DemographicInformation

Age distribution among the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is not at all important

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is not at all important who are ages…

Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201431%38%19%12%1,656
200728%38%23%12%1,085
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is not at all important

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is not at all important who are…

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
201420%21%29%23%7%1%1,656
2007< 1%22%31%33%12%2%1,085
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is not at all important

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is not at all important who are…

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201460%40%1,670
200763%37%1,097
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is not at all important

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is not at all important who identify as…

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201479%5%4%9%4%1,647
200786%4%2%5%4%1,082
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is not at all important

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is not at all important who are…

Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
20148%11%80%1,650
20078%9%83%1,086
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is not at all important

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is not at all important who have a household income of…

Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201428%20%28%25%1,515
200723%23%33%21%946
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is not at all important

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is not at all important who have completed…

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201438%31%19%11%1,668
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is not at all important

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is not at all important who are…

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201438%12%11%3%36%1,667
200746%11%11%5%28%1,093
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is not at all important

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is not at all important who are…

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201423%77%1,665
200727%73%1,094
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is not at all important

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is not at all important 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
201412%12%10%1%57%8%1,670
200715%17%11%< 1%48%9%1,097
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is not at all important

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is not at all important who attend religious services…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20141%7%92%< 1%1,670
2007< 1%6%94%< 1%1,097
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is not at all important

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is not at all important who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20145%4%4%87%< 1%1,670
20076%4%5%84%< 1%1,097
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is not at all important

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is not at all important who attend prayer group…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20141%< 1%1%98%< 1%1,670
2007< 1%1%< 1%98%< 1%1,097
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is not at all important

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is not at all important who meditate…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201421%7%5%67%1%1,670
200719%6%4%70%1%1,097
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is not at all important

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is not at all important 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
201433%13%8%44%2%1,670
200729%9%9%49%5%1,097
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is not at all important

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is not at all important 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
201443%15%13%29%1%1,670
200734%12%15%37%2%1,097
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is not at all important

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is not at all important who say…

Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201417%81%1%1%1,670
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of reading scripture among the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is not at all important

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is not at all important who read scripture…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20142%2%3%93%< 1%1,670
20071%2%2%94%< 1%1,097
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is not at all important

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is not at all important 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
20142%3%< 1%90%5%1,670
20072%4%1%87%6%1,097
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is not at all important

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is not at all important who …in heaven

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201415%77%8%1,670
200717%73%10%1,097
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is not at all important

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is not at all important who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201410%83%7%1,670
200711%81%8%1,097
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is not at all important

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is not at all important who identify as…

Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201423%22%54%1,670
200721%24%55%1,097
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Political ideology among the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is not at all important

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is not at all important who are…

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201416%34%41%9%1,670
200719%34%41%6%1,097
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is not at all important

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is not at all important who would rather have…

Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201451%42%3%4%1,670
200748%41%4%6%1,097
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is not at all important

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is not at all important who say government aid to the poor…

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201439%56%3%2%1,670
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is not at all important

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is not at all important who say abortion should be…

Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201483%15%3%1,670
200781%15%4%1,097
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is not at all important

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is not at all important who say homosexuality…

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201488%8%2%2%1,670
200779%14%4%4%1,097
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is not at all important

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is not at all important who …same-sex marriage

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201485%10%5%1,670
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is not at all important

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is not at all important 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
201427%70%2%2%1,670
200723%72%3%3%1,097
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is not at all important

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is not at all important 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
201478%8%3%9%2%1,670
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.