Importance of religion in one's life among adults who do not believe in God

% of adults who do not believe in God who say religion is…

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
20143%8%23%66%1%3,414
20076%10%20%63%< 1%1,643
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 adults who do not believe in God by religious group

% of adults who do not believe in God who say religion is…

Religious traditionVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Catholic7%18%30%44%< 1%114
Jewish3%27%42%28%< 1%161
Mainline Protestant6%22%45%27%< 1%111
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")1%5%21%73%< 1%2,736
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: Somewhat important, Not too important, Not at all important

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who do not believe in God by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in God who are ages…

Importance of religion in one's life18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Very important28%32%20%19%105
Somewhat important34%36%15%15%295
Not too important46%29%16%9%740
Not at all important36%36%16%12%2,215
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 adults who do not believe in God by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in God who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Very important13%22%26%29%10%< 1%105
Somewhat important23%19%28%18%11%< 1%295
Not too important33%21%21%19%5%1%740
Not at all important24%21%27%20%7%1%2,215
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 adults who do not believe in God by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in God who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeMenWomenSample size
Very important64%36%109
Somewhat important57%43%297
Not too important64%36%746
Not at all important66%34%2,245
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 adults who do not believe in God by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in God who identify as…

Importance of religion in one's lifeWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Very important62%11%8%13%6%106
Somewhat important71%3%9%14%3%295
Not too important73%3%12%8%4%736
Not at all important80%2%6%9%3%2,221
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 adults who do not believe in God by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in God who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Very important23%15%61%108
Somewhat important14%17%70%293
Not too important13%19%67%740
Not at all important12%13%75%2,218
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.

Income distribution among adults who do not believe in God by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in God 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
Somewhat important23%20%33%24%268
Not too important24%22%26%29%676
Not at all important23%17%31%28%2,064
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 adults who do not believe in God by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in God who have completed…

Importance of religion in one's lifeHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Very important32%23%26%18%108
Somewhat important28%25%25%23%296
Not too important28%31%26%16%743
Not at all important29%31%24%17%2,239
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 adults who do not believe in God by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in God who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Very important43%10%15%2%29%108
Somewhat important44%8%10%3%35%297
Not too important33%11%6%3%48%742
Not at all important39%12%9%2%37%2,239
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 adults who do not believe in God by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in God who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeParentsNon-parentsSample size
Very important27%73%109
Somewhat important22%78%296
Not too important20%80%742
Not at all important22%78%2,238
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

Attendance at religious services among adults who do not believe in God by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in God 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 important32%28%40%1%109
Somewhat important6%45%48%1%297
Not too important2%32%66%< 1%746
Not at all important< 1%8%92%< 1%2,245
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 adults who do not believe in God by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in God who pray…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important31%13%6%48%1%109
Somewhat important10%7%11%72%< 1%297
Not too important1%2%4%93%< 1%746
Not at all important1%< 1%1%98%< 1%2,245
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 adults who do not believe in God by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in God 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 important18%9%7%67%< 1%109
Somewhat important3%7%9%81%< 1%297
Not too important1%1%2%96%< 1%746
Not at all important< 1%< 1%1%99%< 1%2,245
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 adults who do not believe in God by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in God 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 important46%8%3%42%1%109
Somewhat important28%11%9%51%1%297
Not too important16%9%6%67%1%746
Not at all important17%7%5%71%< 1%2,245
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 adults who do not believe in God by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in God 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 important58%11%8%23%< 1%109
Somewhat important39%15%11%34%1%297
Not too important28%18%11%42%1%746
Not at all important29%14%8%46%2%2,245
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 adults who do not believe in God by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in God 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 important39%21%12%22%6%109
Somewhat important50%17%11%22%< 1%297
Not too important42%22%17%19%1%746
Not at all important46%16%13%24%1%2,245
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 adults who do not believe in God by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in God 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 important19%17%42%18%3%109
Somewhat important3%23%53%20%1%297
Not too important1%20%55%23%1%746
Not at all important1%19%50%29%1%2,245
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 adults who do not believe in God by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in God 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 important18%79%< 1%2%109
Somewhat important17%80%1%1%297
Not too important15%83%1%< 1%746
Not at all important16%83%1%1%2,245
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 adults who do not believe in God by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in God 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 important28%16%7%49%< 1%109
Somewhat important5%6%12%77%< 1%297
Not too important1%3%5%91%< 1%746
Not at all important1%2%3%94%< 1%2,245
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 adults who do not believe in God by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in God 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 important12%6%1%74%8%109
Somewhat important3%4%< 1%87%5%297
Not too important1%3%< 1%93%3%746
Not at all important< 1%1%< 1%97%3%2,245
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 adults who do not believe in God by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in God who …in heaven

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Very important27%72%1%109
Somewhat important15%81%4%297
Not too important7%87%6%746
Not at all important3%95%2%2,245
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 adults who do not believe in God by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in God who …in hell

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Very important23%76%1%109
Somewhat important10%85%5%297
Not too important7%90%4%746
Not at all important2%96%2%2,245
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 adults who do not believe in God by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in God who identify as…

Importance of religion in one's lifeRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Very important26%13%61%109
Somewhat important13%21%66%297
Not too important20%14%66%746
Not at all important18%18%64%2,245
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 adults who do not believe in God by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in God who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Very important22%35%41%2%109
Somewhat important11%33%52%5%297
Not too important14%36%46%4%746
Not at all important12%29%52%6%2,245
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 adults who do not believe in God by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in God who would rather have…

Importance of religion in one's lifeSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Very important28%65%6%1%109
Somewhat important38%54%3%5%297
Not too important42%52%2%4%746
Not at all important44%50%3%3%2,245
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 adults who do not believe in God by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in God 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 important20%77%1%1%109
Somewhat important28%68%3%2%297
Not too important29%67%3%2%746
Not at all important30%66%3%1%2,245
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 adults who do not believe in God by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in God who say abortion should be…

Importance of religion in one's lifeLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Very important79%19%3%109
Somewhat important84%13%3%297
Not too important88%10%2%746
Not at all important86%11%3%2,245
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 adults who do not believe in God by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in God who say homosexuality…

Importance of religion in one's lifeShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important83%14%3%1%109
Somewhat important88%11%1%1%297
Not too important90%8%1%1%746
Not at all important92%5%2%1%2,245
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 adults who do not believe in God by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in God who …same-sex marriage

Importance of religion in one's lifeStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Very important74%21%5%109
Somewhat important83%12%5%297
Not too important89%8%3%746
Not at all important90%7%3%2,245
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 adults who do not believe in God by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in God 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 important27%67%4%2%109
Somewhat important19%79%1%1%297
Not too important20%77%1%1%746
Not at all important19%78%1%2%2,245
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 adults who do not believe in God by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in God 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 important66%8%3%23%1%109
Somewhat important83%7%1%7%1%297
Not too important87%3%2%6%2%746
Not at all important89%3%1%5%1%2,245
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.