Religious composition of adults who do not believe in God

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who do not believe in God

% of adults who do not believe in God who are ages…

Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201438%34%16%12%3,372
200729%37%20%13%1,611
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: age distribution, 18-29, 30-49, 50-64, 65+

Generational cohort among adults who do not believe in God

% of adults who do not believe in God who are…

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
201426%21%25%20%7%1%3,372
2007< 1%23%31%30%13%3%1,611
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: generational cohort, Younger Millennial, Older Millennial, Generation X, Baby Boomer, Silent

Gender composition among adults who do not believe in God

% of adults who do not believe in God who are…

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201465%35%3,414
200770%30%1,643
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: gender composition, Men, Women

Racial and ethnic composition among adults who do not believe in God

% of adults who do not believe in God who identify as…

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201477%3%7%9%3%3,372
200783%3%6%6%2%1,615
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: racial and ethnic composition, White, Asian, Latino, Other/Mixed

Immigrant status among adults who do not believe in God

% of adults who do not believe in God who are…

Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
201413%15%72%3,376
200713%10%77%1,630
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: immigrant status, Immigrants, Second generation, Third generation or higher

Income distribution among adults who do not believe in God

% of adults who do not believe in God 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%18%30%28%3,120
200720%19%32%28%1,412
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: income distribution, Less than $30,000, $30,000-$49,999, $50,000-$99,999, $100,000 or more

Educational distribution among adults who do not believe in God

% of adults who do not believe in God who have completed…

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201428%30%25%17%3,403
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: educational distribution, High school or less, Some college, College, Post-graduate degree

Marital status among adults who do not believe in God

% of adults who do not believe in God who are…

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201438%11%9%2%39%3,403
200747%9%10%4%29%1,633
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: marital status, Married, Living with a partner, Divorced/separated, Widowed, Never married

Parent of children under 18 among adults who do not believe in God

% of adults who do not believe in God who are…

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201422%78%3,402
200728%72%1,641
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: parent of children under 18, Parents, Non-parents

BeliefsandPractices

Importance of religion in one's life among adults who do not believe in God

% of adults who do not believe in God who say religion is…

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
20143%8%23%66%1%3,414
20076%10%20%63%< 1%1,643
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: importance of religion in one's life, Very important, Somewhat important, Not too important, Not at all important

Attendance at religious services among adults who do not believe in God

% of adults who do not believe in God who attend religious services…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20142%17%81%< 1%3,414
20074%15%80%< 1%1,643
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: attendance at religious services, Once or twice a month/a few times a year, Seldom/never

Frequency of prayer among adults who do not believe in God

% of adults who do not believe in God who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20142%1%3%93%< 1%3,414
20075%3%4%87%1%1,643
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: frequency of prayer, Seldom/never

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among adults who do not believe in God

% of adults who do not believe in God who attend prayer group…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20141%1%2%96%< 1%3,414
20072%2%2%94%< 1%1,643
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups, Seldom/never

Frequency of meditation among adults who do not believe in God

% of adults who do not believe in God who meditate…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201418%8%5%67%1%3,414
200717%5%5%71%1%1,643
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: frequency of meditation, At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among adults who do not believe in God

% of adults who do not believe in God 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
201430%15%9%44%2%3,414
200727%10%10%50%4%1,643
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing, At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among adults who do not believe in God

% of adults who do not believe in God 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
201446%18%13%23%1%3,414
200738%13%15%33%2%1,643
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: frequency of feeling wonder about the universe, At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among adults who do not believe in God

% of adults who do not believe in God who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
20141%19%51%27%1%3,414
20073%22%58%15%2%1,643
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: sources of guidance on right and wrong, Philosophy/reason, Common sense, Science

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among adults who do not believe in God

% of adults who do not believe in God 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%82%1%1%3,414
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: belief in absolute standards for right and wrong, There are clear standards for what is right and wrong, Right or wrong depends on the situation

Frequency of reading scripture among adults who do not believe in God

% of adults who do not believe in God who read scripture…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20142%3%5%90%< 1%3,414
20074%3%4%89%1%1,643
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: frequency of reading scripture, Several times a year, Seldom/never

Interpreting scripture among adults who do not believe in God

% of adults who do not believe in God 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%3,414
20073%2%< 1%88%6%1,643
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: interpreting scripture, Not the word of God

Belief in Heaven among adults who do not believe in God

% of adults who do not believe in God who …in heaven

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
20146%91%3%3,414
20079%87%4%1,643
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: belief in Heaven, Believe, Don't believe

Belief in Hell among adults who do not believe in God

% of adults who do not believe in God who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
20145%93%3%3,414
20078%88%4%1,643
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: belief in Hell, Believe, Don't believe

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among adults who do not believe in God

% of adults who do not believe in God who identify as…

Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201418%17%65%3,414
200719%18%63%1,643
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: party affiliation, Republican/lean Rep., No lean, Democrat/lean Dem.

Political ideology among adults who do not believe in God

% of adults who do not believe in God who are…

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201413%31%50%6%3,414
200715%34%45%6%1,643
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: political ideology, Conservative, Moderate, Liberal

Views about size of government among adults who do not believe in God

% of adults who do not believe in God who would rather have…

Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201443%51%3%3%3,414
200744%47%4%5%1,643
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: views about size of government, Smaller government; fewer services, Bigger government; more services

Views about government aid to the poor among adults who do not believe in God

% of adults who do not believe in God who say government aid to the poor…

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201429%66%3%1%3,414
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: views about government aid to the poor, Does more harm than good, Does more good than harm

Views about abortion among adults who do not believe in God

% of adults who do not believe in God who say abortion should be…

Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201486%11%3%3,414
200783%14%3%1,643
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: views about abortion, Legal in all/most cases, Illegal in all/most cases

Views about homosexuality among adults who do not believe in God

% of adults who do not believe in God who say homosexuality…

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201491%6%2%1%3,414
200780%14%3%2%1,643
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: views about homosexuality, Should be accepted, Should be discouraged

Views about same-sex marriage among adults who do not believe in God

% of adults who do not believe in God who …same-sex marriage

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201489%8%3%3,414
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: views about same-sex marriage, Strongly favor/favor, Oppose/strongly oppose

Views about environmental regulation among adults who do not believe in God

% of adults who do not believe in God 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
201419%77%1%2%3,414
200721%75%2%2%1,643
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: views about environmental regulation, Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy, Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost

Views about human evolution among adults who do not believe in God

% of adults who do not believe in God 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%4%1%6%1%3,414
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: views about human evolution, Evolved; due to natural processes, Always existed in present form