DemographicInformation

Age distribution among Catholics by parental status

% of Catholics who are ages…

Parent of children under 1818-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Parents12%69%18%1%1,736
Non-parents19%18%34%29%5,309
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.

Generational cohort among Catholics by parental status

% of Catholics who are…

Parent of children under 18Younger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Parents4%18%59%18%1%< 1%1,736
Non-parents14%8%15%42%19%2%5,309
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.

Gender composition among Catholics by parental status

% of Catholics who are…

Parent of children under 18MenWomenSample size
Parents41%59%1,761
Non-parents49%51%5,411
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 Catholics by parental status

% of Catholics who identify as…

Parent of children under 18WhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Parents45%3%3%48%2%1,740
Non-parents65%3%3%28%2%5,347
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 Catholics by parental status

% of Catholics who are…

Parent of children under 18ImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Parents41%12%47%1,747
Non-parents22%16%62%5,355
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 Catholics by parental status

% of Catholics who have a household income of…

Parent of children under 18Less than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Parents37%18%23%22%1,588
Non-parents36%20%27%17%4,536
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 Catholics by parental status

% of Catholics who have completed…

Parent of children under 18High school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Parents46%23%19%12%1,753
Non-parents46%29%15%9%5,381
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 Catholics by parental status

% of Catholics who are…

Parent of children under 18MarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Parents68%11%11%1%9%1,756
Non-parents44%7%12%10%27%5,395
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 Catholics by parental status

% of Catholics who say they…

Parent of children under 18Believe 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
Parents61%31%5%1%1%1%1,761
Non-parents66%26%5%1%2%1%5,411
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 Catholics by parental status

% of Catholics who say religion is…

Parent of children under 18Very importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Parents61%32%6%1%< 1%1,761
Non-parents56%32%9%3%< 1%5,411
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 Catholics by parental status

% of Catholics who attend religious services…

Parent of children under 18At least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Parents41%43%16%< 1%1,761
Non-parents39%39%22%1%5,411
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 Catholics by parental status

% of Catholics who pray…

Parent of children under 18At least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Parents60%21%8%11%< 1%1,761
Non-parents58%20%7%14%1%5,411
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 Catholics by parental status

% of Catholics who attend prayer group…

Parent of children under 18At least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Parents20%12%12%56%1%1,761
Non-parents16%8%9%66%1%5,411
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 Catholics by parental status

% of Catholics who meditate…

Parent of children under 18At least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Parents39%10%6%44%1%1,761
Non-parents41%9%4%45%1%5,411
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 Catholics by parental status

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

Parent of children under 18At least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Parents56%17%12%13%1%1,761
Non-parents57%16%11%14%1%5,411
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 Catholics by parental status

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

Parent of children under 18At least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Parents42%16%16%25%1%1,761
Non-parents42%15%14%27%2%5,411
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 Catholics by parental status

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

Parent of children under 18ReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Parents30%10%47%12%2%1,761
Non-parents30%10%49%9%3%5,411
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 Catholics by parental status

% of Catholics who say…

Parent of children under 18There are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Parents29%69%1%1%1,761
Non-parents31%67%1%1%5,411
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 Catholics by parental status

% of Catholics who read scripture…

Parent of children under 18At least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Parents27%13%11%49%< 1%1,761
Non-parents25%11%10%54%1%5,411
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 Catholics by parental status

% of Catholics who say the holy scripture is…

Parent of children under 18Word 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
Parents30%35%3%25%7%1,761
Non-parents24%36%3%29%8%5,411
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 Catholics by parental status

% of Catholics who …in heaven

Parent of children under 18BelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Parents86%9%5%1,761
Non-parents84%10%5%5,411
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 Catholics by parental status

% of Catholics who …in hell

Parent of children under 18BelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Parents67%27%7%1,761
Non-parents62%29%9%5,411
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 Catholics by parental status

% of Catholics who identify as…

Parent of children under 18Republican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Parents35%23%42%1,761
Non-parents38%17%45%5,411
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 Catholics by parental status

% of Catholics who are…

Parent of children under 18ConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Parents36%36%23%5%1,761
Non-parents37%36%22%5%5,411
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 Catholics by parental status

% of Catholics who would rather have…

Parent of children under 18Smaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Parents41%54%3%2%1,761
Non-parents50%43%3%4%5,411
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 Catholics by parental status

% of Catholics who say government aid to the poor…

Parent of children under 18Does more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Parents45%50%3%2%1,761
Non-parents47%48%4%2%5,411
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 Catholics by parental status

% of Catholics who say abortion should be…

Parent of children under 18Legal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Parents45%51%3%1,761
Non-parents49%46%5%5,411
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 Catholics by parental status

% of Catholics who say homosexuality…

Parent of children under 18Should be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Parents72%21%4%4%1,761
Non-parents69%24%4%4%5,411
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 Catholics by parental status

% of Catholics who …same-sex marriage

Parent of children under 18Strongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Parents58%34%8%1,761
Non-parents56%34%9%5,411
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 Catholics by parental status

% of Catholics who say…

Parent of children under 18Stricter 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
Parents39%56%2%3%1,761
Non-parents40%55%2%3%5,411
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 Catholics by parental status

% of Catholics who say humans…

Parent of children under 18Evolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Parents34%31%4%28%4%1,761
Non-parents29%32%4%30%5%5,411
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.