Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201469%19%5%5%1%3,218
200772%18%4%4%1%3,705
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 widowed adults by religious group

% of widowed adults who say religion is…

Religious traditionVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Catholic73%21%3%2%1%721
Evangelical Protestant83%14%1%2%< 1%923
Historically Black Protestant89%10%< 1%< 1%< 1%196
Mainline Protestant65%26%6%2%1%791
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")21%25%19%33%2%338
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 widowed adults by importance of religion

% of widowed adults who are ages…

Importance of religion in one's life18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Very important< 1%5%20%75%2,140
Somewhat important< 1%11%26%63%595
Not too important1%7%23%69%196
Not at all important3%12%24%61%177
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 widowed adults by importance of religion

% of widowed adults who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Very important< 1%1%5%28%55%12%2,140
Somewhat important< 1%1%10%35%45%9%595
Not too important< 1%1%7%34%44%15%196
Not at all important< 1%3%12%36%40%9%177
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 widowed adults by importance of religion

% of widowed adults who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeMenWomenSample size
Very important21%79%2,190
Somewhat important30%70%615
Not too important34%66%198
Not at all important50%50%181
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 widowed adults by importance of religion

% of widowed adults who identify as…

Importance of religion in one's lifeWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Very important73%16%1%8%3%2,162
Somewhat important81%6%3%8%3%610
Not too important84%1%1%8%5%197
Not at all important79%7%1%8%6%177
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 widowed adults by importance of religion

% of widowed adults who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Very important8%10%82%2,159
Somewhat important9%12%79%599
Not too important8%17%75%195
Not at all important10%14%76%180
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 widowed adults by importance of religion

% of widowed 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 important63%20%12%5%1,738
Somewhat important54%23%15%8%523
Not too important49%18%19%13%165
Not at all important48%19%22%11%154
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 widowed adults by importance of religion

% of widowed adults who have completed…

Importance of religion in one's lifeHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Very important61%26%8%5%2,178
Somewhat important56%26%10%8%611
Not too important41%31%14%13%198
Not at all important39%27%18%17%181
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 widowed adults by importance of religion

% of widowed adults who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeParentsNon-parentsSample size
Very important7%93%2,187
Somewhat important6%94%615
Not too important7%93%197
Not at all important5%95%180
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 widowed adults by importance of religion

% of widowed 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 important89%8%1%2%< 1%< 1%2,190
Somewhat important53%35%6%2%2%3%615
Not too important20%39%14%2%16%9%198
Not at all important28%9%14%4%39%5%181
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 widowed adults by importance of religion

% of widowed 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 important62%23%14%1%2,190
Somewhat important17%45%37%1%615
Not too important5%29%65%2%198
Not at all important2%7%91%< 1%181
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 widowed adults by importance of religion

% of widowed adults who pray…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important86%8%1%2%1%2,190
Somewhat important45%27%9%17%1%615
Not too important21%10%9%59%< 1%198
Not at all important14%11%3%72%1%181
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 widowed adults by importance of religion

% of widowed 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 important42%9%10%37%2%2,190
Somewhat important8%5%8%78%1%615
Not too important2%1%1%96%< 1%198
Not at all important3%< 1%1%96%< 1%181
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 widowed adults by importance of religion

% of widowed 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 important67%6%2%21%4%2,190
Somewhat important36%11%4%47%2%615
Not too important24%6%4%64%2%198
Not at all important33%8%2%55%1%181
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 widowed adults by importance of religion

% of widowed 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 important79%8%4%6%2%2,190
Somewhat important44%14%15%26%1%615
Not too important32%8%11%46%3%198
Not at all important37%11%5%45%3%181
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 widowed adults by importance of religion

% of widowed 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 important49%12%10%26%3%2,190
Somewhat important35%12%17%34%3%615
Not too important26%9%13%48%4%198
Not at all important44%6%15%35%1%181
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 widowed adults by importance of religion

% of widowed 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 important54%4%35%3%4%2,190
Somewhat important14%9%66%6%5%615
Not too important7%13%62%13%6%198
Not at all important3%17%67%11%1%181
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 widowed adults by importance of religion

% of widowed 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 important35%60%2%3%2,190
Somewhat important25%73%1%2%615
Not too important15%79%2%4%198
Not at all important19%78%2%< 1%181
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 widowed adults by importance of religion

% of widowed 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 important62%9%6%22%2%2,190
Somewhat important17%13%15%54%1%615
Not too important6%3%6%86%< 1%198
Not at all important6%4%2%89%< 1%181
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 widowed adults by importance of religion

% of widowed 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 important56%23%5%8%8%2,190
Somewhat important17%36%3%32%12%615
Not too important8%14%2%65%11%198
Not at all important4%9%1%78%8%181
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 widowed adults by importance of religion

% of widowed adults who …in heaven

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Very important91%4%5%2,190
Somewhat important79%13%9%615
Not too important40%45%15%198
Not at all important23%69%8%181
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 widowed adults by importance of religion

% of widowed adults who …in hell

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Very important71%18%11%2,190
Somewhat important51%36%13%615
Not too important19%73%8%198
Not at all important16%80%5%181
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 widowed adults by importance of religion

% of widowed adults who identify as…

Importance of religion in one's lifeRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Very important38%17%46%2,190
Somewhat important38%16%46%615
Not too important28%15%57%198
Not at all important22%19%59%181
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 widowed adults by importance of religion

% of widowed adults who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Very important46%31%15%8%2,190
Somewhat important31%41%22%6%615
Not too important19%46%28%7%198
Not at all important20%30%40%11%181
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 widowed adults by importance of religion

% of widowed adults who would rather have…

Importance of religion in one's lifeSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Very important50%39%4%7%2,190
Somewhat important55%36%5%5%615
Not too important48%41%9%2%198
Not at all important43%42%8%7%181
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 widowed adults by importance of religion

% of widowed 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 important43%48%5%5%2,190
Somewhat important44%49%4%3%615
Not too important34%60%3%3%198
Not at all important36%56%4%4%181
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 widowed adults by importance of religion

% of widowed 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 important37%55%8%2,190
Somewhat important62%31%6%615
Not too important70%24%6%198
Not at all important77%17%6%181
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 widowed adults by importance of religion

% of widowed adults who say homosexuality…

Importance of religion in one's lifeShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important38%51%5%6%2,190
Somewhat important60%29%4%6%615
Not too important73%24%1%2%198
Not at all important75%16%9%< 1%181
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 widowed adults by importance of religion

% of widowed adults who …same-sex marriage

Importance of religion in one's lifeStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Very important26%62%12%2,190
Somewhat important50%36%14%615
Not too important68%23%9%198
Not at all important67%22%10%181
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 widowed adults by importance of religion

% of widowed 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 important39%47%4%10%2,190
Somewhat important43%50%3%5%615
Not too important30%63%3%4%198
Not at all important30%64%2%4%181
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 widowed adults by importance of religion

% of widowed 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 important12%21%4%51%12%2,190
Somewhat important28%28%6%32%7%615
Not too important57%10%7%21%6%198
Not at all important72%6%2%19%1%181
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.