DemographicInformation

Age distribution among Catholics by marital status

% of Catholics who are ages…

Marital status18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Married5%38%35%22%3,733
Living with a partner32%43%18%6%451
Divorced/separated5%34%45%16%885
Widowed< 1%5%20%76%705
Never married54%27%14%5%1,273
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 Catholics by marital status

% of Catholics who are…

Marital statusYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Married1%8%33%42%14%1%3,733
Living with a partner15%24%35%22%3%< 1%451
Divorced/separated1%6%32%52%9%< 1%885
Widowed< 1%< 1%4%25%56%14%705
Never married42%19%20%16%3%< 1%1,273
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 Catholics by marital status

% of Catholics who are…

Marital statusMenWomenSample size
Married46%54%3,810
Living with a partner49%51%455
Divorced/separated45%55%898
Widowed27%73%721
Never married54%46%1,292
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 Catholics by marital status

% of Catholics who identify as…

Marital statusWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Married64%2%3%30%2%3,769
Living with a partner41%3%2%51%2%454
Divorced/separated54%3%2%38%2%881
Widowed76%2%2%19%1%712
Never married50%5%4%38%3%1,276
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 Catholics by marital status

% of Catholics who are…

Marital statusImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Married28%11%61%3,789
Living with a partner36%18%46%449
Divorced/separated32%13%55%882
Widowed18%20%62%711
Never married24%22%54%1,272
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 Catholics by marital status

% of Catholics who have a household income of…

Marital statusLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Married24%18%32%27%3,226
Living with a partner50%18%20%11%403
Divorced/separated54%21%16%9%792
Widowed58%21%14%7%580
Never married43%22%23%12%1,127
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 Catholics by marital status

% of Catholics who have completed…

Marital statusHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Married41%26%20%13%3,792
Living with a partner55%27%10%7%448
Divorced/separated56%25%13%7%892
Widowed58%25%9%8%719
Never married46%33%14%7%1,283
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 Catholics by marital status

% of Catholics who are…

Marital statusParentsNon-parentsSample size
Married40%60%3,789
Living with a partner42%58%455
Divorced/separated28%72%895
Widowed6%94%721
Never married13%87%1,291
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 Catholics by marital status

% of Catholics who say they…

Marital statusBelieve 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
Married67%26%4%1%1%1%3,810
Living with a partner51%38%6%2%2%1%455
Divorced/separated65%26%5%2%1%1%898
Widowed75%20%2%2%< 1%< 1%721
Never married60%28%7%1%3%1%1,292
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 Catholics by marital status

% of Catholics who say religion is…

Marital statusVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Married62%30%7%1%< 1%3,810
Living with a partner51%38%8%3%< 1%455
Divorced/separated57%34%6%3%< 1%898
Widowed73%21%3%2%1%721
Never married46%38%12%4%< 1%1,292
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 Catholics by marital status

% of Catholics who attend religious services…

Marital statusAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Married45%39%16%< 1%3,810
Living with a partner25%48%27%1%455
Divorced/separated34%40%26%< 1%898
Widowed55%25%18%2%721
Never married29%46%24%1%1,292
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 Catholics by marital status

% of Catholics who pray…

Marital statusAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Married61%20%7%11%1%3,810
Living with a partner52%21%10%17%< 1%455
Divorced/separated61%20%6%12%1%898
Widowed77%12%2%7%1%721
Never married47%23%9%20%1%1,292
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 Catholics by marital status

% of Catholics who attend prayer group…

Marital statusAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Married18%9%10%63%< 1%3,810
Living with a partner16%10%9%64%< 1%455
Divorced/separated16%10%10%62%1%898
Widowed23%8%10%57%2%721
Never married14%10%10%66%1%1,292
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 Catholics by marital status

% of Catholics who meditate…

Marital statusAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Married41%9%5%44%1%3,810
Living with a partner33%11%7%47%2%455
Divorced/separated44%9%5%40%1%898
Widowed57%8%2%30%3%721
Never married32%9%6%52%1%1,292
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 Catholics by marital status

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

Marital statusAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Married58%17%11%13%1%3,810
Living with a partner52%19%11%17%< 1%455
Divorced/separated57%17%9%15%1%898
Widowed69%9%6%14%2%721
Never married49%19%14%16%2%1,292
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 Catholics by marital status

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

Marital statusAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Married40%15%15%28%1%3,810
Living with a partner45%18%15%22%1%455
Divorced/separated44%14%13%28%1%898
Widowed44%10%12%32%2%721
Never married44%17%15%24%1%1,292
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 Catholics by marital status

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

Marital statusReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Married31%9%49%9%2%3,810
Living with a partner24%9%52%14%1%455
Divorced/separated31%11%46%11%2%898
Widowed42%7%42%5%4%721
Never married24%13%48%13%3%1,292
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 Catholics by marital status

% of Catholics who say…

Marital statusThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Married33%64%1%1%3,810
Living with a partner21%77%1%< 1%455
Divorced/separated28%69%2%2%898
Widowed31%65%2%3%721
Never married26%71%1%1%1,292
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 Catholics by marital status

% of Catholics who read scripture…

Marital statusAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Married25%11%11%52%1%3,810
Living with a partner21%15%9%54%< 1%455
Divorced/separated31%12%9%48%< 1%898
Widowed37%9%9%43%2%721
Never married20%12%11%57%1%1,292
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 Catholics by marital status

% of Catholics who say the holy scripture is…

Marital statusWord 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
Married25%39%3%26%7%3,810
Living with a partner29%25%1%34%11%455
Divorced/separated31%31%3%27%8%898
Widowed30%34%4%22%10%721
Never married22%37%2%33%6%1,292
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 Catholics by marital status

% of Catholics who …in heaven

Marital statusBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Married85%10%5%3,810
Living with a partner82%12%5%455
Divorced/separated83%10%7%898
Widowed90%6%5%721
Never married85%11%5%1,292
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 Catholics by marital status

% of Catholics who …in hell

Marital statusBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Married63%29%7%3,810
Living with a partner63%30%8%455
Divorced/separated62%27%11%898
Widowed61%27%12%721
Never married66%28%7%1,292
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 Catholics by marital status

% of Catholics who identify as…

Marital statusRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Married42%19%39%3,810
Living with a partner28%24%47%455
Divorced/separated29%21%51%898
Widowed38%16%47%721
Never married36%16%48%1,292
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 Catholics by marital status

% of Catholics who are…

Marital statusConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Married41%36%19%4%3,810
Living with a partner31%33%30%6%455
Divorced/separated36%32%27%5%898
Widowed42%37%15%6%721
Never married29%38%27%5%1,292
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 Catholics by marital status

% of Catholics who would rather have…

Marital statusSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Married54%40%3%3%3,810
Living with a partner34%61%3%2%455
Divorced/separated42%52%4%2%898
Widowed53%40%3%5%721
Never married39%57%1%3%1,292
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 Catholics by marital status

% of Catholics who say government aid to the poor…

Marital statusDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Married50%44%3%2%3,810
Living with a partner38%57%5%1%455
Divorced/separated41%52%4%2%898
Widowed47%47%3%3%721
Never married41%53%4%2%1,292
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 Catholics by marital status

% of Catholics who say abortion should be…

Marital statusLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Married47%49%4%3,810
Living with a partner52%45%3%455
Divorced/separated49%45%6%898
Widowed38%54%8%721
Never married52%43%5%1,292
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 Catholics by marital status

% of Catholics who say homosexuality…

Marital statusShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Married68%24%4%4%3,810
Living with a partner80%16%3%1%455
Divorced/separated71%21%5%4%898
Widowed54%35%4%7%721
Never married75%20%2%3%1,292
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 Catholics by marital status

% of Catholics who …same-sex marriage

Marital statusStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Married53%38%10%3,810
Living with a partner69%26%5%455
Divorced/separated56%34%10%898
Widowed43%44%13%721
Never married67%26%7%1,292
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 Catholics by marital status

% of Catholics who say…

Marital statusStricter 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
Married41%54%2%3%3,810
Living with a partner35%60%2%2%455
Divorced/separated38%55%2%5%898
Widowed40%48%5%7%721
Never married36%60%1%3%1,292
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 Catholics by marital status

% of Catholics who say humans…

Marital statusEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Married29%33%5%29%4%3,810
Living with a partner40%32%1%25%2%455
Divorced/separated29%31%4%32%4%898
Widowed17%25%7%40%11%721
Never married37%30%3%26%4%1,292
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.