Generational cohort among adults who do not believe in God by religious group

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

Religious traditionYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Catholic20%16%23%33%9%< 1%112
Jewish17%14%18%28%18%5%159
Mainline Protestant8%5%21%41%21%3%109
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")28%22%26%19%6%1%2,706
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: Younger Millennial, Older Millennial, Generation X, Baby Boomer, Silent

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who do not believe in God by generational group

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

Generational cohort18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Younger Millennial100%< 1%< 1%< 1%575
Older Millennial58%42%< 1%< 1%641
Generation X< 1%100%< 1%< 1%725
Baby Boomer< 1%< 1%82%18%954
Silent< 1%< 1%< 1%100%434
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 who do not believe in God by generational group

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

Generational cohortMenWomenSample size
Younger Millennial63%37%575
Older Millennial65%35%641
Generation X65%35%725
Baby Boomer68%32%954
Silent67%33%434
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 who do not believe in God by generational group

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

Generational cohortWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Younger Millennial66%3%11%15%4%568
Older Millennial74%3%10%10%3%638
Generation X79%3%7%8%4%718
Baby Boomer88%3%3%5%2%943
Silent89%1%1%5%4%428
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 who do not believe in God by generational group

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

Generational cohortImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Younger Millennial13%22%64%566
Older Millennial13%13%74%634
Generation X16%10%74%718
Baby Boomer9%11%80%947
Silent9%21%70%432
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 who do not believe in God by generational group

% of adults who do not believe in God who have a household income of…

Generational cohortLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Younger Millennial34%20%24%21%501
Older Millennial29%24%30%16%617
Generation X15%16%33%35%688
Baby Boomer17%13%31%39%886
Silent25%17%34%25%381
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 who do not believe in God by generational group

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

Generational cohortHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Younger Millennial43%41%14%1%575
Older Millennial18%31%34%17%641
Generation X25%25%27%23%724
Baby Boomer25%25%26%24%951
Silent28%23%22%27%434
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 who do not believe in God by generational group

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

Generational cohortMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Younger Millennial5%9%< 1%< 1%86%574
Older Millennial26%21%5%< 1%48%639
Generation X55%12%12%1%19%724
Baby Boomer62%8%17%3%10%952
Silent65%3%12%14%5%434
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 who do not believe in God by generational group

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

Generational cohortParentsNon-parentsSample size
Younger Millennial4%96%574
Older Millennial23%77%639
Generation X51%49%723
Baby Boomer12%88%954
Silent4%96%433
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

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

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

Generational cohortVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial1%7%29%62%1%575
Older Millennial3%7%23%66%< 1%641
Generation X3%9%19%69%1%725
Baby Boomer4%7%22%66%1%954
Silent4%13%16%67%< 1%434
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 who do not believe in God by generational group

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

Generational cohortAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial1%22%76%1%575
Older Millennial2%16%83%< 1%641
Generation X3%14%84%< 1%725
Baby Boomer2%16%82%< 1%954
Silent4%16%80%< 1%434
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 who do not believe in God by generational group

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

Generational cohortAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial1%1%3%95%< 1%575
Older Millennial2%1%3%94%< 1%641
Generation X3%2%3%91%< 1%725
Baby Boomer3%2%2%92%< 1%954
Silent3%2%3%91%< 1%434
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 who do not believe in God by generational group

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

Generational cohortAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial1%2%3%94%< 1%575
Older Millennial1%1%2%96%< 1%641
Generation X1%1%1%96%< 1%725
Baby Boomer1%1%1%96%< 1%954
Silent1%1%2%96%< 1%434
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 who do not believe in God by generational group

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

Generational cohortAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial14%8%6%70%1%575
Older Millennial19%8%6%66%< 1%641
Generation X19%10%5%65%1%725
Baby Boomer21%7%4%68%1%954
Silent19%6%7%68%1%434
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 who do not believe in God by generational group

% of adults who do not believe in God who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Generational cohortAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial30%19%8%42%1%575
Older Millennial32%18%11%38%1%641
Generation X32%13%10%43%1%725
Baby Boomer28%13%9%47%3%954
Silent26%7%7%54%5%434
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 who do not believe in God by generational group

% of adults who do not believe in God who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Generational cohortAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial50%20%10%19%1%575
Older Millennial47%20%14%19%< 1%641
Generation X42%18%16%24%1%725
Baby Boomer46%14%14%25%1%954
Silent41%15%13%29%2%434
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 who do not believe in God by generational group

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

Generational cohortReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial1%21%48%29%1%575
Older Millennial2%19%52%27%< 1%641
Generation X1%18%52%27%1%725
Baby Boomer2%20%54%22%2%954
Silent2%19%51%27%1%434
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 who do not believe in God by generational group

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

Generational cohortThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial11%88%< 1%< 1%575
Older Millennial16%83%1%1%641
Generation X19%80%1%< 1%725
Baby Boomer20%78%1%1%954
Silent16%83%1%< 1%434
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 who do not believe in God by generational group

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

Generational cohortAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial3%2%5%90%< 1%575
Older Millennial2%3%6%89%< 1%641
Generation X2%4%5%89%< 1%725
Baby Boomer2%2%3%93%< 1%954
Silent3%1%5%92%< 1%434
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 who do not believe in God by generational group

% of adults who do not believe in God who say the holy scripture is…

Generational cohortWord 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
Younger Millennial< 1%2%< 1%96%2%575
Older Millennial< 1%1%< 1%95%4%641
Generation X1%1%< 1%96%2%725
Baby Boomer1%2%1%93%4%954
Silent1%2%< 1%90%8%434
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 who do not believe in God by generational group

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

Generational cohortBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Younger Millennial9%86%5%575
Older Millennial5%92%3%641
Generation X5%92%2%725
Baby Boomer4%93%3%954
Silent2%97%1%434
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 who do not believe in God by generational group

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

Generational cohortBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Younger Millennial8%89%4%575
Older Millennial5%94%2%641
Generation X3%94%3%725
Baby Boomer3%94%3%954
Silent1%97%1%434
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 adults who do not believe in God by generational group

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

Generational cohortRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Younger Millennial17%19%64%575
Older Millennial16%19%65%641
Generation X19%18%64%725
Baby Boomer21%15%64%954
Silent20%8%72%434
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 who do not believe in God by generational group

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

Generational cohortConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial13%32%48%6%575
Older Millennial9%30%54%8%641
Generation X11%35%49%4%725
Baby Boomer15%29%52%4%954
Silent20%26%49%5%434
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 who do not believe in God by generational group

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

Generational cohortSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial41%54%2%3%575
Older Millennial41%53%3%3%641
Generation X46%47%4%3%725
Baby Boomer43%51%4%2%954
Silent42%46%5%7%434
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 who do not believe in God by generational group

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

Generational cohortDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial32%65%2%1%575
Older Millennial28%67%3%1%641
Generation X28%67%3%1%725
Baby Boomer27%68%4%1%954
Silent30%65%3%2%434
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 who do not believe in God by generational group

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

Generational cohortLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial83%16%2%575
Older Millennial86%11%3%641
Generation X86%10%4%725
Baby Boomer90%8%3%954
Silent87%10%3%434
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 who do not believe in God by generational group

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

Generational cohortShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial95%3%1%1%575
Older Millennial95%4%1%< 1%641
Generation X91%6%2%1%725
Baby Boomer86%10%2%2%954
Silent85%10%4%1%434
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 who do not believe in God by generational group

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

Generational cohortStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial93%5%2%575
Older Millennial93%4%2%641
Generation X89%7%4%725
Baby Boomer85%11%4%954
Silent74%17%9%434
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 who do not believe in God by generational group

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

Generational cohortStricter 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
Younger Millennial20%77%2%1%575
Older Millennial15%82%1%2%641
Generation X19%78%1%2%725
Baby Boomer23%75%1%1%954
Silent23%73%2%2%434
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 who do not believe in God by generational group

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

Generational cohortEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial89%4%1%5%< 1%575
Older Millennial88%6%1%5%< 1%641
Generation X88%2%2%6%1%725
Baby Boomer88%3%1%6%1%954
Silent81%2%2%11%4%434
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.