Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201479%16%3%2%1%19,336
200778%18%2%1%1%21,138
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: Very important, Somewhat important, Not too important, Not at all important

Importance of religion in one's life among adults who pray daily by religious group

% of adults who pray daily who say religion is…

Religious traditionVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Buddhist51%35%4%8%3%110
Catholic76%21%2%< 1%< 1%4,335
Evangelical Protestant88%10%1%1%1%6,852
Hindu34%59%3%4%< 1%102
Historically Black Protestant89%9%1%1%< 1%1,538
Jehovah's Witness94%6%< 1%< 1%1%221
Jewish75%19%4%1%< 1%213
Mainline Protestant76%20%2%1%1%3,342
Mormon91%8%1%< 1%< 1%571
Muslim80%15%2%2%1%164
Orthodox Christian74%23%3%< 1%< 1%100
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")44%31%13%11%2%1,333
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: Very important, Somewhat important, Not too important, Not at all important

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who pray daily by importance of religion

% of adults who pray daily who are ages…

Importance of religion in one's life18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Very important15%33%30%22%15,037
Somewhat important22%37%26%15%2,921
Not too important20%40%28%12%470
Not at all important20%38%26%16%339
Don't know7%33%32%28%127
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Generational cohort among adults who pray daily by importance of religion

% of adults who pray daily who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Very important9%11%27%35%15%2%15,037
Somewhat important13%15%31%31%9%1%2,921
Not too important10%16%33%31%8%1%470
Not at all important10%16%32%32%10%< 1%339
Don't know2%7%31%39%19%1%127
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Gender composition among adults who pray daily by importance of religion

% of adults who pray daily who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeMenWomenSample size
Very important40%60%15,407
Somewhat important43%57%2,966
Not too important41%59%479
Not at all important50%50%350
Don't know43%57%134
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Racial and ethnic composition among adults who pray daily by importance of religion

% of adults who pray daily who identify as…

Importance of religion in one's lifeWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Very important62%17%2%15%4%15,185
Somewhat important64%10%5%16%4%2,929
Not too important64%9%5%16%6%472
Not at all important61%12%3%18%6%330
Don't know65%9%3%16%6%123
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Immigrant status among adults who pray daily by importance of religion

% of adults who pray daily who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Very important15%8%77%15,207
Somewhat important15%12%73%2,927
Not too important16%13%71%469
Not at all important13%15%72%341
Don't know17%9%74%129
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Income distribution among adults who pray daily by importance of religion

% of adults who pray daily who have a household income of…

Importance of religion in one's lifeLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Very important38%21%26%15%13,147
Somewhat important37%19%26%18%2,641
Not too important38%20%29%13%421
Not at all important32%27%21%20%305
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Educational distribution among adults who pray daily by importance of religion

% of adults who pray daily who have completed…

Importance of religion in one's lifeHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Very important43%32%15%9%15,323
Somewhat important42%31%17%10%2,950
Not too important38%32%17%13%475
Not at all important37%38%14%10%344
Don't know38%36%17%9%129
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Marital status among adults who pray daily by importance of religion

% of adults who pray daily who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Very important54%5%14%9%18%15,336
Somewhat important45%10%14%6%24%2,959
Not too important40%8%17%5%30%476
Not at all important33%11%21%5%31%343
Don't know54%3%18%9%15%129
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Parent of children under 18 among adults who pray daily by importance of religion

% of adults who pray daily who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeParentsNon-parentsSample size
Very important31%69%15,348
Somewhat important31%69%2,959
Not too important25%75%477
Not at all important22%78%347
Don't know22%78%132
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among adults who pray daily by importance of religion

% of adults who pray daily who say they…

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieve 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
Very important90%8%1%1%< 1%< 1%15,407
Somewhat important65%28%4%1%1%1%2,966
Not too important52%35%8%< 1%2%3%479
Not at all important66%19%8%< 1%5%2%350
Don't know77%12%2%7%1%2%134
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Attendance at religious services among adults who pray daily by importance of religion

% of adults who pray daily who attend religious services…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important64%26%10%< 1%15,407
Somewhat important19%54%27%< 1%2,966
Not too important5%39%56%1%479
Not at all important13%19%67%< 1%350
Don't know44%16%33%7%134
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among adults who pray daily by importance of religion

% of adults who pray daily who attend prayer group…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important47%13%10%30%1%15,407
Somewhat important11%12%11%66%< 1%2,966
Not too important7%5%8%79%1%479
Not at all important20%3%6%69%1%350
Don't know31%9%10%44%6%134
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of meditation among adults who pray daily by importance of religion

% of adults who pray daily who meditate…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important58%7%3%30%2%15,407
Somewhat important41%8%5%46%1%2,966
Not too important49%8%3%37%2%479
Not at all important67%5%4%22%3%350
Don't know73%3%2%13%9%134
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among adults who pray daily by importance of religion

% of adults who pray daily who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important81%10%4%4%1%15,407
Somewhat important55%20%11%12%1%2,966
Not too important57%12%12%17%2%479
Not at all important73%9%6%11%1%350
Don't know82%8%1%4%4%134
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among adults who pray daily by importance of religion

% of adults who pray daily who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important52%15%10%21%2%15,407
Somewhat important44%16%13%26%1%2,966
Not too important56%12%12%19%1%479
Not at all important66%7%9%18%1%350
Don't know55%13%5%14%13%134
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among adults who pray daily by importance of religion

% of adults who pray daily who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Importance of religion in one's lifeReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Very important59%5%29%4%3%15,407
Somewhat important19%12%59%8%2%2,966
Not too important10%19%58%12%1%479
Not at all important10%21%52%13%4%350
Don't know36%4%36%3%21%134
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among adults who pray daily by importance of religion

% of adults who pray daily who say…

Importance of religion in one's lifeThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important44%53%2%1%15,407
Somewhat important28%70%1%1%2,966
Not too important22%74%3%1%479
Not at all important26%69%2%3%350
Don't know31%61%2%6%134
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of reading scripture among adults who pray daily by importance of religion

% of adults who pray daily who read scripture…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important65%12%6%16%1%15,407
Somewhat important25%15%13%47%1%2,966
Not too important20%13%8%59%< 1%479
Not at all important33%6%4%54%3%350
Don't know51%6%8%29%7%134
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Interpreting scripture among adults who pray daily by importance of religion

% of adults who pray daily who say the holy scripture is…

Importance of religion in one's lifeWord 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
Very important52%30%4%8%6%15,407
Somewhat important20%36%3%33%9%2,966
Not too important13%21%1%54%11%479
Not at all important15%16%2%56%11%350
Don't know24%19%10%30%17%134
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Heaven among adults who pray daily by importance of religion

% of adults who pray daily who …in heaven

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Very important89%6%6%15,407
Somewhat important81%12%7%2,966
Not too important63%28%8%479
Not at all important50%38%12%350
Don't know63%15%22%134
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Hell among adults who pray daily by importance of religion

% of adults who pray daily who …in hell

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Very important76%16%8%15,407
Somewhat important61%31%7%2,966
Not too important39%53%8%479
Not at all important36%53%11%350
Don't know41%41%19%134
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among adults who pray daily by importance of religion

% of adults who pray daily who identify as…

Importance of religion in one's lifeRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Very important45%17%38%15,407
Somewhat important35%18%47%2,966
Not too important31%21%49%479
Not at all important25%29%47%350
Don't know23%34%43%134
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Political ideology among adults who pray daily by importance of religion

% of adults who pray daily who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Very important49%28%15%7%15,407
Somewhat important31%38%25%6%2,966
Not too important24%35%33%8%479
Not at all important24%31%38%7%350
Don't know34%24%25%17%134
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about size of government among adults who pray daily by importance of religion

% of adults who pray daily who would rather have…

Importance of religion in one's lifeSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Very important54%39%3%4%15,407
Somewhat important49%45%3%3%2,966
Not too important47%43%5%5%479
Not at all important51%36%5%8%350
Don't know49%35%5%12%134
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 adults who pray daily by importance of religion

% of adults who pray daily who say government aid to the poor…

Importance of religion in one's lifeDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important48%45%4%2%15,407
Somewhat important43%52%4%2%2,966
Not too important39%56%4%1%479
Not at all important36%51%8%5%350
Don't know26%43%15%15%134
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about abortion among adults who pray daily by importance of religion

% of adults who pray daily who say abortion should be…

Importance of religion in one's lifeLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Very important35%61%5%15,407
Somewhat important63%33%4%2,966
Not too important71%25%4%479
Not at all important62%32%6%350
Don't know43%39%18%134
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about homosexuality among adults who pray daily by importance of religion

% of adults who pray daily who say homosexuality…

Importance of religion in one's lifeShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important43%48%5%4%15,407
Somewhat important73%20%4%3%2,966
Not too important75%19%2%4%479
Not at all important71%21%6%2%350
Don't know50%26%14%10%134
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about same-sex marriage among adults who pray daily by importance of religion

% of adults who pray daily who …same-sex marriage

Importance of religion in one's lifeStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Very important33%59%8%15,407
Somewhat important63%28%9%2,966
Not too important70%22%8%479
Not at all important64%26%10%350
Don't know42%41%17%134
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about environmental regulation among adults who pray daily by importance of religion

% of adults who pray daily who say…

Importance of religion in one's lifeStricter 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
Very important44%50%3%4%15,407
Somewhat important35%59%2%4%2,966
Not too important36%61%1%2%479
Not at all important29%63%4%4%350
Don't know28%45%11%17%134
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about human evolution among adults who pray daily by importance of religion

% of adults who pray daily who say humans…

Importance of religion in one's lifeEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Very important12%28%3%52%6%15,407
Somewhat important30%33%5%28%4%2,966
Not too important43%24%6%23%4%479
Not at all important38%22%5%32%4%350
Don't know19%16%12%34%20%134
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.