DemographicInformation

Age distribution among atheists by parental status

% of atheists who are ages…

Parent of children under 1818-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Parents12%74%12%2%226
Non-parents48%27%15%11%856
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 atheists by parental status

% of atheists who are…

Parent of children under 18Younger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Parents5%18%63%12%1%< 1%226
Non-parents35%22%18%19%6%1%856
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 atheists by parental status

% of atheists who are…

Parent of children under 18MenWomenSample size
Parents59%41%226
Non-parents70%30%871
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 atheists by parental status

% of atheists who identify as…

Parent of children under 18WhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Parents80%2%2%11%5%224
Non-parents78%3%8%10%2%862
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 atheists by parental status

% of atheists who are…

Parent of children under 18ImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Parents16%8%76%223
Non-parents11%15%74%863
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 atheists by parental status

% of atheists who have a household income of…

Parent of children under 18Less than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Parents17%9%29%44%220
Non-parents25%20%28%26%788
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 atheists by parental status

% of atheists who have completed…

Parent of children under 18High school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Parents22%26%31%21%226
Non-parents27%33%25%15%870
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 atheists by parental status

% of atheists who are…

Parent of children under 18MarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Parents72%11%9%< 1%8%225
Non-parents26%13%10%2%49%868
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 atheists by parental status

% of atheists who say they…

Parent of children under 18Believe 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
Parents4%2%2%1%90%< 1%226
Non-parents2%3%2%< 1%92%1%871
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 atheists by parental status

% of atheists who say religion is…

Parent of children under 18Very importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Parents4%4%10%83%< 1%226
Non-parents1%5%11%82%< 1%871
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 atheists by parental status

% of atheists who attend religious services…

Parent of children under 18At least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Parents1%13%86%< 1%226
Non-parents1%10%90%< 1%871
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 atheists by parental status

% of atheists who pray…

Parent of children under 18At least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Parents2%1%1%97%< 1%226
Non-parents1%< 1%1%97%< 1%871
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 atheists by parental status

% of atheists who attend prayer group…

Parent of children under 18At least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Parents2%< 1%1%97%< 1%226
Non-parents1%1%1%97%< 1%871
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 atheists by parental status

% of atheists who meditate…

Parent of children under 18At least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Parents25%7%3%65%< 1%226
Non-parents17%9%6%68%< 1%871
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 atheists by parental status

% of atheists who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Parent of children under 18At least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Parents42%11%9%37%< 1%226
Non-parents28%14%8%47%3%871
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 atheists by parental status

% of atheists who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Parent of children under 18At least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Parents51%19%11%18%1%226
Non-parents54%16%11%18%1%871
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 atheists by parental status

% of atheists who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Parent of children under 18ReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Parents2%19%44%33%2%226
Non-parents< 1%22%44%32%2%871
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 atheists by parental status

% of atheists who say…

Parent of children under 18There are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Parents14%85%< 1%< 1%226
Non-parents16%83%1%1%871
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 atheists by parental status

% of atheists who read scripture…

Parent of children under 18At least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Parents3%2%4%91%< 1%226
Non-parents2%3%5%89%< 1%871
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 atheists by parental status

% of atheists who say the holy scripture is…

Parent of children under 18Word 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
Parents1%1%< 1%93%4%226
Non-parents< 1%1%< 1%97%1%871
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 atheists by parental status

% of atheists who …in heaven

Parent of children under 18BelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Parents4%93%2%226
Non-parents5%94%1%871
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 atheists by parental status

% of atheists who …in hell

Parent of children under 18BelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Parents4%93%3%226
Non-parents3%96%1%871
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 atheists by parental status

% of atheists who identify as…

Parent of children under 18Republican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Parents16%16%67%226
Non-parents14%17%69%871
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 atheists by parental status

% of atheists who are…

Parent of children under 18ConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Parents12%31%53%4%226
Non-parents10%29%57%5%871
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 atheists by parental status

% of atheists who would rather have…

Parent of children under 18Smaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Parents43%50%5%2%226
Non-parents40%53%4%3%871
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 atheists by parental status

% of atheists who say government aid to the poor…

Parent of children under 18Does more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Parents24%74%2%< 1%226
Non-parents22%74%3%1%871
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 atheists by parental status

% of atheists who say abortion should be…

Parent of children under 18Legal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Parents84%14%2%226
Non-parents88%10%3%871
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 atheists by parental status

% of atheists who say homosexuality…

Parent of children under 18Should be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Parents92%6%2%< 1%226
Non-parents95%3%1%1%871
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 atheists by parental status

% of atheists who …same-sex marriage

Parent of children under 18Strongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Parents92%6%2%226
Non-parents93%4%4%871
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 atheists by parental status

% of atheists who say…

Parent of children under 18Stricter 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
Parents22%75%2%2%226
Non-parents16%80%2%2%871
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 atheists by parental status

% of atheists who say humans…

Parent of children under 18Evolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Parents91%1%1%6%1%226
Non-parents91%2%2%5%< 1%871
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.