Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201415%17%69%1,098
200716%19%65%515
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: Republican/lean Rep., No lean, Democrat/lean Dem.

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among atheists by political party

% of atheists who are ages…

Party affiliation18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Republican/lean Rep.35%42%18%6%143
No lean44%40%13%3%146
Democrat/lean Dem.40%36%14%11%793
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 political party

% of atheists who are…

Party affiliationYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Republican/lean Rep.28%16%32%20%4%< 1%143
No lean30%25%28%14%2%< 1%146
Democrat/lean Dem.27%21%27%18%6%1%793
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 political party

% of atheists who are…

Party affiliationMenWomenSample size
Republican/lean Rep.70%30%144
No lean76%24%154
Democrat/lean Dem.65%35%800
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 political party

% of atheists who identify as…

Party affiliationWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Republican/lean Rep.84%< 1%7%7%2%142
No lean67%5%13%13%1%150
Democrat/lean Dem.80%3%5%9%2%795
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 political party

% of atheists who are…

Party affiliationImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Republican/lean Rep.12%17%71%144
No lean21%8%70%150
Democrat/lean Dem.10%14%76%793
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 political party

% of atheists who have a household income of…

Party affiliationLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Republican/lean Rep.20%20%31%29%133
No lean40%19%26%15%129
Democrat/lean Dem.21%17%28%34%747
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 political party

% of atheists who have completed…

Party affiliationHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Republican/lean Rep.40%32%17%11%144
No lean44%27%22%7%152
Democrat/lean Dem.19%32%29%20%800
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 political party

% of atheists who are…

Party affiliationMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Republican/lean Rep.42%6%10%2%39%143
No lean22%14%14%3%48%153
Democrat/lean Dem.38%14%8%1%38%797
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 atheists by political party

% of atheists who are…

Party affiliationParentsNon-parentsSample size
Republican/lean Rep.24%76%144
No lean21%79%153
Democrat/lean Dem.21%79%800
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 political party

% of atheists who say they…

Party affiliationBelieve 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
Republican/lean Rep.1%3%2%< 1%92%1%144
No lean5%5%3%1%83%3%154
Democrat/lean Dem.2%2%2%< 1%93%< 1%800
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 political party

% of atheists who say religion is…

Party affiliationVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Republican/lean Rep.2%< 1%15%82%< 1%144
No lean3%9%7%80%1%154
Democrat/lean Dem.2%5%11%83%< 1%800
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 political party

% of atheists who attend religious services…

Party affiliationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Republican/lean Rep.1%9%89%< 1%144
No lean2%9%89%< 1%154
Democrat/lean Dem.1%11%89%< 1%800
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 political party

% of atheists who pray…

Party affiliationAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Republican/lean Rep.3%< 1%< 1%97%< 1%144
No lean1%3%1%95%< 1%154
Democrat/lean Dem.1%< 1%1%97%< 1%800
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 political party

% of atheists who attend prayer group…

Party affiliationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Republican/lean Rep.< 1%1%< 1%99%< 1%144
No lean2%< 1%2%95%< 1%154
Democrat/lean Dem.1%< 1%1%98%< 1%800
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 political party

% of atheists who meditate…

Party affiliationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Republican/lean Rep.18%8%1%73%< 1%144
No lean21%5%7%66%1%154
Democrat/lean Dem.18%9%5%67%< 1%800
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 political party

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

Party affiliationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Republican/lean Rep.31%9%4%53%2%144
No lean36%7%7%46%5%154
Democrat/lean Dem.30%16%9%43%1%800
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 political party

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

Party affiliationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Republican/lean Rep.40%20%13%24%2%144
No lean49%13%7%30%1%154
Democrat/lean Dem.57%16%12%14%1%800
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 political party

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

Party affiliationReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Republican/lean Rep.1%13%62%24%< 1%144
No lean1%13%50%31%4%154
Democrat/lean Dem.1%25%39%34%2%800
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 political party

% of atheists who say…

Party affiliationThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Republican/lean Rep.22%77%< 1%1%144
No lean18%80%2%1%154
Democrat/lean Dem.14%86%< 1%1%800
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 political party

% of atheists who read scripture…

Party affiliationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Republican/lean Rep.2%1%1%96%< 1%144
No lean4%1%5%89%< 1%154
Democrat/lean Dem.2%4%6%88%< 1%800
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 political party

% of atheists who say the holy scripture is…

Party affiliationWord 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
Republican/lean Rep.< 1%3%< 1%96%1%144
No lean1%2%1%92%4%154
Democrat/lean Dem.1%1%< 1%97%2%800
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 political party

% of atheists who …in heaven

Party affiliationBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Republican/lean Rep.6%91%3%144
No lean10%89%1%154
Democrat/lean Dem.3%96%1%800
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 political party

% of atheists who …in hell

Party affiliationBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Republican/lean Rep.4%92%4%144
No lean10%89%1%154
Democrat/lean Dem.2%97%1%800
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Political ideology among atheists by political party

% of atheists who are…

Party affiliationConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Republican/lean Rep.42%43%13%2%144
No lean11%43%25%21%154
Democrat/lean Dem.3%23%73%1%800
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 political party

% of atheists who would rather have…

Party affiliationSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Republican/lean Rep.80%15%5%< 1%144
No lean64%29%3%3%154
Democrat/lean Dem.26%66%4%3%800
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 political party

% of atheists who say government aid to the poor…

Party affiliationDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Republican/lean Rep.61%35%3%1%144
No lean38%54%5%4%154
Democrat/lean Dem.11%87%2%< 1%800
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 political party

% of atheists who say abortion should be…

Party affiliationLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Republican/lean Rep.74%23%3%144
No lean75%19%6%154
Democrat/lean Dem.93%6%1%800
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 political party

% of atheists who say homosexuality…

Party affiliationShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Republican/lean Rep.90%6%2%2%144
No lean84%9%5%2%154
Democrat/lean Dem.98%2%< 1%< 1%800
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 political party

% of atheists who …same-sex marriage

Party affiliationStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Republican/lean Rep.85%11%4%144
No lean84%8%7%154
Democrat/lean Dem.96%2%2%800
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 political party

% of atheists who say…

Party affiliationStricter 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
Republican/lean Rep.49%48%3%< 1%144
No lean30%61%6%4%154
Democrat/lean Dem.8%89%1%2%800
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 political party

% of atheists who say humans…

Party affiliationEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Republican/lean Rep.86%7%2%5%1%144
No lean79%4%3%12%1%154
Democrat/lean Dem.95%1%1%3%< 1%800
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.