeMenWomenSample size
Very important43%57%5,842
Somewhat important53%47%2,446
Not too important57%43%971
Not at all important62%38%968
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 50-64 year olds by importance of religion

% of 50-64 year olds who identify as…

Importance of religion in one's lifeWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Very important66%16%2%12%4%5,746
Somewhat important78%5%2%11%4%2,416
Not too important86%3%4%6%2%962
Not at all important84%3%3%7%4%949
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 50-64 year olds by importance of religion

% of 50-64 year olds who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Very important13%5%82%5,780
Somewhat important12%7%81%2,429
Not too important10%8%82%966
Not at all important11%9%80%961
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 50-64 year olds by importance of religion

% of 50-64 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%19%27%18%5,147
Somewhat important29%18%28%24%2,222
Not too important20%15%34%31%900
Not at all important20%14%30%36%875
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 50-64 year olds by importance of religion

% of 50-64 year olds who have completed…

Importance of religion in one's lifeHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Very important45%31%15%10%5,827
Somewhat important43%29%17%11%2,441
Not too important32%30%22%17%968
Not at all important30%27%24%20%960
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 50-64 year olds by importance of religion

% of 50-64 year olds who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Very important61%3%20%6%9%5,820
Somewhat important59%6%20%5%10%2,435
Not too important60%8%18%4%10%969
Not at all important55%8%21%4%12%965
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 50-64 year olds by importance of religion

% of 50-64 year olds who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeParentsNon-parentsSample size
Very important16%84%5,831
Somewhat important15%85%2,441
Not too important13%87%971
Not at all important11%89%966
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 50-64 year olds by importance of religion

% of 50-64 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 important89%9%1%1%< 1%< 1%5,842
Somewhat important53%37%5%1%2%2%2,446
Not too important26%35%17%1%15%6%971
Not at all important19%15%10%1%48%7%968
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 50-64 year olds by importance of religion

% of 50-64 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 important58%30%12%< 1%5,842
Somewhat important13%52%35%< 1%2,446
Not too important2%31%67%< 1%971
Not at all important3%10%87%< 1%968
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 50-64 year olds by importance of religion

% of 50-64 year olds who pray…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important83%12%2%2%1%5,842
Somewhat important38%30%12%19%1%2,446
Not too important18%14%9%59%< 1%971
Not at all important12%6%4%76%1%968
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 50-64 year olds by importance of religion

% of 50-64 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 important43%11%10%36%1%5,842
Somewhat important6%6%7%81%< 1%2,446
Not too important2%1%2%95%< 1%971
Not at all important3%1%1%95%< 1%968
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 50-64 year olds by importance of religion

% of 50-64 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 important55%7%3%33%2%5,842
Somewhat important30%9%5%55%1%2,446
Not too important25%9%5%60%< 1%971
Not at all important28%7%5%59%1%968
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 50-64 year olds by importance of religion

% of 50-64 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 important78%10%5%6%1%5,842
Somewhat important43%20%16%20%1%2,446
Not too important32%16%15%36%1%971
Not at all important41%11%8%37%3%968
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 50-64 year olds by importance of religion

% of 50-64 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 important52%14%11%21%2%5,842
Somewhat important38%17%16%29%1%2,446
Not too important39%17%14%29%1%971
Not at all important51%12%12%24%1%968
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 50-64 year olds by importance of religion

% of 50-64 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 important57%5%32%4%3%5,842
Somewhat important16%11%62%9%2%2,446
Not too important4%17%65%12%2%971
Not at all important3%18%56%21%2%968
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 50-64 year olds by importance of religion

% of 50-64 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 important45%52%2%1%5,842
Somewhat important30%67%2%1%2,446
Not too important28%69%2%< 1%971
Not at all important21%77%1%1%968
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 50-64 year olds by importance of religion

% of 50-64 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 important59%11%7%22%1%5,842
Somewhat important12%10%13%65%< 1%2,446
Not too important4%4%6%86%< 1%971
Not at all important5%2%2%90%1%968
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 50-64 year olds by importance of religion

% of 50-64 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 important51%28%4%11%6%5,842
Somewhat important17%32%3%39%9%2,446
Not too important7%13%1%74%6%971
Not at all important3%5%1%85%6%968
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 50-64 year olds by importance of religion

% of 50-64 year olds who …in heaven

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Very important87%7%6%5,842
Somewhat important76%15%9%2,446
Not too important42%46%12%971
Not at all important17%75%8%968
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 50-64 year olds by importance of religion

% of 50-64 year olds who …in hell

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Very important73%19%8%5,842
Somewhat important55%35%10%2,446
Not too important28%62%9%971
Not at all important12%82%5%968
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 50-64 year olds by importance of religion

% of 50-64 year olds who identify as…

Importance of religion in one's lifeRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Very important44%15%41%5,842
Somewhat important37%16%47%2,446
Not too important33%15%52%971
Not at all important22%18%59%968
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 50-64 year olds by importance of religion

% of 50-64 year olds who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Very important49%29%17%6%5,842
Somewhat important35%38%23%4%2,446
Not too important23%38%33%6%971
Not at all important15%33%47%5%968
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 50-64 year olds by importance of religion

% of 50-64 year olds who would rather have…

Importance of religion in one's lifeSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Very important55%39%3%3%5,842
Somewhat important56%37%4%4%2,446
Not too important56%38%3%3%971
Not at all important50%43%4%4%968
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 50-64 year olds by importance of religion

% of 50-64 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%5,842
Somewhat important46%49%4%2%2,446
Not too important41%54%3%2%971
Not at all important31%64%3%2%968
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 50-64 year olds by importance of religion

% of 50-64 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 important40%56%4%5,842
Somewhat important66%29%5%2,446
Not too important81%16%3%971
Not at all important86%11%3%968
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 50-64 year olds by importance of religion

% of 50-64 year olds who say homosexuality…

Importance of religion in one's lifeShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important45%46%5%4%5,842
Somewhat important71%22%4%3%2,446
Not too important79%15%2%4%971
Not at all important84%11%3%2%968
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 50-64 year olds by importance of religion

% of 50-64 year olds who …same-sex marriage

Importance of religion in one's lifeStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Very important34%58%8%5,842
Somewhat important60%32%9%2,446
Not too important72%21%7%971
Not at all important81%14%5%968
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 50-64 year olds by importance of religion

% of 50-64 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 important46%49%2%3%5,842
Somewhat important39%56%2%3%2,446
Not too important33%64%1%2%971
Not at all important26%71%2%1%968
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 50-64 year olds by importance of religion

% of 50-64 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 important13%29%3%50%4%5,842
Somewhat important34%32%5%26%4%2,446
Not too important64%16%5%12%3%971
Not at all important75%9%3%10%3%968
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.