DemographicInformation

Age distribution among the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture at least once a week

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture at least once a week who are ages…

Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201427%46%20%7%171
200721%51%21%7%103
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture at least once a week

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture at least once a week who are…

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
201413%25%35%22%4%1%171
2007< 1%18%41%31%8%2%103
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture at least once a week

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture at least once a week who are…

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201454%46%181
200758%42%107
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture at least once a week

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture at least once a week who identify as…

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201443%18%7%24%9%173
200738%15%4%37%6%104
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture at least once a week

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture at least once a week who are…

Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
201430%7%63%169
200735%11%54%101
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture at least once a week

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture at least once a week who have a household income of…

Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201453%25%15%6%140
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture at least once a week

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture at least once a week who have completed…

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201454%29%12%5%180
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture at least once a week

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture at least once a week who are…

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201428%7%17%6%42%180
200751%9%12%4%24%107
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture at least once a week

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture at least once a week who are…

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201434%66%181
200738%62%107
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture at least once a week

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture at least once a week 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
201479%11%3%1%4%2%181
200768%20%2%1%3%7%107
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture at least once a week

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture at least once a week who say religion is…

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201456%19%9%11%4%181
200755%27%7%9%2%107
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture at least once a week

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture at least once a week who attend religious services…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201427%37%35%1%181
200734%26%39%1%107
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture at least once a week

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture at least once a week who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201469%12%6%11%2%181
200763%12%4%17%4%107
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture at least once a week

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture at least once a week who attend prayer group…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201432%14%9%43%2%181
200733%7%2%50%7%107
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture at least once a week

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture at least once a week who meditate…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201460%5%< 1%33%2%181
200766%7%< 1%25%2%107
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture at least once a week

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture at least once a week 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
201475%10%5%6%5%181
200765%10%10%12%3%107
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture at least once a week

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture at least once a week 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
201461%13%6%18%2%181
200753%11%10%19%6%107
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture at least once a week

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture at least once a week who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201432%9%49%5%6%181
200724%12%49%9%7%107
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture at least once a week

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture at least once a week who say…

Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201431%59%7%3%181
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture at least once a week

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture at least once a week 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
201437%22%7%22%12%181
200741%24%2%20%13%107
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture at least once a week

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture at least once a week who …in heaven

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201469%19%13%181
200764%22%14%107
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture at least once a week

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture at least once a week who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201452%38%11%181
200750%36%14%107
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

Political ideology among the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture at least once a week

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture at least once a week who are…

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201424%20%26%31%181
200724%31%18%27%107
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture at least once a week

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture at least once a week who would rather have…

Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201442%46%5%7%181
200740%40%6%14%107
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture at least once a week

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture at least once a week who say government aid to the poor…

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201439%49%7%5%181
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture at least once a week

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture at least once a week who say abortion should be…

Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201431%61%8%181
200746%40%14%107
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture at least once a week

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture at least once a week who say homosexuality…

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201459%28%8%5%181
200744%36%4%16%107
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture at least once a week

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture at least once a week who …same-sex marriage

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201446%35%19%181
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture at least once a week

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture at least once a week 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
201435%50%5%10%181
200732%53%5%10%107
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture at least once a week

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture at least once a week 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
201414%25%8%46%7%181
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.