DemographicInformation

Age distribution among the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who are ages…

Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201414%41%31%14%195
200715%50%23%12%142
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 adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who are…

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
20148%16%31%35%9%1%195
2007< 1%10%37%37%11%5%142
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 adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who are…

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201458%42%196
200763%37%145
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 adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who identify as…

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201472%18%1%9%1%193
200762%15%1%13%8%143
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 adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who are…

Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
20149%4%87%189
200711%1%87%145
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 adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who have a household income of…

Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201441%31%15%12%167
200747%21%22%10%119
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 adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who have completed…

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201461%27%9%2%195
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 adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who are…

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201440%8%13%10%29%195
200752%7%18%5%19%144
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 adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who are…

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201423%77%196
200736%64%145
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 adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who say they…

Survey yearBelieve in God; absolutely certainBelieve in God; fairly certainBelieve in God; not too/not at all certainBelieve in God; don't knowDo not believe in GodOther/don't know if they believe in GodSample size
201479%15%4%< 1%1%1%196
200773%21%1%< 1%1%4%145
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Importance of religion in one's life among the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who say religion is…

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201447%34%10%7%2%196
200748%33%11%8%1%145
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 adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who attend religious services…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201425%33%42%< 1%196
200721%29%48%2%145
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 adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201457%15%8%21%< 1%196
200749%15%9%22%4%145
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 adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who attend prayer group…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201428%9%9%55%< 1%196
200725%8%4%61%2%145
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 adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who meditate…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201435%8%4%52%1%196
200734%8%3%49%5%145
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 adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally 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
201455%11%10%22%2%196
200746%10%12%29%3%145
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 adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally 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
201444%13%8%34%< 1%196
200730%11%11%38%10%145
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201434%4%55%6%2%196
200730%6%54%5%5%145
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 adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who say…

Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201436%60%2%3%196
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 adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who read scripture…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201439%13%7%41%1%196
200734%11%9%43%2%145
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 adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who …in heaven

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201485%10%5%196
200782%9%8%145
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 adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201465%30%5%196
200771%21%8%145
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 adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who identify as…

Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201440%28%31%196
200732%37%32%145
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 adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who are…

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201441%31%18%10%196
200742%30%13%15%145
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 adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who say government aid to the poor…

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201460%33%5%2%196
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 adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who say abortion should be…

Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201439%58%4%196
200736%57%7%145
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 adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who say homosexuality…

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201438%51%3%8%196
200730%60%5%5%145
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 adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who …same-sex marriage

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201427%61%11%196
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 adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally 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
201458%38%1%4%196
200736%51%5%8%145
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 adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally 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
201416%28%3%46%7%196
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.