Geographic Distribution

Jehovah's Witnesses by State

% of adults in each state who are Jehovah's Witness.

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.
State % of adults (2014) Total State Sample
Alabama < 1% 511
Alaska < 1% 310
Arizona 1% 653
Arkansas < 1% 311
California 1% 3,697
Colorado < 1% 504
Connecticut < 1% 377
Delaware < 1% 301
District of Columbia < 1% 303
Florida 1% 2,020
Georgia 2% 968
Hawaii 1% 312
Idaho < 1% 320
Illinois 1% 1,326
Indiana < 1% 654
Iowa < 1% 330
Kansas 1% 307
Kentucky < 1% 439
Louisiana 1% 465
Maine < 1% 303
Maryland < 1% 644
Massachusetts < 1% 704
Michigan 1% 982
Minnesota < 1% 563
Mississippi < 1% 309
Missouri < 1% 642
Montana 1% 312
Nebraska < 1% 312
Nevada 1% 314
New Hampshire 2% 303
New Jersey 1% 886
New Mexico 1% 312
New York 1% 1,966
North Carolina 1% 1,022
North Dakota < 1% 338
Ohio 1% 1,132
Oklahoma < 1% 391
Oregon < 1% 419
Pennsylvania 1% 1,366
Rhode Island 2% 305
South Carolina 1% 495
South Dakota < 1% 305
Tennessee 1% 661
Texas 1% 2,535
Utah < 1% 315
Vermont < 1% 306
Virginia < 1% 882
West Virginia < 1% 309
Wisconsin 1% 600
Wyoming 3% 316
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.

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among Jehovah's Witnesses

% of Jehovah's Witnesses who are ages…

Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201415%34%29%23%238
200721%39%25%14%207
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 Jehovah's Witnesses

% of Jehovah's Witnesses who are…

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
201410%10%29%33%17%1%238
2007< 1%16%31%34%15%3%207
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 Jehovah's Witnesses

% of Jehovah's Witnesses who are…

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201435%65%245
200740%60%215
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: gender composition, Women

Racial and ethnic composition among Jehovah's Witnesses

% of Jehovah's Witnesses who identify as…

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201436%27%< 1%32%6%242
200748%22%< 1%24%5%212
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 Jehovah's Witnesses

% of Jehovah's Witnesses who are…

Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
201425%8%67%243
200716%9%75%212
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: immigrant status, Third generation or higher

Income distribution among Jehovah's Witnesses

% of Jehovah's Witnesses who have a household income of…

Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201448%25%22%4%208
200742%23%26%9%178
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: income distribution, Less than $30,000

Educational distribution among Jehovah's Witnesses

% of Jehovah's Witnesses who have completed…

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201463%25%9%3%241
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: educational distribution, High school or less

Marital status among Jehovah's Witnesses

% of Jehovah's Witnesses who are…

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201453%5%12%8%21%244
200753%1%14%11%20%213
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: marital status, Married

Parent of children under 18 among Jehovah's Witnesses

% of Jehovah's Witnesses who are…

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201429%71%244
200737%63%215
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: parent of children under 18, Non-parents

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among Jehovah's Witnesses

% of Jehovah's Witnesses who say they…

Survey yearBelieve 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
201490%8%1%< 1%< 1%1%245
200793%4%1%< 1%< 1%2%215
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: belief in God, Believe in God; absolutely certain

Importance of religion in one's life among Jehovah's Witnesses

% of Jehovah's Witnesses who say religion is…

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201490%8%< 1%< 1%1%245
200786%10%2%< 1%1%215
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: importance of religion in one's life, Very important

Attendance at religious services among Jehovah's Witnesses

% of Jehovah's Witnesses who attend religious services…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201485%11%3%1%245
200782%10%8%< 1%215
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: attendance at religious services, At least once a week

Frequency of prayer among Jehovah's Witnesses

% of Jehovah's Witnesses who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201490%7%2%1%1%245
200789%6%2%2%1%215
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: frequency of prayer, At least daily

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among Jehovah's Witnesses

% of Jehovah's Witnesses who attend prayer group…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201485%3%3%7%2%245
200782%3%2%12%2%215
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: frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups, At least once a week

Frequency of meditation among Jehovah's Witnesses

% of Jehovah's Witnesses who meditate…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201477%2%2%15%4%245
200772%4%3%18%4%215
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: frequency of meditation, At least once a week

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among Jehovah's Witnesses

% of Jehovah's Witnesses who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201482%5%5%5%3%245
200777%6%7%7%3%215
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: frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing, At least once a week

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among Jehovah's Witnesses

% of Jehovah's Witnesses who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201462%12%6%16%4%245
200749%10%10%25%6%215
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: frequency of feeling wonder about the universe, At least once a week

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among Jehovah's Witnesses

% of Jehovah's Witnesses who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201478%1%14%3%4%245
200773%3%19%1%4%215
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: sources of guidance on right and wrong, Religion

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among Jehovah's Witnesses

% of Jehovah's Witnesses who say…

Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201457%39%2%2%245
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: belief in absolute standards for right and wrong, There are clear standards for what is right and wrong

Frequency of reading scripture among Jehovah's Witnesses

% of Jehovah's Witnesses who read scripture…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201488%2%3%4%2%245
200783%4%3%10%< 1%215
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: frequency of reading scripture, At least once a week

Interpreting scripture among Jehovah's Witnesses

% of Jehovah's Witnesses who say the holy scripture is…

Survey yearWord 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
201447%40%7%2%4%245
200748%40%5%1%7%215
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: interpreting scripture, Word of God; should be taken literally, Word of God; not everything taken literally

Belief in Heaven among Jehovah's Witnesses

% of Jehovah's Witnesses who …in heaven

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201450%38%12%245
200746%42%12%215
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: belief in Heaven, Believe

Belief in Hell among Jehovah's Witnesses

% of Jehovah's Witnesses who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
20147%89%3%245
20079%88%3%215
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: belief in Hell, Don't believe

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among Jehovah's Witnesses

% of Jehovah's Witnesses who identify as…

Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
20147%75%18%245
200710%75%15%215
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: party affiliation, No lean

Political ideology among Jehovah's Witnesses

% of Jehovah's Witnesses who are…

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201420%18%12%50%245
200721%12%17%50%215
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 Jehovah's Witnesses

% of Jehovah's Witnesses who would rather have…

Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201432%50%4%14%245
200723%47%6%23%215
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: views about size of government, Bigger government; more services

Views about government aid to the poor among Jehovah's Witnesses

% of Jehovah's Witnesses who say government aid to the poor…

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201431%60%5%4%245
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: views about government aid to the poor, Does more good than harm

Views about abortion among Jehovah's Witnesses

% of Jehovah's Witnesses who say abortion should be…

Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201418%75%7%245
200716%77%7%215
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: views about abortion, Illegal in all/most cases

Views about homosexuality among Jehovah's Witnesses

% of Jehovah's Witnesses who say homosexuality…

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201416%76%4%4%245
200712%76%6%5%215
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: views about homosexuality, Should be discouraged

Views about same-sex marriage among Jehovah's Witnesses

% of Jehovah's Witnesses who …same-sex marriage

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201414%76%10%245
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: views about same-sex marriage, Oppose/strongly oppose

Views about environmental regulation among Jehovah's Witnesses

% of Jehovah's Witnesses who say…

Survey yearStricter 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
201433%54%4%9%245
200724%60%8%8%215
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: views about environmental regulation, Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost

Views about human evolution among Jehovah's Witnesses

% of Jehovah's Witnesses who say humans…

Survey yearEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
20146%15%< 1%74%5%245
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: views about human evolution, Always existed in present form