Belief in Heaven

% of adults who …in heaven

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201472%21%7%35,071
200774%17%9%35,556
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: Believe, Don't believe

Belief in Heaven by religious group

% of adults who …in heaven

Religious traditionBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Buddhist47%46%7%264
Catholic85%10%5%7,202
Evangelical Protestant88%5%7%8,593
Hindu48%42%9%199
Historically Black Protestant93%4%3%1,916
Jehovah's Witness50%38%12%245
Jewish40%49%11%847
Mainline Protestant80%12%8%6,083
Mormon95%2%3%664
Muslim89%7%4%237
Orthodox Christian81%10%9%186
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")37%53%9%7,556
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: Believe, Don't believe

DemographicInformation

Age distribution by belief in heaven

% of adults who are ages…

Belief in Heaven18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Believe21%34%27%18%23,849
Don't believe28%35%22%15%7,854
Other/don't know18%34%28%21%2,642
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: 18-29, 30-49, 50-64, 65+

Switch Display To: belief in heaven by age group

Generational cohort by belief in heaven

% of adults who are…

Belief in HeavenYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Believe13%14%28%32%12%1%23,849
Don't believe17%18%27%27%9%1%7,854
Other/don't know11%13%28%34%13%2%2,642
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, Greatest

Gender composition by belief in heaven

% of adults who are…

Belief in HeavenMenWomenSample size
Believe45%55%24,337
Don't believe58%42%7,973
Other/don't know51%49%2,761
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: Men, Women

Switch Display To: belief in heaven by gender

Racial and ethnic composition by belief in heaven

% of adults who identify as…

Belief in HeavenWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Believe64%14%3%15%4%24,029
Don't believe72%5%6%13%4%7,848
Other/don't know71%7%3%14%5%2,672
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: White, Black, Asian, Latino, Other/Mixed

Immigrant status by belief in heaven

% of adults who are…

Belief in HeavenImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Believe14%9%76%23,997
Don't believe16%13%71%7,892
Other/don't know14%9%77%2,704
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: Immigrants, Second generation, Third generation or higher

Income distribution by belief in heaven

% of adults who have a household income of…

Belief in HeavenLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Believe37%21%26%16%21,084
Don't believe25%19%29%27%7,175
Other/don't know34%20%25%22%2,231
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: Less than $30,000, $30,000-$49,999, $50,000-$99,999, $100,000 or more

Educational distribution by belief in heaven

% of adults who have completed…

Belief in HeavenHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Believe45%32%15%8%24,202
Don't believe29%29%23%18%7,935
Other/don't know37%32%19%12%2,731
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: High school or less, Some college, College, Post-graduate degree

Marital status by belief in heaven

% of adults who are…

Belief in HeavenMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Believe49%7%13%7%24%24,234
Don't believe44%10%12%4%30%7,940
Other/don't know51%7%13%6%24%2,717
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: Married, Living with a partner, Divorced/separated, Widowed, Never married

Parent of children under 18 by belief in heaven

% of adults who are…

Belief in HeavenParentsNon-parentsSample size
Believe30%70%24,244
Don't believe25%75%7,950
Other/don't know27%73%2,739
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: Parents, Non-parents

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God by belief in heaven

% of adults who say they…

Belief in HeavenBelieve in God; absolutely certainBelieve in God; fairly certainBelieve in God; not too/not at all certainBelieve in God; don't knowDo not believe in GodOther/don't know if they believe in GodSample size
Believe76%19%3%1%1%1%24,337
Don't believe22%20%12%1%40%5%7,973
Other/don't know50%23%10%2%4%11%2,761
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: Believe in God; absolutely certain, Believe in God; fairly certain, Believe in God; not too/not at all certain, Do not believe in God

Importance of religion in one's life by belief in heaven

% of adults who say religion is…

Belief in HeavenVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Believe65%26%6%3%< 1%24,337
Don't believe17%19%24%39%1%7,973
Other/don't know42%27%17%11%3%2,761
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: Very important, Somewhat important, Not too important, Not at all important

Attendance at religious services by belief in heaven

% of adults who attend religious services…

Belief in HeavenAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe43%36%20%< 1%24,337
Don't believe11%26%62%< 1%7,973
Other/don't know30%29%39%2%2,761
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: At least once a week, Once or twice a month/a few times a year, Seldom/never

Frequency of prayer by belief in heaven

% of adults who pray…

Belief in HeavenAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe66%17%6%10%1%24,337
Don't believe21%9%6%64%1%7,973
Other/don't know47%14%6%28%4%2,761
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: At least daily, Weekly, Monthly, Seldom/never

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups by belief in heaven

% of adults who attend prayer group…

Belief in HeavenAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe29%11%9%50%1%24,337
Don't believe8%4%4%83%< 1%7,973
Other/don't know22%7%6%63%2%2,761
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: At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never

Frequency of meditation by belief in heaven

% of adults who meditate…

Belief in HeavenAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe43%8%4%43%2%24,337
Don't believe31%10%6%52%1%7,973
Other/don't know40%8%4%44%4%2,761
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: At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing by belief in heaven

% of adults who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Belief in HeavenAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe64%15%9%11%1%24,337
Don't believe42%16%10%30%2%7,973
Other/don't know56%13%10%18%4%2,761
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: At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe by belief in heaven

% of adults who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Belief in HeavenAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe44%16%13%26%2%24,337
Don't believe50%16%13%20%1%7,973
Other/don't know51%14%11%20%4%2,761
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: At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never

Sources of guidance on right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Belief in HeavenReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Believe41%8%43%6%2%24,337
Don't believe9%19%51%19%2%7,973
Other/don't know26%14%46%8%6%2,761
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: Religion, Philosophy/reason, Common sense, Science

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say…

Belief in HeavenThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe36%61%1%1%24,337
Don't believe22%76%1%1%7,973
Other/don't know33%63%3%2%2,761
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: There are clear standards for what is right and wrong, Right or wrong depends on the situation

Frequency of reading scripture by belief in heaven

% of adults who read scripture…

Belief in HeavenAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe43%12%9%36%1%24,337
Don't believe12%5%7%76%< 1%7,973
Other/don't know31%8%7%51%3%2,761
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: At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never

Interpreting scripture by belief in heaven

% of adults who say the holy scripture is…

Belief in HeavenWord 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
Believe39%33%3%19%6%24,337
Don't believe7%8%1%79%5%7,973
Other/don't know19%16%4%41%20%2,761
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: Word of God; should be taken literally, Word of God; not everything taken literally, Not the word of God

Belief in Hell by belief in heaven

% of adults who …in hell

Belief in HeavenBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Believe76%18%5%24,337
Don't believe7%92%1%7,973
Other/don't know20%25%54%2,761
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: Believe, Don't believe

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation by belief in heaven

% of adults who identify as…

Belief in HeavenRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Believe41%18%41%24,337
Don't believe23%18%58%7,973
Other/don't know35%26%39%2,761
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: Republican/lean Rep., No lean, Democrat/lean Dem.

Political ideology by belief in heaven

% of adults who are…

Belief in HeavenConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Believe41%33%19%6%24,337
Don't believe18%33%43%6%7,973
Other/don't know34%32%22%12%2,761
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: Conservative, Moderate, Liberal

Views about size of government by belief in heaven

% of adults who would rather have…

Belief in HeavenSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Believe53%41%3%3%24,337
Don't believe47%46%4%3%7,973
Other/don't know52%33%6%9%2,761
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: Smaller government; fewer services, Bigger government; more services

Views about government aid to the poor by belief in heaven

% of adults who say government aid to the poor…

Belief in HeavenDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe48%47%4%2%24,337
Don't believe34%62%3%1%7,973
Other/don't know43%46%7%5%2,761
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: Does more harm than good, Does more good than harm

Views about abortion by belief in heaven

% of adults who say abortion should be…

Belief in HeavenLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Believe46%50%4%24,337
Don't believe77%20%3%7,973
Other/don't know53%38%8%2,761
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: Legal in all/most cases, Illegal in all/most cases

Views about homosexuality by belief in heaven

% of adults who say homosexuality…

Belief in HeavenShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe56%37%4%4%24,337
Don't believe83%13%2%2%7,973
Other/don't know61%27%6%6%2,761
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: Should be accepted, Should be discouraged

Views about same-sex marriage by belief in heaven

% of adults who …same-sex marriage

Belief in HeavenStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Believe46%46%8%24,337
Don't believe79%16%5%7,973
Other/don't know53%34%13%2,761
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: Strongly favor/favor, Oppose/strongly oppose

Views about environmental regulation by belief in heaven

% of adults who say…

Belief in HeavenStricter 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
Believe42%53%2%3%24,337
Don't believe24%72%2%2%7,973
Other/don't know37%52%5%7%2,761
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: 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 by belief in heaven

% of adults who say humans…

Belief in HeavenEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Believe22%30%3%41%5%24,337
Don't believe70%11%4%14%2%7,973
Other/don't know36%16%11%28%9%2,761
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: Evolved; due to natural processes, Evolved; due to God's design, Always existed in present form