Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201414%32%47%7%3,966
200717%33%43%8%2,468
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: Conservative, Moderate, Liberal

Political ideology among adults who say religion is not at all important by religious group

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who are…

Religious traditionConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Catholic25%30%39%6%160
Mainline Protestant23%36%36%5%136
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")13%32%48%7%3,232
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: Conservative, Moderate, Liberal

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who say religion is not at all important by political ideology

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who are ages…

Political ideology18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Conservative28%34%21%18%530
Moderate31%39%19%11%1,210
Liberal34%35%19%12%1,953
Don't know36%39%14%11%211
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 say religion is not at all important by political ideology

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who are…

Political ideologyYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Conservative20%14%27%26%12%1%530
Moderate22%19%29%23%7%< 1%1,210
Liberal20%22%27%24%7%1%1,953
Don't know24%22%29%18%7%1%211
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 say religion is not at all important by political ideology

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who are…

Political ideologyMenWomenSample size
Conservative75%25%537
Moderate69%31%1,224
Liberal55%45%1,977
Don't know64%36%228
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 say religion is not at all important by political ideology

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who identify as…

Political ideologyWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Conservative76%5%5%11%3%528
Moderate77%4%5%11%4%1,198
Liberal77%4%5%10%3%1,958
Don't know73%9%3%11%4%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.

Immigrant status among adults who say religion is not at all important by political ideology

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who are…

Political ideologyImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Conservative10%11%78%530
Moderate12%12%76%1,210
Liberal13%15%73%1,956
Don't know12%11%77%220
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 say religion is not at all important by political ideology

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who have a household income of…

Political ideologyLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Conservative30%18%28%24%476
Moderate23%21%30%27%1,115
Liberal25%17%29%29%1,824
Don't know46%22%18%13%174
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 say religion is not at all important by political ideology

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who have completed…

Political ideologyHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Conservative46%29%16%9%537
Moderate32%34%21%13%1,221
Liberal23%30%26%20%1,970
Don't know59%29%8%5%222
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 say religion is not at all important by political ideology

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who are…

Political ideologyMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Conservative41%9%15%4%31%531
Moderate40%10%11%3%37%1,223
Liberal37%14%12%3%35%1,968
Don't know31%9%9%5%46%227
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 say religion is not at all important by political ideology

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who are…

Political ideologyParentsNon-parentsSample size
Conservative22%78%532
Moderate24%76%1,218
Liberal21%79%1,974
Don't know27%73%226
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 say religion is not at all important by political ideology

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who say they…

Political ideologyBelieve 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
Conservative21%11%11%1%48%7%537
Moderate14%12%13%1%52%8%1,224
Liberal10%13%9%< 1%62%6%1,977
Don't know18%11%9%1%50%11%228
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 say religion is not at all important by political ideology

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who attend religious services…

Political ideologyAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Conservative4%11%85%< 1%537
Moderate2%12%86%< 1%1,224
Liberal1%8%90%< 1%1,977
Don't know1%11%85%2%228
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 adults who say religion is not at all important by political ideology

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who pray…

Political ideologyAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Conservative15%3%3%79%1%537
Moderate9%4%3%84%< 1%1,224
Liberal7%4%4%85%< 1%1,977
Don't know9%10%2%78%2%228
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 say religion is not at all important by political ideology

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who attend prayer group…

Political ideologyAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Conservative4%1%3%92%< 1%537
Moderate2%< 1%1%97%< 1%1,224
Liberal2%1%1%96%< 1%1,977
Don't know2%2%2%92%1%228
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 say religion is not at all important by political ideology

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who meditate…

Political ideologyAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Conservative23%7%2%66%1%537
Moderate22%7%4%66%< 1%1,224
Liberal26%9%6%59%1%1,977
Don't know22%6%4%68%1%228
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 say religion is not at all important by political ideology

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Political ideologyAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Conservative34%11%7%46%2%537
Moderate37%12%10%39%2%1,224
Liberal37%17%9%36%2%1,977
Don't know31%8%5%49%6%228
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 say religion is not at all important by political ideology

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Political ideologyAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Conservative42%14%11%32%1%537
Moderate45%15%15%25%1%1,224
Liberal52%16%12%19%< 1%1,977
Don't know39%9%8%42%2%228
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 say religion is not at all important by political ideology

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Political ideologyReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Conservative5%12%64%18%1%537
Moderate1%17%57%23%1%1,224
Liberal2%23%47%26%2%1,977
Don't know2%8%70%12%8%228
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 say religion is not at all important by political ideology

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who say…

Political ideologyThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Conservative28%70%1%2%537
Moderate21%78%1%< 1%1,224
Liberal13%86%1%1%1,977
Don't know19%77%4%< 1%228
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 say religion is not at all important by political ideology

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who read scripture…

Political ideologyAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Conservative11%2%4%83%1%537
Moderate4%3%3%90%< 1%1,224
Liberal3%3%4%90%< 1%1,977
Don't know4%3%1%91%1%228
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 say religion is not at all important by political ideology

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who say the holy scripture is…

Political ideologyWord 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
Conservative6%7%1%81%6%537
Moderate3%4%< 1%88%5%1,224
Liberal2%3%< 1%92%3%1,977
Don't know5%6%< 1%76%13%228
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 say religion is not at all important by political ideology

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who …in heaven

Political ideologyBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Conservative24%66%10%537
Moderate20%73%7%1,224
Liberal12%84%5%1,977
Don't know22%61%16%228
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 say religion is not at all important by political ideology

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who …in hell

Political ideologyBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Conservative18%73%8%537
Moderate12%81%6%1,224
Liberal9%88%4%1,977
Don't know15%70%15%228
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 say religion is not at all important by political ideology

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who identify as…

Political ideologyRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Conservative61%19%20%537
Moderate28%22%50%1,224
Liberal5%11%84%1,977
Don't know9%67%24%228
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 say religion is not at all important by political ideology

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who would rather have…

Political ideologySmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Conservative76%20%3%1%537
Moderate61%33%4%3%1,224
Liberal28%65%4%4%1,977
Don't know50%34%5%11%228
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 say religion is not at all important by political ideology

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who say government aid to the poor…

Political ideologyDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Conservative67%28%3%2%537
Moderate41%53%5%2%1,224
Liberal16%80%2%1%1,977
Don't know44%45%8%3%228
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 say religion is not at all important by political ideology

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who say abortion should be…

Political ideologyLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Conservative68%28%4%537
Moderate80%17%3%1,224
Liberal90%8%2%1,977
Don't know67%25%8%228
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 say religion is not at all important by political ideology

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who say homosexuality…

Political ideologyShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Conservative71%21%5%2%537
Moderate88%8%3%1%1,224
Liberal94%4%1%1%1,977
Don't know74%14%6%5%228
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 say religion is not at all important by political ideology

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who …same-sex marriage

Political ideologyStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Conservative65%28%8%537
Moderate85%11%4%1,224
Liberal92%5%3%1,977
Don't know68%15%16%228
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 say religion is not at all important by political ideology

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who say…

Political ideologyStricter 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
Conservative51%43%3%3%537
Moderate27%68%3%2%1,224
Liberal11%87%1%1%1,977
Don't know33%57%4%6%228
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 say religion is not at all important by political ideology

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who say humans…

Political ideologyEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Conservative67%8%2%19%4%537
Moderate77%9%3%9%1%1,224
Liberal84%7%2%6%1%1,977
Don't know53%10%10%16%11%228
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.