Religious composition of adults ages 65 and older who say they do not believe in God
Demographic✭Information
Generational cohort among adults ages 65 and older who say they do not believe in God
% of adults ages 65 and older who say they do not believe in God who are…
| Survey year | Younger Millennial | Older Millennial | Generation X | Baby Boomer | Silent | Greatest | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | < 1% | < 1% | < 1% | 31% | 62% | 7% | 707 |
| 2007 | < 1% | < 1% | < 1% | < 1% | 77% | 23% | 331 |
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 adults ages 65 and older who say they do not believe in God
% of adults ages 65 and older who say they do not believe in God who are…
| Survey year | Men | Women | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 68% | 32% | 707 |
| 2007 | 69% | 31% | 331 |
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 adults ages 65 and older who say they do not believe in God
% of adults ages 65 and older who say they do not believe in God who identify as…
| Survey year | White | Black | Asian | Latino | Other/Mixed | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 91% | 1% | 2% | 4% | 3% | 694 |
| 2007 | 90% | 2% | 2% | 4% | 2% | 321 |
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 adults ages 65 and older who say they do not believe in God
% of adults ages 65 and older who say they do not believe in God who are…
| Survey year | Immigrants | Second generation | Third generation or higher | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 8% | 21% | 70% | 703 |
| 2007 | 10% | 19% | 71% | 329 |
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 adults ages 65 and older who say they do not believe in God
% of adults ages 65 and older who say they do not believe in God who have a household income of…
| Survey year | Less than $30,000 | $30,000-$49,999 | $50,000-$99,999 | $100,000 or more | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 22% | 16% | 33% | 29% | 621 |
| 2007 | 27% | 25% | 27% | 21% | 272 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Educational distribution among adults ages 65 and older who say they do not believe in God
% of adults ages 65 and older who say they do not believe in God who have completed…
| Survey year | High school or less | Some college | College | Post-graduate degree | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 27% | 22% | 24% | 27% | 707 |
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 adults ages 65 and older who say they do not believe in God
% of adults ages 65 and older who say they do not believe in God who are…
| Survey year | Married | Living with a partner | Divorced/separated | Widowed | Never married | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 64% | 3% | 13% | 15% | 5% | 707 |
| 2007 | 53% | 5% | 14% | 21% | 8% | 330 |
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 adults ages 65 and older who say they do not believe in God
% of adults ages 65 and older who say they do not believe in God who are…
| Survey year | Parents | Non-parents | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 4% | 96% | 706 |
| 2007 | 4% | 96% | 331 |
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.
Beliefs✭and✭Practices
Importance of religion in one's life among adults ages 65 and older who say they do not believe in God
% of adults ages 65 and older who say they do not believe in God who say religion is…
| Survey year | Very important | Somewhat important | Not too important | Not at all important | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 5% | 10% | 18% | 67% | 1% | 707 |
| 2007 | 7% | 10% | 12% | 69% | 2% | 331 |
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 adults ages 65 and older who say they do not believe in God
% of adults ages 65 and older who say they do not believe in God who attend religious services…
| 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 | 4% | 15% | 81% | < 1% | 707 |
| 2007 | 5% | 13% | 81% | 1% | 331 |
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 adults ages 65 and older who say they do not believe in God
% of adults ages 65 and older who say they do not believe in God who pray…
| Survey year | At least daily | Weekly | Monthly | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 3% | 2% | 3% | 91% | 1% | 707 |
| 2007 | 6% | 1% | 3% | 89% | 1% | 331 |
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 adults ages 65 and older who say they do not believe in God
% of adults ages 65 and older who say they do not believe in God who attend prayer group…
| Survey year | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 1% | 1% | 2% | 96% | 1% | 707 |
| 2007 | 1% | 1% | 1% | 96% | 1% | 331 |
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 adults ages 65 and older who say they do not believe in God
% of adults ages 65 and older who say they do not believe in God who meditate…
| Survey year | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 20% | 6% | 6% | 68% | 1% | 707 |
| 2007 | 21% | 2% | 4% | 70% | 3% | 331 |
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 adults ages 65 and older who say they do not believe in God
% of adults ages 65 and older who say they do not believe in God who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
| Survey year | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 26% | 8% | 7% | 54% | 4% | 707 |
| 2007 | 25% | 4% | 8% | 55% | 8% | 331 |
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 adults ages 65 and older who say they do not believe in God
% of adults ages 65 and older who say they do not believe in God who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
| 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% | 14% | 13% | 31% | 2% | 707 |
| 2007 | 36% | 10% | 12% | 39% | 3% | 331 |
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 adults ages 65 and older who say they do not believe in God
% of adults ages 65 and older who say they do not believe in God who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
| Survey year | Religion | Philosophy/reason | Common sense | Science | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 1% | 19% | 51% | 26% | 3% | 707 |
| 2007 | 4% | 19% | 56% | 16% | 4% | 331 |
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 adults ages 65 and older who say they do not believe in God
% of adults ages 65 and older who say they do not believe in God who say…
| 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 | 20% | 79% | 1% | 1% | 707 |
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 adults ages 65 and older who say they do not believe in God
% of adults ages 65 and older who say they do not believe in God who read scripture…
| Survey year | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 2% | 1% | 4% | 93% | < 1% | 707 |
| 2007 | 2% | 1% | 4% | 92% | 1% | 331 |
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 adults ages 65 and older who say they do not believe in God
% of adults ages 65 and older who say they do not believe in God who say the holy scripture is…
| 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 | 1% | 1% | < 1% | 91% | 7% | 707 |
| 2007 | 1% | 2% | < 1% | 87% | 10% | 331 |
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 adults ages 65 and older who say they do not believe in God
% of adults ages 65 and older who say they do not believe in God who …in heaven
| Survey year | Believe | Don't believe | Other/don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 3% | 96% | 1% | 707 |
| 2007 | 3% | 93% | 3% | 331 |
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 adults ages 65 and older who say they do not believe in God
% of adults ages 65 and older who say they do not believe in God who …in hell
| Survey year | Believe | Don't believe | Other/don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 2% | 97% | 1% | 707 |
| 2007 | 5% | 91% | 4% | 331 |
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.
Social✭and✭Political✭Views
Party affiliation among adults ages 65 and older who say they do not believe in God
% of adults ages 65 and older who say they do not believe in God who identify as…
| Survey year | Republican/lean Rep. | No lean | Democrat/lean Dem. | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 20% | 8% | 72% | 707 |
| 2007 | 22% | 19% | 59% | 331 |
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 adults ages 65 and older who say they do not believe in God
% of adults ages 65 and older who say they do not believe in God who are…
| Survey year | Conservative | Moderate | Liberal | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 19% | 25% | 51% | 5% | 707 |
| 2007 | 22% | 30% | 38% | 10% | 331 |
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 adults ages 65 and older who say they do not believe in God
% of adults ages 65 and older who say they do not believe in God who would rather have…
| Survey year | Smaller government; fewer services | Bigger government; more services | Depends | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 41% | 49% | 5% | 5% | 707 |
| 2007 | 53% | 35% | 5% | 8% | 331 |
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 adults ages 65 and older who say they do not believe in God
% of adults ages 65 and older who say they do not believe in God who say government aid to the poor…
| Survey year | Does more harm than good | Does more good than harm | Neither/both equally | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 29% | 66% | 3% | 2% | 707 |
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 adults ages 65 and older who say they do not believe in God
% of adults ages 65 and older who say they do not believe in God who say abortion should be…
| Survey year | Legal in all/most cases | Illegal in all/most cases | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 89% | 9% | 2% | 707 |
| 2007 | 78% | 15% | 7% | 331 |
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 adults ages 65 and older who say they do not believe in God
% of adults ages 65 and older who say they do not believe in God who say homosexuality…
| Survey year | Should be accepted | Should be discouraged | Neither/both equally | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 86% | 10% | 3% | 1% | 707 |
| 2007 | 69% | 24% | 4% | 4% | 331 |
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 adults ages 65 and older who say they do not believe in God
% of adults ages 65 and older who say they do not believe in God who …same-sex marriage
| Survey year | Strongly favor/favor | Oppose/strongly oppose | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 76% | 16% | 8% | 707 |
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 adults ages 65 and older who say they do not believe in God
% of adults ages 65 and older who say they do not believe in God who say…
| 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 | 23% | 73% | 2% | 2% | 707 |
| 2007 | 24% | 70% | 2% | 4% | 331 |
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 adults ages 65 and older who say they do not believe in God
% of adults ages 65 and older who say they do not believe in God who say humans…
| 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 | 83% | 3% | 2% | 9% | 3% | 707 |
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.
