Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201447%48%4%2%7,491
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: Does more harm than good, Does more good than harm

Views about government aid to the poor among adults in the Midwest by religious group

% of adults in the Midwest who say government aid to the poor…

Religious traditionDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Catholic52%44%3%1%1,634
Evangelical Protestant59%36%4%1%1,937
Historically Black Protestant27%67%3%2%335
Mainline Protestant47%46%5%2%1,637
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")38%57%4%2%1,455
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: Does more harm than good, Does more good than harm

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults in the Midwest by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Midwest who are ages…

Views about government aid to the poor18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Does more harm than good20%34%28%19%3,449
Does more good than harm23%32%27%17%3,522
Neither/both equally20%38%22%20%267
Don't know19%27%28%26%119
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 in the Midwest by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Midwest who are…

Views about government aid to the poorYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Does more harm than good13%13%28%32%13%1%3,449
Does more good than harm15%15%26%32%11%2%3,522
Neither/both equally11%15%32%30%11%1%267
Don't know13%20%13%34%15%6%119
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 in the Midwest by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Midwest who are…

Views about government aid to the poorMenWomenSample size
Does more harm than good53%47%3,513
Does more good than harm44%56%3,575
Neither/both equally49%51%277
Don't know44%56%126
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 in the Midwest by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Midwest who identify as…

Views about government aid to the poorWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Does more harm than good86%5%1%5%2%3,464
Does more good than harm74%13%2%7%3%3,532
Neither/both equally81%9%1%5%4%272
Don't know67%10%6%14%3%116
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 in the Midwest by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Midwest who are…

Views about government aid to the poorImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Does more harm than good5%7%88%3,486
Does more good than harm9%8%84%3,539
Neither/both equally5%6%89%271
Don't know16%7%76%122
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 in the Midwest by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Midwest who have a household income of…

Views about government aid to the poorLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Does more harm than good27%21%33%18%3,071
Does more good than harm40%22%24%14%3,202
Neither/both equally36%21%29%14%223
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 in the Midwest by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Midwest who have completed…

Views about government aid to the poorHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Does more harm than good41%35%16%7%3,502
Does more good than harm40%31%17%12%3,558
Neither/both equally36%35%20%9%274
Don't know57%28%9%6%124
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 in the Midwest by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Midwest who are…

Views about government aid to the poorMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Does more harm than good56%6%10%7%21%3,502
Does more good than harm44%7%13%7%29%3,557
Neither/both equally51%7%11%7%23%275
Don't know26%6%22%14%32%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.

Parent of children under 18 among adults in the Midwest by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Midwest who are…

Views about government aid to the poorParentsNon-parentsSample size
Does more harm than good30%70%3,501
Does more good than harm28%72%3,567
Neither/both equally34%66%275
Don't know16%84%126
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 adults in the Midwest by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Midwest who say they…

Views about government aid to the poorBelieve 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
Does more harm than good69%19%4%< 1%6%2%3,513
Does more good than harm57%23%6%1%12%3%3,575
Neither/both equally69%15%3%1%8%3%277
Don't know64%18%4%6%4%4%126
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 adults in the Midwest by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Midwest who say religion is…

Views about government aid to the poorVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good55%27%10%7%1%3,513
Does more good than harm47%27%13%12%< 1%3,575
Neither/both equally54%23%9%12%3%277
Don't know53%20%8%13%6%126
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 adults in the Midwest by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Midwest who attend religious services…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good39%34%26%1%3,513
Does more good than harm30%35%34%< 1%3,575
Neither/both equally38%25%36%1%277
Don't know34%29%33%5%126
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 in the Midwest by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Midwest who pray…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good55%19%7%18%1%3,513
Does more good than harm49%17%6%27%1%3,575
Neither/both equally60%17%4%19%< 1%277
Don't know58%8%13%15%6%126
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 in the Midwest by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Midwest who attend prayer group…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good24%10%9%57%1%3,513
Does more good than harm19%8%8%64%1%3,575
Neither/both equally24%6%8%61%< 1%277
Don't know27%2%6%59%6%126
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 in the Midwest by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Midwest who meditate…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good35%7%4%52%1%3,513
Does more good than harm37%8%5%48%1%3,575
Neither/both equally47%6%2%43%2%277
Don't know49%4%4%33%10%126
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 in the Midwest by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Midwest who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good58%15%10%16%1%3,513
Does more good than harm54%17%10%18%1%3,575
Neither/both equally62%13%7%16%2%277
Don't know51%14%9%20%6%126
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 in the Midwest by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Midwest who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good41%17%14%27%1%3,513
Does more good than harm44%17%14%24%1%3,575
Neither/both equally46%15%9%26%4%277
Don't know41%13%9%28%10%126
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 in the Midwest by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Midwest who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Views about government aid to the poorReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good37%8%47%6%2%3,513
Does more good than harm27%13%47%11%3%3,575
Neither/both equally36%10%37%8%10%277
Don't know34%7%32%10%18%126
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 in the Midwest by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Midwest who say…

Views about government aid to the poorThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good43%56%1%< 1%3,513
Does more good than harm24%74%1%1%3,575
Neither/both equally28%66%5%1%277
Don't know26%64%1%9%126
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 in the Midwest by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Midwest who read scripture…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good35%11%9%44%1%3,513
Does more good than harm28%11%9%52%< 1%3,575
Neither/both equally36%7%7%48%2%277
Don't know32%6%4%53%5%126
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 in the Midwest by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Midwest who say the holy scripture is…

Views about government aid to the poorWord 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
Does more harm than good33%33%3%24%6%3,513
Does more good than harm25%28%2%38%7%3,575
Neither/both equally23%32%7%25%13%277
Don't know27%19%9%31%14%126
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 in the Midwest by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Midwest who …in heaven

Views about government aid to the poorBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Does more harm than good80%14%6%3,513
Does more good than harm70%23%7%3,575
Neither/both equally73%14%12%277
Don't know71%12%17%126
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 in the Midwest by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Midwest who …in hell

Views about government aid to the poorBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Does more harm than good67%26%7%3,513
Does more good than harm53%38%8%3,575
Neither/both equally57%23%20%277
Don't know54%27%19%126
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 in the Midwest by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Midwest who identify as…

Views about government aid to the poorRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Does more harm than good59%18%24%3,513
Does more good than harm21%17%63%3,575
Neither/both equally38%30%32%277
Don't know28%50%22%126
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 in the Midwest by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Midwest who are…

Views about government aid to the poorConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good53%28%13%6%3,513
Does more good than harm23%37%34%6%3,575
Neither/both equally34%36%16%14%277
Don't know25%26%24%25%126
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 in the Midwest by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Midwest who would rather have…

Views about government aid to the poorSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good78%18%2%2%3,513
Does more good than harm38%55%3%4%3,575
Neither/both equally52%23%15%10%277
Don't know40%31%7%22%126
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 in the Midwest by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Midwest who say abortion should be…

Views about government aid to the poorLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good41%56%3%3,513
Does more good than harm61%35%3%3,575
Neither/both equally43%47%10%277
Don't know37%36%28%126
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 in the Midwest by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Midwest who say homosexuality…

Views about government aid to the poorShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good51%42%4%3%3,513
Does more good than harm71%23%3%3%3,575
Neither/both equally53%29%14%4%277
Don't know46%31%3%20%126
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 in the Midwest by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Midwest who …same-sex marriage

Views about government aid to the poorStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good41%51%8%3,513
Does more good than harm65%29%6%3,575
Neither/both equally45%40%14%277
Don't know40%38%22%126
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 in the Midwest by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Midwest who say…

Views about government aid to the poorStricter 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
Does more harm than good54%42%2%2%3,513
Does more good than harm26%69%2%3%3,575
Neither/both equally32%50%13%6%277
Don't know23%40%4%33%126
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 in the Midwest by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Midwest who say humans…

Views about government aid to the poorEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good25%27%3%42%4%3,513
Does more good than harm39%25%4%28%4%3,575
Neither/both equally23%22%14%28%13%277
Don't know19%28%9%24%20%126
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.