Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201449%26%12%13%1%24,900
200752%28%11%8%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: Very important, Somewhat important, Not too important, Not at all important

Importance of religion in one's life among whites by religious group

% of whites who say religion is…

Religious traditionVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Buddhist30%33%20%13%4%141
Catholic53%34%10%3%< 1%4,827
Evangelical Protestant78%18%2%1%1%6,633
Jewish33%37%20%10%< 1%782
Mainline Protestant52%35%10%2%1%5,322
Mormon84%12%3%1%< 1%575
Orthodox Christian49%33%14%4%< 1%153
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")8%20%27%44%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: Very important, Somewhat important, Not too important, Not at all important

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among whites by importance of religion

% of whites who are ages…

Importance of religion in one's life18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Very important13%28%31%27%12,209
Somewhat important20%34%29%18%6,033
Not too important27%36%24%14%2,956
Not at all important29%36%21%15%3,109
Don't know12%27%26%34%163
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 importance of religion

% of whites who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Very important8%10%24%38%19%2%12,209
Somewhat important12%13%28%35%11%1%6,033
Not too important17%16%29%29%8%1%2,956
Not at all important18%19%27%26%9%1%3,109
Don't know6%10%24%36%21%2%163
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 importance of religion

% of whites who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeMenWomenSample size
Very important43%57%12,458
Somewhat important51%49%6,124
Not too important57%43%2,988
Not at all important61%39%3,154
Don't know51%49%176
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 importance of religion

% of whites who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Very important3%6%90%12,357
Somewhat important4%8%88%6,078
Not too important5%9%86%2,961
Not at all important6%9%84%3,127
Don't know4%7%89%172
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 importance of religion

% of whites 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 important29%21%31%19%10,632
Somewhat important27%20%29%24%5,448
Not too important24%19%31%26%2,701
Not at all important25%17%30%28%2,883
Don't know36%18%32%14%123
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 importance of religion

% of whites who have completed…

Importance of religion in one's lifeHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Very important39%33%17%11%12,406
Somewhat important38%32%19%11%6,101
Not too important31%33%22%14%2,979
Not at all important30%31%23%17%3,145
Don't know32%35%20%13%172
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 importance of religion

% of whites who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Very important61%4%12%10%13%12,408
Somewhat important50%9%13%6%22%6,104
Not too important46%10%11%4%30%2,976
Not at all important41%12%12%3%31%3,146
Don't know54%6%12%9%19%170
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Parent of children under 18 among whites by importance of religion

% of whites who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeParentsNon-parentsSample size
Very important27%73%12,424
Somewhat important27%73%6,107
Not too important25%75%2,980
Not at all important22%78%3,146
Don't know15%85%175
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 importance of religion

% of whites 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 important90%8%1%1%< 1%< 1%12,458
Somewhat important51%38%6%1%3%2%6,124
Not too important17%38%18%< 1%19%7%2,988
Not at all important10%13%10%1%59%8%3,154
Don't know54%17%4%9%7%10%176
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 importance of religion

% of whites 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 important61%27%11%1%12,458
Somewhat important12%55%33%< 1%6,124
Not too important2%33%65%< 1%2,988
Not at all important1%8%90%< 1%3,154
Don't know24%21%44%11%176
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 whites by importance of religion

% of whites who pray…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important83%12%2%2%1%12,458
Somewhat important34%30%13%22%1%6,124
Not too important11%13%11%65%< 1%2,988
Not at all important7%4%3%86%< 1%3,154
Don't know50%13%4%19%14%176
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 importance of religion

% of whites 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 important40%12%11%36%1%12,458
Somewhat important5%6%8%80%< 1%6,124
Not too important1%1%2%95%< 1%2,988
Not at all important2%< 1%1%97%< 1%3,154
Don't know13%6%10%61%10%176
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 importance of religion

% of whites 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 important50%7%3%38%2%12,458
Somewhat important25%10%5%59%1%6,124
Not too important20%11%6%63%1%2,988
Not at all important22%8%5%64%1%3,154
Don't know49%7%3%29%13%176
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 importance of religion

% of whites 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 important77%11%5%5%1%12,458
Somewhat important40%23%16%20%1%6,124
Not too important30%18%15%36%1%2,988
Not at all important33%14%9%42%2%3,154
Don't know60%9%7%15%10%176
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 importance of religion

% of whites 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 important49%16%11%22%2%12,458
Somewhat important38%18%15%28%1%6,124
Not too important40%19%15%26%1%2,988
Not at all important48%15%13%24%1%3,154
Don't know49%15%7%17%13%176
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 importance of religion

% of whites 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 important58%6%30%3%3%12,458
Somewhat important12%13%64%8%2%6,124
Not too important3%18%64%14%1%2,988
Not at all important1%18%56%23%2%3,154
Don't know22%9%45%5%19%176
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 importance of religion

% of whites 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 important48%49%2%1%12,458
Somewhat important28%70%1%1%6,124
Not too important22%76%1%< 1%2,988
Not at all important18%81%1%1%3,154
Don't know30%62%2%5%176
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 importance of religion

% of whites 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 important57%12%8%22%1%12,458
Somewhat important11%11%13%65%< 1%6,124
Not too important3%4%5%88%< 1%2,988
Not at all important3%2%3%92%< 1%3,154
Don't know26%5%6%49%14%176
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 importance of religion

% of whites 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 important45%34%4%10%6%12,458
Somewhat important13%37%1%40%9%6,124
Not too important4%13%< 1%75%8%2,988
Not at all important2%3%< 1%91%4%3,154
Don't know19%14%7%43%18%176
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 importance of religion

% of whites who …in heaven

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Very important88%6%6%12,458
Somewhat important76%16%8%6,124
Not too important43%45%12%2,988
Not at all important14%79%7%3,154
Don't know43%24%33%176
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 importance of religion

% of whites who …in hell

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Very important74%18%8%12,458
Somewhat important55%36%9%6,124
Not too important29%61%9%2,988
Not at all important9%85%6%3,154
Don't know29%44%28%176
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 importance of religion

% of whites who identify as…

Importance of religion in one's lifeRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Very important59%15%27%12,458
Somewhat important43%17%40%6,124
Not too important32%17%51%2,988
Not at all important22%18%61%3,154
Don't know33%31%36%176
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 importance of religion

% of whites who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Very important54%28%12%6%12,458
Somewhat important31%40%24%5%6,124
Not too important21%40%34%5%2,988
Not at all important14%32%48%7%3,154
Don't know33%29%22%17%176
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 importance of religion

% of whites who would rather have…

Importance of religion in one's lifeSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Very important69%25%3%4%12,458
Somewhat important60%33%3%4%6,124
Not too important54%39%3%3%2,988
Not at all important49%44%4%4%3,154
Don't know49%27%8%16%176
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 importance of religion

% of whites 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 important56%38%4%2%12,458
Somewhat important48%47%3%1%6,124
Not too important40%56%3%1%2,988
Not at all important33%62%3%2%3,154
Don't know35%41%11%13%176
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 importance of religion

% of whites who say abortion should be…

Importance of religion in one's lifeLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Very important34%62%4%12,458
Somewhat important66%30%4%6,124
Not too important79%18%3%2,988
Not at all important85%12%3%3,154
Don't know52%27%21%176
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 importance of religion

% of whites who say homosexuality…

Importance of religion in one's lifeShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important42%49%5%4%12,458
Somewhat important75%18%4%3%6,124
Not too important85%11%2%2%2,988
Not at all important90%7%2%1%3,154
Don't know54%23%8%15%176
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 importance of religion

% of whites who …same-sex marriage

Importance of religion in one's lifeStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Very important33%59%7%12,458
Somewhat important67%26%7%6,124
Not too important80%15%5%2,988
Not at all important86%9%5%3,154
Don't know50%30%20%176
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 importance of religion

% of whites 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 important47%47%3%3%12,458
Somewhat important38%58%2%2%6,124
Not too important29%68%2%2%2,988
Not at all important23%73%1%2%3,154
Don't know31%47%9%13%176
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 importance of religion

% of whites 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 important12%29%3%50%5%12,458
Somewhat important38%30%5%23%3%6,124
Not too important70%14%5%9%2%2,988
Not at all important82%6%3%7%2%3,154
Don't know31%15%15%23%16%176
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.