Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201452%16%6%26%1%24,900
200755%18%6%20%1%27,309
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 whites by religious group

% of whites who pray…

Religious traditionAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Buddhist40%19%7%33%1%141
Catholic57%21%7%14%1%4,827
Evangelical Protestant79%14%3%4%1%6,633
Jewish26%16%9%48%1%782
Mainline Protestant53%23%7%16%1%5,322
Mormon86%6%2%5%< 1%575
Orthodox Christian55%19%8%17%1%153
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")15%10%6%69%1%5,490
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 whites by frequency of prayer

% of whites who are ages…

Frequency of prayer18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
At least daily13%30%31%26%12,775
Weekly19%32%29%19%3,796
Monthly18%38%29%15%1,370
Seldom/never29%34%22%16%6,308
Don't know7%19%29%44%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.

Generational cohort among whites by frequency of prayer

% of whites who are…

Frequency of prayerYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
At least daily8%10%25%38%18%2%12,775
Weekly12%12%28%35%12%1%3,796
Monthly13%14%29%35%9%1%1,370
Seldom/never18%18%26%27%10%1%6,308
Don't know4%6%16%40%28%5%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.

Gender composition among whites by frequency of prayer

% of whites who are…

Frequency of prayerMenWomenSample size
At least daily41%59%13,019
Weekly49%51%3,848
Monthly58%42%1,388
Seldom/never63%37%6,392
Don't know46%54%253
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 whites by frequency of prayer

% of whites who are…

Frequency of prayerImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
At least daily3%7%90%12,916
Weekly4%7%89%3,824
Monthly4%8%88%1,374
Seldom/never6%9%85%6,338
Don't know9%9%82%243
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 whites by frequency of prayer

% of whites 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 daily30%21%31%19%11,208
Weekly26%20%31%23%3,423
Monthly25%18%30%27%1,249
Seldom/never24%19%30%27%5,767
Don't know49%15%18%18%140
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 whites by frequency of prayer

% of whites who have completed…

Frequency of prayerHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
At least daily38%34%17%11%12,969
Weekly37%33%18%12%3,832
Monthly37%32%19%12%1,382
Seldom/never33%30%22%15%6,377
Don't know37%35%15%13%243
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 whites by frequency of prayer

% of whites who are…

Frequency of prayerMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
At least daily59%4%13%10%14%12,969
Weekly53%7%13%6%21%3,839
Monthly52%11%11%4%22%1,386
Seldom/never44%11%11%4%31%6,369
Don't know46%2%19%15%17%241
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 whites by frequency of prayer

% of whites who are…

Frequency of prayerParentsNon-parentsSample size
At least daily27%73%12,984
Weekly28%72%3,837
Monthly26%74%1,385
Seldom/never23%77%6,377
Don't know10%90%249
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 whites by frequency of prayer

% of whites 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 daily87%11%1%< 1%< 1%1%13,019
Weekly60%32%5%< 1%1%1%3,848
Monthly39%43%9%1%5%2%1,388
Seldom/never14%25%13%1%39%7%6,392
Don't know57%15%2%12%1%13%253
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 whites by frequency of prayer

% of whites who say religion is…

Frequency of prayerVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
At least daily78%17%3%2%1%13,019
Weekly38%48%10%3%1%3,848
Monthly14%57%23%6%1%1,388
Seldom/never4%22%31%42%< 1%6,392
Don't know47%32%4%6%12%253
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 whites by frequency of prayer

% of whites 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%29%15%1%13,019
Weekly24%48%28%< 1%3,848
Monthly6%54%39%< 1%1,388
Seldom/never3%24%73%< 1%6,392
Don't know25%32%27%15%253
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 whites by frequency of prayer

% of whites who attend prayer group…

Frequency of prayerAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least daily38%11%10%40%< 1%13,019
Weekly10%8%10%72%< 1%3,848
Monthly2%4%6%88%< 1%1,388
Seldom/never1%1%2%96%< 1%6,392
Don't know8%9%7%54%22%253
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 whites by frequency of prayer

% of whites who meditate…

Frequency of prayerAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least daily52%6%3%37%2%13,019
Weekly28%11%5%55%1%3,848
Monthly16%15%7%61%< 1%1,388
Seldom/never15%8%5%70%1%6,392
Don't know29%7%3%37%24%253
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 whites by frequency of prayer

% of whites 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%12%6%5%1%13,019
Weekly46%24%15%14%1%3,848
Monthly31%24%18%26%1%1,388
Seldom/never28%16%13%42%2%6,392
Don't know42%12%7%19%20%253
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 whites by frequency of prayer

% of whites 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 daily50%16%11%22%2%13,019
Weekly38%19%16%27%1%3,848
Monthly34%19%19%28%1%1,388
Seldom/never41%17%14%28%1%6,392
Don't know42%10%7%27%15%253
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 whites by frequency of prayer

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

Frequency of prayerReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
At least daily53%7%34%3%3%13,019
Weekly21%13%56%8%2%3,848
Monthly9%15%65%9%2%1,388
Seldom/never3%17%60%18%2%6,392
Don't know22%9%55%5%9%253
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 whites by frequency of prayer

% of whites 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 daily46%51%2%1%13,019
Weekly31%67%1%1%3,848
Monthly28%71%1%< 1%1,388
Seldom/never20%78%1%1%6,392
Don't know35%57%5%4%253
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 whites by frequency of prayer

% of whites who read scripture…

Frequency of prayerAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least daily55%12%8%24%1%13,019
Weekly14%14%14%57%< 1%3,848
Monthly3%7%12%78%< 1%1,388
Seldom/never2%3%4%91%< 1%6,392
Don't know14%13%9%40%24%253
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 whites by frequency of prayer

% of whites 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 daily41%34%4%15%6%13,019
Weekly19%39%2%33%8%3,848
Monthly11%31%2%48%8%1,388
Seldom/never4%10%< 1%79%6%6,392
Don't know18%16%7%26%33%253
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 whites by frequency of prayer

% of whites who …in heaven

Frequency of prayerBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
At least daily86%8%7%13,019
Weekly81%12%7%3,848
Monthly71%20%9%1,388
Seldom/never30%60%9%6,392
Don't know52%15%33%253
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 whites by frequency of prayer

% of whites who …in hell

Frequency of prayerBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
At least daily72%20%8%13,019
Weekly60%32%9%3,848
Monthly51%41%8%1,388
Seldom/never21%71%8%6,392
Don't know39%26%35%253
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 whites by frequency of prayer

% of whites who identify as…

Frequency of prayerRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
At least daily56%15%29%13,019
Weekly47%14%39%3,848
Monthly41%17%42%1,388
Seldom/never28%18%54%6,392
Don't know35%34%32%253
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 whites by frequency of prayer

% of whites who are…

Frequency of prayerConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
At least daily52%29%14%5%13,019
Weekly36%39%21%5%3,848
Monthly27%41%26%6%1,388
Seldom/never19%36%39%6%6,392
Don't know33%30%15%22%253
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 whites by frequency of prayer

% of whites who would rather have…

Frequency of prayerSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
At least daily68%26%3%4%13,019
Weekly62%32%3%3%3,848
Monthly61%34%2%3%1,388
Seldom/never52%41%3%4%6,392
Don't know54%21%8%17%253
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 whites by frequency of prayer

% of whites 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 daily55%39%4%2%13,019
Weekly50%45%3%2%3,848
Monthly48%47%3%2%1,388
Seldom/never38%57%3%1%6,392
Don't know44%41%6%9%253
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 whites by frequency of prayer

% of whites who say abortion should be…

Frequency of prayerLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
At least daily39%57%4%13,019
Weekly59%38%3%3,848
Monthly68%29%3%1,388
Seldom/never80%17%3%6,392
Don't know46%30%24%253
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 whites by frequency of prayer

% of whites who say homosexuality…

Frequency of prayerShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
At least daily46%45%4%4%13,019
Weekly71%23%3%2%3,848
Monthly77%19%2%2%1,388
Seldom/never85%10%3%2%6,392
Don't know48%27%9%16%253
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 whites by frequency of prayer

% of whites who …same-sex marriage

Frequency of prayerStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
At least daily38%55%7%13,019
Weekly62%31%7%3,848
Monthly68%26%6%1,388
Seldom/never81%14%5%6,392
Don't know39%34%26%253
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 whites by frequency of prayer

% of whites 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 daily46%48%3%3%13,019
Weekly39%57%2%2%3,848
Monthly36%61%2%2%1,388
Seldom/never28%68%2%2%6,392
Don't know30%48%7%15%253
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 whites by frequency of prayer

% of whites 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 daily14%29%3%48%5%13,019
Weekly33%33%5%25%4%3,848
Monthly45%28%6%19%2%1,388
Seldom/never74%10%4%9%2%6,392
Don't know25%15%16%32%12%253
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.