DemographicInformation

Age distribution among the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages…

Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201420%45%24%11%205
200725%45%21%9%122
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
201412%25%28%28%6%1%205
2007< 1%20%34%35%8%3%122
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201446%54%207
200747%53%126
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who identify as…

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201440%29%2%26%4%201
200751%27%1%14%7%123
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
201424%4%72%200
200716%5%79%126
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who have a household income of…

Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201457%21%13%8%174
200759%18%17%6%103
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who have completed…

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201470%21%7%2%206
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201437%11%17%5%30%205
200745%7%16%6%26%125
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201438%62%206
200741%59%126
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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
201479%16%3%2%< 1%< 1%207
200795%2%< 1%< 1%< 1%4%126
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is…

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201471%19%5%4%2%207
200780%14%4%1%1%126
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who attend religious services…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201431%40%28%1%207
200738%26%35%2%126
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201469%20%3%8%< 1%207
200766%20%3%8%3%126
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who attend prayer group…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201436%15%5%44%1%207
200742%10%8%38%2%126
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who meditate…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201445%11%3%37%3%207
200741%10%2%43%4%126
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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
201462%13%9%12%4%207
200756%15%12%16%1%126
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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
201444%12%9%31%4%207
200741%10%9%35%6%126
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say…

Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201434%63%3%1%207
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201449%12%3%33%3%207
200752%13%8%23%4%126
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who …in heaven

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201490%6%4%207
200783%12%4%126
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201473%22%5%207
200770%23%7%126
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who identify as…

Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201430%33%37%207
200732%30%38%126
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201438%25%26%12%207
200741%31%14%14%126
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have…

Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201428%66%2%4%207
200732%62%3%3%126
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say government aid to the poor…

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201431%60%6%3%207
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say abortion should be…

Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201432%60%8%207
200732%61%7%126
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say homosexuality…

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201443%47%3%6%207
200729%61%3%7%126
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who …same-sex marriage

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201430%57%13%207
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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
201441%50%2%6%207
200742%50%2%6%126
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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
201414%28%2%51%5%207
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.