Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201436%54%9%4,984
200737%52%12%3,707
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: Believe, Don't believe

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among nothing in particulars by belief in hell

% of nothing in particulars who are ages…

Belief in Hell18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Believe36%39%20%5%1,524
Don't believe31%37%22%11%2,932
Other/don't know28%38%23%12%447
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 nothing in particulars by belief in hell

% of nothing in particulars who are…

Belief in HellYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Believe22%23%30%22%3%< 1%1,524
Don't believe19%20%28%25%7%1%2,932
Other/don't know15%19%31%28%6%< 1%447
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 nothing in particulars by belief in hell

% of nothing in particulars who are…

Belief in HellMenWomenSample size
Believe53%47%1,549
Don't believe54%46%2,978
Other/don't know57%43%457
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 nothing in particulars by belief in hell

% of nothing in particulars who identify as…

Belief in HellWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Believe57%18%3%17%5%1,524
Don't believe68%8%6%13%4%2,923
Other/don't know63%9%6%16%7%441
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 nothing in particulars by belief in hell

% of nothing in particulars who are…

Belief in HellImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Believe13%8%79%1,507
Don't believe15%13%73%2,938
Other/don't know14%14%72%438
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 nothing in particulars by belief in hell

% of nothing in particulars who have a household income of…

Belief in HellLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Believe49%21%21%10%1,360
Don't believe30%22%27%21%2,675
Other/don't know39%22%22%18%380
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 nothing in particulars by belief in hell

% of nothing in particulars who have completed…

Belief in HellHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Believe57%31%8%4%1,539
Don't believe36%32%20%12%2,969
Other/don't know44%33%14%9%454
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 nothing in particulars by belief in hell

% of nothing in particulars who are…

Belief in HellMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Believe33%13%13%3%39%1,542
Don't believe42%11%11%4%32%2,969
Other/don't know39%7%11%5%38%449
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 nothing in particulars by belief in hell

% of nothing in particulars who are…

Belief in HellParentsNon-parentsSample size
Believe33%67%1,545
Don't believe26%74%2,966
Other/don't know22%78%454
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 nothing in particulars by belief in hell

% of nothing in particulars who say they…

Belief in HellBelieve 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
Believe54%30%9%1%4%2%1,549
Don't believe25%23%13%1%33%5%2,978
Other/don't know33%28%13%1%8%17%457
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 nothing in particulars by belief in hell

% of nothing in particulars who say religion is…

Belief in HellVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Believe30%36%21%12%1%1,549
Don't believe9%20%31%39%1%2,978
Other/don't know14%27%29%26%5%457
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 nothing in particulars by belief in hell

% of nothing in particulars who attend religious services…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe9%35%55%1%1,549
Don't believe3%24%73%< 1%2,978
Other/don't know5%23%71%1%457
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 nothing in particulars by belief in hell

% of nothing in particulars who pray…

Belief in HellAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe39%20%10%31%< 1%1,549
Don't believe18%10%7%65%< 1%2,978
Other/don't know23%15%8%51%3%457
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 nothing in particulars by belief in hell

% of nothing in particulars who attend prayer group…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe11%7%6%75%< 1%1,549
Don't believe4%2%3%91%< 1%2,978
Other/don't know5%3%4%88%1%457
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 nothing in particulars by belief in hell

% of nothing in particulars who meditate…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe27%8%3%60%2%1,549
Don't believe28%11%5%56%1%2,978
Other/don't know28%8%5%57%2%457
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 nothing in particulars by belief in hell

% of nothing in particulars who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe45%15%11%27%2%1,549
Don't believe40%16%11%31%2%2,978
Other/don't know40%14%10%32%4%457
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 nothing in particulars by belief in hell

% of nothing in particulars who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe40%14%11%35%1%1,549
Don't believe45%16%13%25%< 1%2,978
Other/don't know47%17%11%22%3%457
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 nothing in particulars by belief in hell

% of nothing in particulars who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Belief in HellReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Believe17%10%60%10%3%1,549
Don't believe5%18%60%16%2%2,978
Other/don't know7%16%62%9%6%457
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 nothing in particulars by belief in hell

% of nothing in particulars who say…

Belief in HellThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe26%72%2%1%1,549
Don't believe20%78%1%1%2,978
Other/don't know23%70%3%5%457
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 nothing in particulars by belief in hell

% of nothing in particulars who read scripture…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe20%10%6%64%1%1,549
Don't believe7%5%6%82%< 1%2,978
Other/don't know11%2%5%80%2%457
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 nothing in particulars by belief in hell

% of nothing in particulars who say the holy scripture is…

Belief in HellWord 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
Believe26%26%2%36%9%1,549
Don't believe6%8%< 1%79%5%2,978
Other/don't know6%10%2%58%23%457
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 nothing in particulars by belief in hell

% of nothing in particulars who …in heaven

Belief in HellBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Believe93%5%3%1,549
Don't believe25%70%5%2,978
Other/don't know24%5%71%457
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 nothing in particulars by belief in hell

% of nothing in particulars who identify as…

Belief in HellRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Believe28%27%44%1,549
Don't believe24%23%54%2,978
Other/don't know26%35%39%457
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 nothing in particulars by belief in hell

% of nothing in particulars who are…

Belief in HellConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Believe27%37%25%11%1,549
Don't believe18%35%40%8%2,978
Other/don't know23%37%25%16%457
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 nothing in particulars by belief in hell

% of nothing in particulars who would rather have…

Belief in HellSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Believe44%51%2%3%1,549
Don't believe49%44%3%4%2,978
Other/don't know48%37%7%8%457
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 nothing in particulars by belief in hell

% of nothing in particulars who say government aid to the poor…

Belief in HellDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe44%51%4%2%1,549
Don't believe38%57%4%1%2,978
Other/don't know41%43%8%7%457
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 nothing in particulars by belief in hell

% of nothing in particulars who say abortion should be…

Belief in HellLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Believe53%42%5%1,549
Don't believe76%20%4%2,978
Other/don't know63%27%10%457
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 nothing in particulars by belief in hell

% of nothing in particulars who say homosexuality…

Belief in HellShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe70%23%3%4%1,549
Don't believe84%11%3%2%2,978
Other/don't know69%15%8%9%457
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 nothing in particulars by belief in hell

% of nothing in particulars who …same-sex marriage

Belief in HellStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Believe61%31%8%1,549
Don't believe80%15%6%2,978
Other/don't know65%22%13%457
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 nothing in particulars by belief in hell

% of nothing in particulars who say…

Belief in HellStricter 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
Believe38%56%2%3%1,549
Don't believe26%70%2%2%2,978
Other/don't know30%56%6%8%457
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 nothing in particulars by belief in hell

% of nothing in particulars who say humans…

Belief in HellEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Believe34%27%4%31%4%1,549
Don't believe66%13%4%14%2%2,978
Other/don't know47%17%12%13%11%457
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.