Importance of religion in one's life among non-parents

% of non-parents who say religion is…

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201452%24%11%12%1%26,567
200756%26%10%8%1%24,726
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 non-parents by religious group

% of non-parents who say religion is…

Religious traditionVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Buddhist32%39%16%10%3%217
Catholic56%32%9%3%< 1%5,411
Evangelical Protestant79%17%2%1%1%6,385
Hindu23%51%19%6%1%115
Historically Black Protestant86%12%1%1%< 1%1,421
Jehovah's Witness92%6%1%< 1%1%182
Jewish30%37%23%10%< 1%661
Mainline Protestant54%34%10%2%1%4,844
Mormon84%13%2%2%< 1%419
Muslim62%27%8%2%1%147
Orthodox Christian48%35%12%4%< 1%137
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")11%21%26%41%1%5,788
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 non-parents by importance of religion

% of non-parents who are ages…

Importance of religion in one's life18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Very important17%17%35%30%13,686
Somewhat important28%21%31%19%6,076
Not too important37%24%24%15%2,919
Not at all important36%26%22%16%3,130
Don't know13%23%31%33%210
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 non-parents by importance of religion

% of non-parents who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Very important12%7%15%43%20%2%13,686
Somewhat important20%13%17%37%12%1%6,076
Not too important25%18%18%29%9%1%2,919
Not at all important25%18%19%28%9%1%3,130
Don't know8%10%18%41%21%2%210
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 non-parents by importance of religion

% of non-parents who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeMenWomenSample size
Very important44%56%14,029
Somewhat important54%46%6,178
Not too important57%43%2,951
Not at all important65%35%3,179
Don't know55%45%230
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 non-parents by importance of religion

% of non-parents who identify as…

Importance of religion in one's lifeWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Very important65%16%2%13%4%13,808
Somewhat important71%7%5%13%4%6,106
Not too important75%5%7%9%4%2,915
Not at all important77%4%5%10%3%3,127
Don't know72%8%2%14%5%208
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 non-parents by importance of religion

% of non-parents who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Very important13%9%79%13,837
Somewhat important12%13%75%6,103
Not too important12%14%75%2,918
Not at all important11%15%74%3,140
Don't know13%14%74%219
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 non-parents by importance of religion

% of non-parents 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 important40%22%25%14%11,687
Somewhat important34%21%27%18%5,412
Not too important28%22%29%22%2,609
Not at all important27%20%28%24%2,847
Don't know47%18%26%9%154
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 non-parents by importance of religion

% of non-parents who have completed…

Importance of religion in one's lifeHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Very important47%31%13%9%13,946
Somewhat important43%31%16%9%6,151
Not too important33%33%21%13%2,940
Not at all important32%31%22%14%3,166
Don't know37%38%16%9%218
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 non-parents by importance of religion

% of non-parents who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Very important46%4%15%11%24%13,957
Somewhat important37%9%13%7%34%6,156
Not too important34%9%10%4%43%2,937
Not at all important30%11%12%4%43%3,165
Don't know40%6%18%11%25%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.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among non-parents by importance of religion

% of non-parents 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 important88%9%1%1%1%< 1%14,029
Somewhat important51%37%7%1%3%2%6,178
Not too important18%34%20%1%21%7%2,951
Not at all important13%12%11%1%57%7%3,179
Don't know53%16%4%8%8%12%230
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 non-parents by importance of religion

% of non-parents 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 important60%28%12%1%14,029
Somewhat important13%53%33%< 1%6,178
Not too important3%34%63%< 1%2,951
Not at all important2%10%88%< 1%3,179
Don't know22%19%44%15%230
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 non-parents by importance of religion

% of non-parents who pray…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important81%13%2%3%1%14,029
Somewhat important36%28%12%23%1%6,178
Not too important13%11%10%65%< 1%2,951
Not at all important9%4%4%83%< 1%3,179
Don't know48%10%5%19%18%230
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 non-parents by importance of religion

% of non-parents 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 important41%12%10%36%1%14,029
Somewhat important7%7%9%77%< 1%6,178
Not too important2%2%3%93%< 1%2,951
Not at all important2%1%1%95%< 1%3,179
Don't know13%7%7%57%16%230
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 non-parents by importance of religion

% of non-parents 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 important55%7%3%32%3%14,029
Somewhat important28%11%6%54%1%6,178
Not too important21%10%6%62%1%2,951
Not at all important23%8%5%63%1%3,179
Don't know50%8%2%25%15%230
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 non-parents by importance of religion

% of non-parents 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 important77%10%5%6%1%14,029
Somewhat important42%21%15%20%1%6,178
Not too important31%17%16%35%1%2,951
Not at all important34%14%9%40%2%3,179
Don't know60%9%6%11%13%230
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 non-parents by importance of religion

% of non-parents 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 important51%15%10%22%2%14,029
Somewhat important40%17%15%27%1%6,178
Not too important42%17%15%24%1%2,951
Not at all important48%14%12%24%1%3,179
Don't know46%12%6%19%17%230
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 non-parents by importance of religion

% of non-parents 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 important55%6%32%4%3%14,029
Somewhat important14%14%61%10%2%6,178
Not too important4%20%61%15%1%2,951
Not at all important2%20%54%23%2%3,179
Don't know19%11%43%5%23%230
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 non-parents by importance of religion

% of non-parents 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 important42%55%2%1%14,029
Somewhat important26%72%1%1%6,178
Not too important20%78%2%< 1%2,951
Not at all important18%80%1%1%3,179
Don't know23%69%2%7%230
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 non-parents by importance of religion

% of non-parents 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 important58%12%7%21%1%14,029
Somewhat important13%11%13%62%1%6,178
Not too important4%4%6%85%< 1%2,951
Not at all important4%2%3%90%< 1%3,179
Don't know25%6%9%44%16%230
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 non-parents by importance of religion

% of non-parents 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 important49%30%4%11%7%14,029
Somewhat important15%34%2%41%9%6,178
Not too important5%13%< 1%75%7%2,951
Not at all important3%4%< 1%88%5%3,179
Don't know15%14%6%36%28%230
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 non-parents by importance of religion

% of non-parents who …in heaven

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Very important88%7%6%14,029
Somewhat important75%17%8%6,178
Not too important40%48%12%2,951
Not at all important16%77%8%3,179
Don't know47%20%33%230
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 non-parents by importance of religion

% of non-parents who …in hell

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Very important73%18%8%14,029
Somewhat important54%37%9%6,178
Not too important28%63%9%2,951
Not at all important11%83%6%3,179
Don't know31%38%31%230
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 non-parents by importance of religion

% of non-parents who identify as…

Importance of religion in one's lifeRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Very important43%17%40%14,029
Somewhat important35%18%47%6,178
Not too important30%17%53%2,951
Not at all important20%19%61%3,179
Don't know25%36%39%230
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 non-parents by importance of religion

% of non-parents who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Very important47%30%17%7%14,029
Somewhat important29%39%26%5%6,178
Not too important20%39%36%6%2,951
Not at all important14%31%48%7%3,179
Don't know28%23%27%22%230
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 non-parents by importance of religion

% of non-parents 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%14,029
Somewhat important53%40%3%4%6,178
Not too important51%42%3%3%2,951
Not at all important46%46%3%4%3,179
Don't know42%30%9%19%230
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 non-parents by importance of religion

% of non-parents 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 important47%46%4%3%14,029
Somewhat important44%51%3%2%6,178
Not too important38%56%4%2%2,951
Not at all important33%62%4%2%3,179
Don't know30%39%13%18%230
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 non-parents by importance of religion

% of non-parents who say abortion should be…

Importance of religion in one's lifeLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Very important38%57%5%14,029
Somewhat important65%30%4%6,178
Not too important80%17%3%2,951
Not at all important83%14%3%3,179
Don't know51%24%25%230
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 non-parents by importance of religion

% of non-parents who say homosexuality…

Importance of religion in one's lifeShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important45%46%5%4%14,029
Somewhat important75%19%4%3%6,178
Not too important84%12%2%2%2,951
Not at all important87%8%3%2%3,179
Don't know54%21%7%18%230
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 non-parents by importance of religion

% of non-parents who …same-sex marriage

Importance of religion in one's lifeStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Very important35%56%9%14,029
Somewhat important66%26%8%6,178
Not too important80%16%5%2,951
Not at all important84%11%5%3,179
Don't know45%26%28%230
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 non-parents by importance of religion

% of non-parents 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 important43%50%3%4%14,029
Somewhat important37%58%2%3%6,178
Not too important29%67%2%2%2,951
Not at all important23%73%2%2%3,179
Don't know31%45%8%16%230
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 non-parents by importance of religion

% of non-parents 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 important13%28%4%49%6%14,029
Somewhat important39%30%5%23%3%6,178
Not too important67%13%6%11%2%2,951
Not at all important77%8%3%9%2%3,179
Don't know32%15%14%22%16%230
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.