Religious composition of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is somewhat important

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is somewhat important

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is somewhat important who are ages…

Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201428%39%23%10%1,341
200725%44%20%11%1,398
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is somewhat important

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is somewhat important who are…

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
201416%20%31%27%6%1%1,341
2007< 1%19%37%31%12%2%1,398
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is somewhat important

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is somewhat important who are…

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201451%49%1,399
200753%47%1,480
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is somewhat important

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is somewhat important who identify as…

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201462%4%5%22%6%1,361
200769%5%3%18%4%1,441
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is somewhat important

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is somewhat important who are…

Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
201420%10%69%1,356
200717%8%74%1,440
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is somewhat important

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is somewhat 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
201446%19%22%12%1,129
200740%23%26%12%1,066
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is somewhat important

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is somewhat important who have completed…

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201450%32%12%7%1,380
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is somewhat important

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is somewhat important who are…

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201442%13%15%4%26%1,382
200750%10%13%6%21%1,459
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is somewhat important

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is somewhat important who are…

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201433%67%1,392
200738%62%1,467
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is somewhat important

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is somewhat 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
201452%34%7%2%3%2%1,399
200757%30%4%1%3%4%1,480
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is somewhat important

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is somewhat important who attend religious services…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201412%48%39%1%1,399
200716%47%35%1%1,480
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is somewhat important

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is somewhat important who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201436%24%12%26%1%1,399
200737%26%10%24%3%1,480
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is somewhat important

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is somewhat important who attend prayer group…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20147%8%9%75%1%1,399
20078%6%6%79%2%1,480
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is somewhat important

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is somewhat important who meditate…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201428%9%6%56%1%1,399
200726%8%4%59%4%1,480
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is somewhat important

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is somewhat 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
201443%19%13%23%2%1,399
200731%16%18%30%5%1,480
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is somewhat important

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is somewhat 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
201437%16%14%31%1%1,399
200729%12%17%38%5%1,480
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is somewhat important

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is somewhat important who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201414%11%62%10%3%1,399
20079%9%68%7%6%1,480
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is somewhat important

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is somewhat 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
201424%73%1%2%1,399
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is somewhat important

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is somewhat important who read scripture…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201414%11%11%64%1%1,399
200712%10%9%66%2%1,480
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is somewhat important

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is somewhat 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
201417%30%3%36%14%1,399
200718%29%4%32%17%1,480
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is somewhat important

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is somewhat important who …in heaven

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201472%17%11%1,399
200768%18%14%1,480
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is somewhat important

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is somewhat important who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201454%35%12%1,399
200752%32%16%1,480
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is somewhat important

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is somewhat important who are…

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201422%38%23%17%1,399
200720%39%21%19%1,480
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is somewhat important

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is somewhat important who would rather have…

Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201449%41%4%6%1,399
200737%48%7%9%1,480
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is somewhat important

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is somewhat important who say government aid to the poor…

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201443%48%6%3%1,399
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is somewhat important

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is somewhat important who say abortion should be…

Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201461%32%7%1,399
200759%31%10%1,480
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is somewhat important

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is somewhat important who say homosexuality…

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201473%16%5%6%1,399
200759%26%7%9%1,480
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is somewhat important

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is somewhat important who …same-sex marriage

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201464%23%13%1,399
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is somewhat important

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is somewhat 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
201434%56%3%6%1,399
200729%57%5%9%1,480
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is somewhat important

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is somewhat 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
201434%26%8%25%6%1,399
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.