Educational distribution among adults who say religion is not too important by religious group
% of adults who say religion is not too important who have completed…
Chart
Table
Share
Religious tradition
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
Catholic
38%
29%
21%
12%
564
Evangelical Protestant
42%
33%
17%
8%
174
Jewish
13%
25%
30%
33%
166
Mainline Protestant
35%
26%
22%
17%
593
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")
31%
37%
20%
12%
1,919
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.
Age distribution among adults who say religion is not too important by educational group
% of adults who say religion is not too important who are ages…
Chart
Table
Share
Educational distribution
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
High school or less
38%
29%
20%
13%
867
Some college
39%
34%
19%
8%
944
College
27%
39%
22%
12%
1,122
Post-graduate degree
12%
48%
25%
15%
802
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Generational cohort among adults who say religion is not too important by educational group
% of adults who say religion is not too important who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Educational distribution
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
High school or less
30%
13%
24%
24%
8%
1%
867
Some college
27%
21%
25%
22%
4%
1%
944
College
11%
24%
31%
26%
7%
1%
1,122
Post-graduate degree
3%
19%
38%
30%
9%
1%
802
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 say religion is not too important by educational group
% of adults who say religion is not too important who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Educational distribution
Men
Women
Sample size
High school or less
63%
37%
869
Some college
53%
47%
952
College
56%
44%
1,138
Post-graduate degree
49%
51%
816
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 say religion is not too important by educational group
% of adults who say religion is not too important who identify as…
Chart
Table
Share
Educational distribution
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
High school or less
73%
6%
4%
14%
3%
859
Some college
74%
6%
5%
11%
4%
944
College
78%
3%
10%
6%
3%
1,124
Post-graduate degree
77%
3%
11%
4%
5%
809
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 say religion is not too important by educational group
% of adults who say religion is not too important who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Educational distribution
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
High school or less
11%
12%
77%
858
Some college
9%
15%
77%
944
College
14%
12%
74%
1,125
Post-graduate degree
22%
11%
68%
808
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 say religion is not too important by educational group
% of adults who say religion is not too important who have a household income of…
Chart
Table
Share
Educational distribution
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
High school or less
42%
21%
25%
12%
768
Some college
29%
24%
32%
15%
866
College
12%
18%
32%
38%
1,031
Post-graduate degree
10%
11%
27%
52%
725
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 say religion is not too important by educational group
% of adults who say religion is not too important who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Educational distribution
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
High school or less
34%
9%
11%
4%
42%
866
Some college
37%
10%
12%
3%
39%
952
College
53%
9%
7%
2%
28%
1,129
Post-graduate degree
59%
9%
8%
3%
21%
813
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 say religion is not too important by educational group
% of adults who say religion is not too important who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Educational distribution
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
High school or less
23%
77%
868
Some college
24%
76%
950
College
26%
74%
1,136
Post-graduate degree
29%
71%
813
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 God among adults who say religion is not too important by educational group
% of adults who say religion is not too important who say they…
Chart
Table
Share
Educational distribution
Believe in God; absolutely certain
Believe in God; fairly certain
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain
Believe in God; don't know
Do not believe in God
Other/don't know if they believe in God
Sample size
High school or less
21%
37%
19%
1%
17%
4%
869
Some college
21%
35%
18%
< 1%
18%
8%
952
College
15%
33%
21%
< 1%
24%
8%
1,138
Post-graduate degree
15%
34%
20%
1%
22%
8%
816
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 say religion is not too important by educational group
% of adults who say religion is not too important who attend religious services…
Chart
Table
Share
Educational distribution
At least once a week
Once or twice a month/a few times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
4%
32%
64%
< 1%
869
Some college
2%
32%
65%
< 1%
952
College
2%
36%
62%
< 1%
1,138
Post-graduate degree
2%
40%
58%
< 1%
816
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 say religion is not too important by educational group
% of adults who say religion is not too important who pray…
Chart
Table
Share
Educational distribution
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
16%
12%
11%
61%
< 1%
869
Some college
13%
14%
11%
62%
< 1%
952
College
10%
11%
8%
70%
< 1%
1,138
Post-graduate degree
13%
13%
9%
65%
1%
816
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 say religion is not too important by educational group
% of adults who say religion is not too important who attend prayer group…
Chart
Table
Share
Educational distribution
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
3%
2%
4%
91%
< 1%
869
Some college
1%
3%
3%
93%
< 1%
952
College
1%
1%
2%
96%
< 1%
1,138
Post-graduate degree
2%
1%
3%
95%
< 1%
816
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 say religion is not too important by educational group
% of adults who say religion is not too important who meditate…
Chart
Table
Share
Educational distribution
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
17%
7%
5%
70%
1%
869
Some college
22%
13%
5%
60%
1%
952
College
23%
10%
7%
59%
1%
1,138
Post-graduate degree
26%
13%
7%
53%
1%
816
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 say religion is not too important by educational group
% of adults who say religion is not too important who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
Chart
Table
Share
Educational distribution
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
27%
15%
15%
43%
1%
869
Some college
33%
18%
15%
33%
1%
952
College
34%
20%
17%
27%
2%
1,138
Post-graduate degree
39%
17%
16%
27%
1%
816
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 say religion is not too important by educational group
% of adults who say religion is not too important who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
Chart
Table
Share
Educational distribution
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
35%
13%
14%
37%
1%
869
Some college
44%
19%
14%
22%
1%
952
College
42%
21%
19%
18%
1%
1,138
Post-graduate degree
40%
22%
19%
19%
1%
816
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 say religion is not too important by educational group
% of adults who say religion is not too important who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
Chart
Table
Share
Educational distribution
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
4%
15%
67%
12%
1%
869
Some college
3%
18%
67%
12%
1%
952
College
3%
21%
54%
20%
2%
1,138
Post-graduate degree
3%
22%
53%
20%
1%
816
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 say religion is not too important by educational group
% of adults who say religion is not too important who say…
Chart
Table
Share
Educational distribution
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
High school or less
23%
75%
1%
1%
869
Some college
21%
77%
2%
1%
952
College
18%
81%
1%
< 1%
1,138
Post-graduate degree
16%
81%
2%
< 1%
816
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 say religion is not too important by educational group
% of adults who say religion is not too important who read scripture…
Chart
Table
Share
Educational distribution
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
4%
5%
5%
85%
< 1%
869
Some college
5%
6%
6%
83%
< 1%
952
College
3%
3%
6%
88%
< 1%
1,138
Post-graduate degree
4%
2%
7%
86%
< 1%
816
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 say religion is not too important by educational group
% of adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is…
Chart
Table
Share
Educational distribution
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
High school or less
10%
19%
1%
63%
7%
869
Some college
4%
13%
< 1%
73%
10%
952
College
1%
9%
< 1%
83%
7%
1,138
Post-graduate degree
1%
8%
< 1%
85%
5%
816
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 say religion is not too important by educational group
% of adults who say religion is not too important who …in heaven
Chart
Table
Share
Educational distribution
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
High school or less
51%
38%
11%
869
Some college
45%
42%
13%
952
College
32%
56%
12%
1,138
Post-graduate degree
29%
61%
10%
816
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 say religion is not too important by educational group
% of adults who say religion is not too important who …in hell
Chart
Table
Share
Educational distribution
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
High school or less
39%
52%
9%
869
Some college
32%
58%
10%
952
College
20%
72%
8%
1,138
Post-graduate degree
16%
76%
9%
816
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.
Party affiliation among adults who say religion is not too important by educational group
% of adults who say religion is not too important who identify as…
Chart
Table
Share
Educational distribution
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
High school or less
34%
24%
43%
869
Some college
32%
18%
49%
952
College
25%
12%
62%
1,138
Post-graduate degree
23%
9%
68%
816
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 say religion is not too important by educational group
% of adults who say religion is not too important who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Educational distribution
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
28%
37%
27%
8%
869
Some college
19%
41%
33%
6%
952
College
14%
41%
42%
3%
1,138
Post-graduate degree
10%
39%
49%
3%
816
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 say religion is not too important by educational group
% of adults who say religion is not too important who would rather have…
Chart
Table
Share
Educational distribution
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
53%
42%
3%
2%
869
Some college
55%
37%
3%
5%
952
College
48%
44%
3%
4%
1,138
Post-graduate degree
42%
51%
3%
3%
816
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 say religion is not too important by educational group
% of adults who say religion is not too important who say government aid to the poor…
Chart
Table
Share
Educational distribution
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
46%
49%
4%
1%
869
Some college
41%
53%
4%
1%
952
College
33%
62%
4%
2%
1,138
Post-graduate degree
26%
69%
2%
2%
816
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 say religion is not too important by educational group
% of adults who say religion is not too important who say abortion should be…
Chart
Table
Share
Educational distribution
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
70%
27%
3%
869
Some college
78%
18%
4%
952
College
86%
12%
2%
1,138
Post-graduate degree
88%
10%
2%
816
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 say religion is not too important by educational group
% of adults who say religion is not too important who say homosexuality…
Chart
Table
Share
Educational distribution
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
77%
18%
2%
3%
869
Some college
84%
11%
2%
3%
952
College
92%
6%
1%
1%
1,138
Post-graduate degree
91%
7%
2%
< 1%
816
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 say religion is not too important by educational group
% of adults who say religion is not too important who …same-sex marriage
Chart
Table
Share
Educational distribution
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
68%
25%
7%
869
Some college
82%
14%
4%
952
College
88%
8%
4%
1,138
Post-graduate degree
88%
9%
3%
816
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 say religion is not too important by educational group
% of adults who say religion is not too important who say…
Chart
Table
Share
Educational distribution
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
High school or less
39%
57%
2%
3%
869
Some college
29%
68%
1%
2%
952
College
22%
75%
2%
2%
1,138
Post-graduate degree
17%
80%
1%
1%
816
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 say religion is not too important by educational group
% of adults who say religion is not too important who say humans…
Chart
Table
Share
Educational distribution
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
High school or less
57%
17%
4%
19%
3%
869
Some college
65%
16%
7%
10%
2%
952
College
78%
11%
5%
5%
2%
1,138
Post-graduate degree
79%
10%
4%
6%
1%
816
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.