Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201442%27%15%16%1%6,966
200746%30%13%10%1%4,995
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: Very important, Somewhat important, Not too important, Not at all important

Importance of religion in one's life among never married adults by religious group

% of never married adults who say religion is…

Religious traditionVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Catholic46%38%12%4%< 1%1,292
Evangelical Protestant72%24%3%1%< 1%1,214
Historically Black Protestant82%14%2%1%< 1%600
Jewish28%34%30%9%< 1%138
Mainline Protestant46%41%11%2%< 1%788
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")11%20%28%40%1%2,289
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: Very important, Somewhat important, Not too important, Not at all important

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among never married adults by importance of religion

% of never married adults who are ages…

Importance of religion in one's life18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Very important53%29%14%4%2,862
Somewhat important65%24%9%2%1,807
Not too important69%23%6%2%1,063
Not at all important66%26%6%2%1,106
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 never married adults by importance of religion

% of never married adults who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Very important39%21%22%16%2%< 1%2,862
Somewhat important49%24%16%11%1%< 1%1,807
Not too important52%26%15%7%1%< 1%1,063
Not at all important49%26%17%7%1%< 1%1,106
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 never married adults by importance of religion

% of never married adults who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeMenWomenSample size
Very important49%51%2,916
Somewhat important56%44%1,822
Not too important57%43%1,066
Not at all important67%33%1,113
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 never married adults by importance of religion

% of never married adults who identify as…

Importance of religion in one's lifeWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Very important42%30%4%19%6%2,872
Somewhat important55%12%6%21%5%1,799
Not too important64%9%10%14%4%1,059
Not at all important67%7%7%15%4%1,106
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 never married adults by importance of religion

% of never married adults who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Very important17%12%71%2,857
Somewhat important14%18%68%1,795
Not too important12%18%70%1,054
Not at all important12%19%70%1,090
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 never married adults by importance of religion

% of never married adults who have a household income of…

Importance of religion in one's lifeLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Very important52%20%20%8%2,506
Somewhat important43%21%22%13%1,606
Not too important37%24%23%16%943
Not at all important35%24%24%17%1,009
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 never married adults by importance of religion

% of never married adults who have completed…

Importance of religion in one's lifeHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Very important48%35%11%6%2,902
Somewhat important45%36%14%5%1,820
Not too important38%37%17%8%1,063
Not at all important41%34%17%7%1,110
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 never married adults by importance of religion

% of never married adults who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeParentsNon-parentsSample size
Very important18%82%2,912
Somewhat important12%88%1,819
Not too important8%92%1,066
Not at all important8%92%1,113
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 never married adults by importance of religion

% of never married adults who say they…

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieve in God; absolutely certainBelieve in God; fairly certainBelieve in God; not too/not at all certainBelieve in God; don't knowDo not believe in GodOther/don't know if they believe in GodSample size
Very important86%12%1%< 1%1%1%2,916
Somewhat important49%37%8%< 1%4%2%1,822
Not too important17%28%22%< 1%27%6%1,066
Not at all important12%11%12%1%58%7%1,113
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 never married adults by importance of religion

% of never married adults who attend religious services…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important54%33%12%< 1%2,916
Somewhat important14%56%29%1%1,822
Not too important3%35%62%< 1%1,066
Not at all important2%12%86%< 1%1,113
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 never married adults by importance of religion

% of never married adults who pray…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important75%17%3%4%1%2,916
Somewhat important32%29%12%26%1%1,822
Not too important11%12%9%68%< 1%1,066
Not at all important7%4%4%84%< 1%1,113
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 never married adults by importance of religion

% of never married adults who attend prayer group…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important37%15%11%36%1%2,916
Somewhat important7%11%10%72%< 1%1,822
Not too important2%2%4%92%< 1%1,066
Not at all important3%1%2%95%< 1%1,113
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 never married adults by importance of religion

% of never married adults who meditate…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important45%10%3%40%2%2,916
Somewhat important25%11%6%57%1%1,822
Not too important19%10%6%63%1%1,066
Not at all important21%8%4%66%1%1,113
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 never married adults by importance of religion

% of never married adults who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important70%14%7%7%1%2,916
Somewhat important40%24%16%19%1%1,822
Not too important30%20%16%33%1%1,066
Not at all important33%16%7%41%2%1,113
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 never married adults by importance of religion

% of never married adults who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important47%18%11%22%1%2,916
Somewhat important46%17%12%24%1%1,822
Not too important47%18%16%18%1%1,066
Not at all important48%17%11%24%1%1,113
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 never married adults by importance of religion

% of never married adults who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Importance of religion in one's lifeReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Very important50%8%33%6%3%2,916
Somewhat important12%17%57%12%2%1,822
Not too important4%21%57%16%1%1,066
Not at all important2%20%53%23%2%1,113
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 never married adults by importance of religion

% of never married adults who say…

Importance of religion in one's lifeThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important33%64%2%1%2,916
Somewhat important21%77%1%1%1,822
Not too important16%83%1%< 1%1,066
Not at all important16%82%1%1%1,113
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 never married adults by importance of religion

% of never married adults who read scripture…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important54%15%8%22%< 1%2,916
Somewhat important14%13%13%60%1%1,822
Not too important5%5%7%84%< 1%1,066
Not at all important5%4%3%88%< 1%1,113
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 never married adults by importance of religion

% of never married adults who say the holy scripture is…

Importance of religion in one's lifeWord of God; should be taken literallyWord of God; not everything taken literallyWord of God; other/don't knowNot the word of GodOther/don't knowSample size
Very important43%36%3%11%6%2,916
Somewhat important15%36%1%41%7%1,822
Not too important6%12%< 1%75%7%1,066
Not at all important5%4%< 1%87%4%1,113
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 never married adults by importance of religion

% of never married adults who …in heaven

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Very important89%6%4%2,916
Somewhat important78%15%7%1,822
Not too important43%47%10%1,066
Not at all important20%72%8%1,113
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 never married adults by importance of religion

% of never married adults who …in hell

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Very important77%17%6%2,916
Somewhat important61%32%7%1,822
Not too important30%61%9%1,066
Not at all important15%78%7%1,113
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 never married adults by importance of religion

% of never married adults who identify as…

Importance of religion in one's lifeRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Very important34%18%48%2,916
Somewhat important31%18%52%1,822
Not too important26%18%56%1,066
Not at all important18%24%59%1,113
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 never married adults by importance of religion

% of never married adults who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Very important39%33%21%8%2,916
Somewhat important22%41%30%7%1,822
Not too important15%40%38%7%1,066
Not at all important12%33%46%9%1,113
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 never married adults by importance of religion

% of never married adults who would rather have…

Importance of religion in one's lifeSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Very important40%55%2%3%2,916
Somewhat important43%52%2%3%1,822
Not too important46%48%3%3%1,066
Not at all important46%48%3%3%1,113
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 never married adults by importance of religion

% of never married adults who say government aid to the poor…

Importance of religion in one's lifeDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important41%53%4%2%2,916
Somewhat important38%57%3%2%1,822
Not too important35%59%5%2%1,066
Not at all important35%60%4%2%1,113
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 never married adults by importance of religion

% of never married adults who say abortion should be…

Importance of religion in one's lifeLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Very important39%56%5%2,916
Somewhat important63%34%3%1,822
Not too important78%19%3%1,066
Not at all important79%18%3%1,113
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 never married adults by importance of religion

% of never married adults who say homosexuality…

Importance of religion in one's lifeShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important55%37%4%4%2,916
Somewhat important81%14%2%2%1,822
Not too important89%7%2%2%1,066
Not at all important87%9%2%2%1,113
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 never married adults by importance of religion

% of never married adults who …same-sex marriage

Importance of religion in one's lifeStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Very important46%46%7%2,916
Somewhat important75%19%7%1,822
Not too important86%11%4%1,066
Not at all important85%10%5%1,113
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 never married adults by importance of religion

% of never married adults who say…

Importance of religion in one's lifeStricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economyStricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the costNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important38%55%3%4%2,916
Somewhat important32%65%1%2%1,822
Not too important26%70%2%2%1,066
Not at all important24%71%2%3%1,113
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 never married adults by importance of religion

% of never married adults who say humans…

Importance of religion in one's lifeEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Very important16%31%3%45%4%2,916
Somewhat important44%29%4%21%2%1,822
Not too important70%13%4%11%2%1,066
Not at all important75%9%3%9%3%1,113
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.