DemographicInformation

Age distribution among the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who are ages…

Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201425%42%25%8%402
200729%46%16%8%389
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who are…

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
201415%20%32%27%5%< 1%402
2007< 1%23%37%30%7%2%389
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who are…

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201446%54%406
200745%55%397
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who identify as…

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201446%29%2%19%4%400
200751%26%< 1%18%5%392
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who are…

Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
201418%5%77%395
200714%7%79%396
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who have a household income of…

Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201458%21%14%7%334
200755%22%16%7%329
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who have completed…

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201473%19%6%2%405
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who are…

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201432%9%16%5%37%404
200743%11%13%4%29%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.

Parent of children under 18 among the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who are…

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201432%68%405
200742%58%397
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

Importance of religion in one's life among the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who say religion is…

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201457%28%8%5%1%406
200757%31%7%5%< 1%397
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who attend religious services…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201424%38%37%1%406
200720%33%47%< 1%397
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201463%19%4%14%< 1%406
200756%19%7%17%2%397
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who attend prayer group…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201427%13%8%52%< 1%406
200723%10%7%59%2%397
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who meditate…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201440%8%3%48%1%406
200733%7%4%53%3%397
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain 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
201459%14%9%15%3%406
200750%12%12%22%3%397
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain 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
201444%12%9%33%2%406
200734%12%11%38%5%397
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201440%6%44%7%2%406
200729%4%57%4%5%397
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who say…

Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201432%64%1%3%406
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who read scripture…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201441%15%5%38%1%406
200735%13%7%43%2%397
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who …in heaven

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201488%8%4%406
200787%8%5%397
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201471%26%4%406
200775%18%7%397
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who identify as…

Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201426%31%43%406
200728%28%44%397
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who are…

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201436%27%23%14%406
200733%34%18%15%397
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who would rather have…

Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201433%62%1%4%406
200724%67%3%5%397
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who say government aid to the poor…

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201441%53%5%2%406
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who say abortion should be…

Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201435%60%6%406
200737%57%6%397
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who say homosexuality…

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201450%41%3%5%406
200745%45%3%7%397
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who …same-sex marriage

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201438%52%10%406
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain 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
201446%47%1%6%406
200737%52%4%7%397
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain 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
201420%26%2%48%5%406
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.