DemographicInformation

Age distribution among the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist who are ages…

Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201435%40%15%9%454
200739%35%13%13%261
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Generational cohort among the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist who are…

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
201425%19%31%19%5%1%454
2007< 1%30%33%21%13%3%261
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Gender composition among the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist who are…

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201467%33%459
200770%30%264
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Racial and ethnic composition among the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist who identify as…

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201481%2%5%10%2%455
200787%4%3%5%2%260
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Immigrant status among the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist who are…

Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
201410%10%79%454
20077%12%82%263
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Income distribution among the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist who have a household income of…

Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201424%17%27%32%419
200724%23%31%23%227
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Educational distribution among the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist who have completed…

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201434%31%23%13%458
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Marital status among the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist who are…

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201436%12%11%2%39%457
200738%12%11%4%35%261
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Parent of children under 18 among the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist who are…

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201422%78%458
200726%74%264
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist who say they…

Survey yearBelieve in God; absolutely certainBelieve in God; fairly certainBelieve in God; not too/not at all certainBelieve in God; don't knowDo not believe in GodOther/don't know if they believe in GodSample size
20142%5%3%< 1%89%2%459
20078%8%4%2%74%4%264
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Importance of religion in one's life among the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist who say religion is…

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
20143%6%12%79%1%459
20072%8%15%72%3%264
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Attendance at religious services among the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist who attend religious services…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20141%12%87%< 1%459
20072%9%88%1%264
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of prayer among the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20141%1%1%97%< 1%459
20073%4%2%89%1%264
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist who attend prayer group…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
2014< 1%< 1%3%97%< 1%459
20071%< 1%2%95%2%264
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of meditation among the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist who meditate…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201419%6%4%71%< 1%459
200716%4%2%76%2%264
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201429%10%9%50%2%459
200725%7%10%52%6%264
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201448%15%12%23%2%459
200731%13%13%41%2%264
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist who say…

Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201416%83%< 1%1%459
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of reading scripture among the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist who read scripture…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20143%3%4%90%< 1%459
20071%2%3%93%1%264
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 the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist who say the holy scripture is…

Survey yearWord 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
20141%2%< 1%94%3%459
20073%3%2%88%4%264
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Heaven among the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist who …in heaven

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
20145%94%1%459
200713%81%6%264
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Hell among the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
20144%94%1%459
200710%84%6%264
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist who identify as…

Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201420%19%60%459
200717%20%63%264
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Political ideology among the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist who are…

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201414%30%49%7%459
200716%28%46%10%264
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 the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist who would rather have…

Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201445%48%5%2%459
200739%47%5%9%264
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about government aid to the poor among the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist who say government aid to the poor…

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201428%69%3%1%459
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about abortion among the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist who say abortion should be…

Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201486%12%3%459
200780%13%7%264
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about homosexuality among the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist who say homosexuality…

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201492%6%1%1%459
200778%17%2%2%264
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about same-sex marriage among the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist who …same-sex marriage

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201489%7%5%459
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about environmental regulation among the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist who say…

Survey yearStricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economyStricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the costNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201422%75%2%1%459
200722%74%2%2%264
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about human evolution among the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are atheist who say humans…

Survey yearEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
201488%3%2%6%< 1%459
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.