Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201473%13%5%9%1%3,394
200776%13%3%7%1%3,101
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: At least daily, Weekly, Monthly, Seldom/never

Frequency of prayer among blacks by religious group

% of blacks who pray…

Religious traditionAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Catholic77%13%3%7%1%192
Evangelical Protestant80%15%2%3%1%495
Historically Black Protestant80%11%4%4%1%1,798
Mainline Protestant72%20%3%4%< 1%159
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")41%18%10%31%1%534
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: At least daily, Weekly, Monthly, Seldom/never

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among blacks by frequency of prayer

% of blacks who are ages…

Frequency of prayer18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
At least daily22%36%28%14%2,433
Weekly34%35%21%9%421
Monthly45%30%17%8%139
Seldom/never40%37%18%6%284
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 blacks by frequency of prayer

% of blacks who are…

Frequency of prayerYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
At least daily13%15%30%32%9%1%2,433
Weekly24%20%26%25%5%< 1%421
Monthly24%29%23%19%5%1%139
Seldom/never28%23%25%20%4%< 1%284
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 blacks by frequency of prayer

% of blacks who are…

Frequency of prayerMenWomenSample size
At least daily40%60%2,504
Weekly48%52%425
Monthly68%32%139
Seldom/never67%33%288
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 blacks by frequency of prayer

% of blacks who are…

Frequency of prayerImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
At least daily11%4%85%2,450
Weekly7%6%86%418
Monthly10%4%86%132
Seldom/never11%10%79%278
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 blacks by frequency of prayer

% of blacks who have a household income of…

Frequency of prayerLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
At least daily50%22%19%9%2,227
Weekly53%19%18%11%388
Monthly48%21%14%17%120
Seldom/never44%20%25%11%255
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 blacks by frequency of prayer

% of blacks who have completed…

Frequency of prayerHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
At least daily48%33%12%7%2,488
Weekly51%34%8%7%424
Monthly51%37%5%7%139
Seldom/never47%35%13%5%287
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 blacks by frequency of prayer

% of blacks who are…

Frequency of prayerMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
At least daily33%6%18%8%34%2,496
Weekly24%7%13%5%51%424
Monthly24%9%8%3%56%139
Seldom/never19%11%12%3%55%287
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 blacks by frequency of prayer

% of blacks who are…

Frequency of prayerParentsNon-parentsSample size
At least daily32%68%2,494
Weekly34%66%424
Monthly25%75%139
Seldom/never27%73%288
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 blacks by frequency of prayer

% of blacks who say they…

Frequency of prayerBelieve 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
At least daily90%7%1%1%< 1%< 1%2,504
Weekly81%15%2%1%< 1%1%425
Monthly49%31%13%1%2%3%139
Seldom/never40%27%7%< 1%20%5%288
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Importance of religion in one's life among blacks by frequency of prayer

% of blacks who say religion is…

Frequency of prayerVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
At least daily86%11%2%1%< 1%2,504
Weekly63%26%7%3%1%425
Monthly42%35%13%10%1%139
Seldom/never20%31%23%26%< 1%288
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 blacks by frequency of prayer

% of blacks who attend religious services…

Frequency of prayerAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least daily55%33%11%< 1%2,504
Weekly35%48%16%< 1%425
Monthly14%52%34%1%139
Seldom/never9%31%59%1%288
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 blacks by frequency of prayer

% of blacks who attend prayer group…

Frequency of prayerAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least daily48%14%9%28%1%2,504
Weekly24%18%10%48%< 1%425
Monthly7%12%10%72%< 1%139
Seldom/never5%6%4%84%< 1%288
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 blacks by frequency of prayer

% of blacks who meditate…

Frequency of prayerAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least daily61%8%3%27%2%2,504
Weekly35%10%4%51%< 1%425
Monthly23%17%8%52%< 1%139
Seldom/never28%7%6%59%< 1%288
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 blacks by frequency of prayer

% of blacks who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Frequency of prayerAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least daily76%11%5%7%1%2,504
Weekly55%19%14%12%< 1%425
Monthly46%21%9%20%4%139
Seldom/never39%17%11%30%3%288
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 blacks by frequency of prayer

% of blacks who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Frequency of prayerAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least daily48%14%9%28%2%2,504
Weekly34%20%13%32%1%425
Monthly37%16%15%31%1%139
Seldom/never42%12%13%33%1%288
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 blacks by frequency of prayer

% of blacks who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Frequency of prayerReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
At least daily50%6%38%4%2%2,504
Weekly33%10%51%5%< 1%425
Monthly14%10%64%11%1%139
Seldom/never12%14%59%13%3%288
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 blacks by frequency of prayer

% of blacks who say…

Frequency of prayerThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
At least daily30%68%1%1%2,504
Weekly25%74%< 1%< 1%425
Monthly24%76%< 1%< 1%139
Seldom/never20%77%2%1%288
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 blacks by frequency of prayer

% of blacks who read scripture…

Frequency of prayerAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least daily66%13%5%15%1%2,504
Weekly34%20%13%33%< 1%425
Monthly14%13%19%52%1%139
Seldom/never10%6%9%75%< 1%288
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 blacks by frequency of prayer

% of blacks who say the holy scripture is…

Frequency of prayerWord 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
At least daily58%23%3%9%7%2,504
Weekly46%30%1%18%4%425
Monthly30%23%< 1%37%9%139
Seldom/never20%11%< 1%64%5%288
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 blacks by frequency of prayer

% of blacks who …in heaven

Frequency of prayerBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
At least daily91%5%4%2,504
Weekly85%10%5%425
Monthly78%18%5%139
Seldom/never50%42%8%288
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 blacks by frequency of prayer

% of blacks who …in hell

Frequency of prayerBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
At least daily78%16%6%2,504
Weekly73%20%6%425
Monthly66%28%6%139
Seldom/never41%52%7%288
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 blacks by frequency of prayer

% of blacks who identify as…

Frequency of prayerRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
At least daily9%12%78%2,504
Weekly13%11%76%425
Monthly12%16%71%139
Seldom/never7%19%74%288
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 blacks by frequency of prayer

% of blacks who are…

Frequency of prayerConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
At least daily34%33%25%8%2,504
Weekly31%35%27%7%425
Monthly19%38%33%9%139
Seldom/never19%35%36%10%288
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 blacks by frequency of prayer

% of blacks who would rather have…

Frequency of prayerSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
At least daily24%70%3%4%2,504
Weekly25%71%2%2%425
Monthly21%71%4%4%139
Seldom/never28%65%3%4%288
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 blacks by frequency of prayer

% of blacks who say government aid to the poor…

Frequency of prayerDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
At least daily28%65%5%2%2,504
Weekly30%67%2%1%425
Monthly31%63%3%4%139
Seldom/never25%69%5%1%288
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 blacks by frequency of prayer

% of blacks who say abortion should be…

Frequency of prayerLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
At least daily50%45%6%2,504
Weekly61%35%4%425
Monthly57%38%5%139
Seldom/never66%28%6%288
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 blacks by frequency of prayer

% of blacks who say homosexuality…

Frequency of prayerShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
At least daily48%43%5%4%2,504
Weekly65%31%2%2%425
Monthly60%34%5%2%139
Seldom/never77%19%3%1%288
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 blacks by frequency of prayer

% of blacks who …same-sex marriage

Frequency of prayerStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
At least daily38%53%9%2,504
Weekly53%42%5%425
Monthly58%34%8%139
Seldom/never67%26%7%288
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 blacks by frequency of prayer

% of blacks who say…

Frequency of prayerStricter 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
At least daily35%59%2%4%2,504
Weekly33%63%1%2%425
Monthly29%64%4%3%139
Seldom/never25%69%4%2%288
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 blacks by frequency of prayer

% of blacks who say humans…

Frequency of prayerEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
At least daily16%29%3%47%5%2,504
Weekly20%34%2%40%3%425
Monthly34%33%5%24%4%139
Seldom/never51%22%6%17%4%288
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.