Age distribution among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; fairly certain
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; fairly certain who are ages…
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Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
2014
27%
40%
21%
11%
1,077
2007
25%
44%
20%
11%
898
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; fairly certain
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; fairly certain who are…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
2014
15%
21%
32%
25%
6%
1%
1,077
2007
< 1%
18%
38%
30%
12%
2%
898
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; fairly certain
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; fairly certain who are…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Men
Women
Sample size
2014
50%
50%
1,114
2007
54%
46%
947
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; fairly certain
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; fairly certain who identify as…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
2014
55%
4%
3%
33%
4%
1,091
2007
63%
5%
4%
26%
3%
930
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; fairly certain
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; fairly certain who are…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
2014
32%
8%
61%
1,083
2007
28%
7%
65%
914
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; fairly certain
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; fairly certain who have a household income of…
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Trends
Table
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Survey year
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
2014
52%
18%
19%
12%
890
2007
42%
22%
23%
13%
695
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; fairly certain
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; fairly certain who have completed…
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Survey year
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
2014
56%
28%
10%
6%
1,100
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; fairly certain
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; fairly certain who are…
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Trends
Table
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Survey year
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
2014
42%
13%
13%
4%
27%
1,103
2007
52%
9%
12%
5%
22%
934
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; fairly certain
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; fairly certain who are…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
2014
36%
64%
1,107
2007
39%
61%
939
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; fairly certain
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; fairly certain who say religion is…
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Trends
Table
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Survey year
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
2014
33%
42%
18%
7%
1%
1,114
2007
28%
46%
17%
8%
1%
947
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; fairly certain
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; fairly certain who attend religious services…
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Trends
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Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month/a few times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
20%
40%
40%
< 1%
1,114
2007
21%
38%
40%
1%
947
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; fairly certain
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; fairly certain who pray…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
37%
22%
11%
29%
1%
1,114
2007
36%
23%
9%
31%
1%
947
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; fairly certain
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; fairly certain who attend prayer group…
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Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
14%
7%
7%
72%
1%
1,114
2007
11%
5%
6%
77%
1%
947
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; fairly certain
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; fairly certain who meditate…
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Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
32%
11%
5%
50%
2%
1,114
2007
31%
7%
3%
56%
3%
947
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; fairly certain
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; fairly certain who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
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Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
45%
18%
11%
23%
3%
1,114
2007
31%
15%
16%
34%
5%
947
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; fairly certain
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; fairly certain who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
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Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
41%
15%
15%
26%
2%
1,114
2007
32%
12%
16%
36%
4%
947
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; fairly certain
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; fairly certain who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
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Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
2014
19%
12%
55%
11%
3%
1,114
2007
10%
9%
63%
10%
7%
947
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; fairly certain
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; fairly certain who say…
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Table
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Survey year
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
Right or wrong depends on the situation
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
2014
22%
73%
2%
2%
1,114
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; fairly certain
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; fairly certain who read scripture…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
18%
8%
9%
64%
1%
1,114
2007
16%
7%
8%
68%
1%
947
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; fairly certain
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; fairly certain who say the holy scripture is…
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Trends
Table
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Survey year
Word of God; should be taken literally
Word of God; not everything taken literally
Word of God; other/don't know
Not the word of God
Other/don't know
Sample size
2014
22%
25%
2%
41%
10%
1,114
2007
19%
22%
3%
40%
17%
947
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; fairly certain
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; fairly certain who …in heaven
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
2014
71%
19%
10%
1,114
2007
64%
21%
14%
947
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; fairly certain
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; fairly certain who …in hell
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
2014
51%
38%
11%
1,114
2007
48%
36%
16%
947
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; fairly certain
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; fairly certain who are…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
2014
23%
36%
25%
17%
1,114
2007
21%
38%
22%
19%
947
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; fairly certain
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; fairly certain who would rather have…
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Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
2014
44%
48%
4%
5%
1,114
2007
34%
53%
6%
7%
947
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; fairly certain
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; fairly certain who say government aid to the poor…
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Table
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Survey year
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
2014
42%
49%
6%
3%
1,114
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; fairly certain
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; fairly certain who say abortion should be…
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Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
2014
53%
40%
6%
1,114
2007
58%
34%
8%
947
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; fairly certain
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; fairly certain who say homosexuality…
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Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
2014
73%
17%
6%
4%
1,114
2007
61%
25%
6%
8%
947
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; fairly certain
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; fairly certain who …same-sex marriage
Chart
Table
Share
Survey year
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
2014
63%
24%
13%
1,114
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; fairly certain
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; fairly certain who say…
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Trends
Table
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Survey year
Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy
Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
2014
36%
56%
3%
5%
1,114
2007
29%
58%
4%
9%
947
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; fairly certain
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; fairly certain who say humans…
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Survey year
Evolved; due to natural processes
Evolved; due to God's design
Evolved; don't know how
Always existed in present form
Don't know
Sample size
2014
41%
23%
6%
23%
7%
1,114
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.