Generational cohort among adults who pray monthly by religious group

% of adults who pray monthly who are…

Religious traditionYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Catholic16%17%28%33%5%1%478
Evangelical Protestant13%17%28%30%11%< 1%240
Mainline Protestant13%12%29%32%13%1%410
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")23%24%28%21%3%< 1%476
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 pray monthly by generational group

% of adults who pray monthly who are ages…

Generational cohort18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Younger Millennial100%< 1%< 1%< 1%248
Older Millennial50%50%< 1%< 1%297
Generation X< 1%100%< 1%< 1%433
Baby Boomer< 1%< 1%84%16%690
Silent< 1%< 1%< 1%100%221
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 pray monthly by generational group

% of adults who pray monthly who are…

Generational cohortMenWomenSample size
Younger Millennial54%46%248
Older Millennial57%43%297
Generation X58%42%433
Baby Boomer62%38%690
Silent60%40%221
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 pray monthly by generational group

% of adults who pray monthly who identify as…

Generational cohortWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Younger Millennial47%12%6%30%5%248
Older Millennial49%14%9%23%4%297
Generation X68%8%4%17%3%424
Baby Boomer80%6%3%9%1%685
Silent77%6%6%8%3%221
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 pray monthly by generational group

% of adults who pray monthly who are…

Generational cohortImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Younger Millennial15%23%63%243
Older Millennial26%9%65%291
Generation X19%10%71%428
Baby Boomer12%7%81%685
Silent10%10%80%217
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 pray monthly by generational group

% of adults who pray monthly 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 Millennial37%18%22%22%206
Older Millennial39%22%27%12%280
Generation X26%18%26%30%400
Baby Boomer27%16%27%31%622
Silent39%24%26%11%190
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 pray monthly by generational group

% of adults who pray monthly who have completed…

Generational cohortHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Younger Millennial52%38%9%1%247
Older Millennial35%31%20%14%296
Generation X39%29%16%16%431
Baby Boomer39%31%18%13%689
Silent55%21%13%11%221
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 pray monthly by generational group

% of adults who pray monthly who are…

Generational cohortMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Younger Millennial4%12%1%< 1%83%247
Older Millennial32%17%7%1%44%296
Generation X57%14%14%< 1%16%433
Baby Boomer66%6%14%5%9%690
Silent58%4%14%22%2%221
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 pray monthly by generational group

% of adults who pray monthly who are…

Generational cohortParentsNon-parentsSample size
Younger Millennial11%89%248
Older Millennial40%60%297
Generation X54%46%431
Baby Boomer16%84%688
Silent1%99%221
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

Belief in God among adults who pray monthly by generational group

% of adults who pray monthly who say they…

Generational cohortBelieve 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
Younger Millennial30%42%16%1%7%3%248
Older Millennial38%45%9%1%5%2%297
Generation X42%39%11%1%5%2%433
Baby Boomer45%41%9%1%2%2%690
Silent47%38%6%1%6%4%221
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.

Importance of religion in one's life among adults who pray monthly by generational group

% of adults who pray monthly who say religion is…

Generational cohortVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial17%53%21%9%< 1%248
Older Millennial21%54%19%6%1%297
Generation X21%49%23%6%< 1%433
Baby Boomer21%56%17%6%< 1%690
Silent28%51%14%5%2%221
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 pray monthly by generational group

% of adults who pray monthly who attend religious services…

Generational cohortAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial14%60%26%< 1%248
Older Millennial8%56%36%1%297
Generation X6%55%39%< 1%433
Baby Boomer6%55%38%< 1%690
Silent13%55%32%< 1%221
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 pray monthly by generational group

% of adults who pray monthly who attend prayer group…

Generational cohortAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial5%7%12%76%< 1%248
Older Millennial4%8%8%80%< 1%297
Generation X3%6%9%81%1%433
Baby Boomer2%5%7%86%< 1%690
Silent7%4%12%77%1%221
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 pray monthly by generational group

% of adults who pray monthly who meditate…

Generational cohortAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial14%17%5%62%1%248
Older Millennial21%17%8%53%1%297
Generation X20%14%8%57%1%433
Baby Boomer18%14%8%59%2%690
Silent26%17%13%43%2%221
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 pray monthly by generational group

% of adults who pray monthly 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 Millennial37%28%14%21%1%248
Older Millennial32%26%21%19%2%297
Generation X33%19%21%26%1%433
Baby Boomer33%22%18%25%1%690
Silent33%20%19%25%3%221
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 pray monthly by generational group

% of adults who pray monthly 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 Millennial44%16%18%21%1%248
Older Millennial37%22%18%21%1%297
Generation X31%19%20%29%< 1%433
Baby Boomer34%16%19%30%1%690
Silent25%19%26%30%1%221
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 pray monthly by generational group

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

Generational cohortReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial11%22%57%11%< 1%248
Older Millennial12%13%58%14%3%297
Generation X9%15%64%10%1%433
Baby Boomer14%11%62%10%2%690
Silent13%9%65%11%3%221
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 pray monthly by generational group

% of adults who pray monthly 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 Millennial15%85%< 1%< 1%248
Older Millennial23%75%1%1%297
Generation X28%70%2%1%433
Baby Boomer29%70%1%< 1%690
Silent27%71%1%1%221
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 pray monthly by generational group

% of adults who pray monthly who read scripture…

Generational cohortAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial5%15%11%69%< 1%248
Older Millennial5%13%12%70%< 1%297
Generation X5%8%18%70%< 1%433
Baby Boomer4%7%13%76%< 1%690
Silent9%7%18%64%1%221
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 pray monthly by generational group

% of adults who pray monthly 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 Millennial13%28%< 1%51%7%248
Older Millennial16%27%1%47%10%297
Generation X12%30%1%49%7%433
Baby Boomer15%27%2%44%12%690
Silent22%35%3%31%9%221
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 pray monthly by generational group

% of adults who pray monthly who …in heaven

Generational cohortBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Younger Millennial77%18%6%248
Older Millennial71%21%8%297
Generation X70%22%7%433
Baby Boomer71%20%8%690
Silent66%22%13%221
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 pray monthly by generational group

% of adults who pray monthly who …in hell

Generational cohortBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Younger Millennial55%40%5%248
Older Millennial55%39%6%297
Generation X51%40%9%433
Baby Boomer52%40%8%690
Silent43%46%11%221
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 pray monthly by generational group

% of adults who pray monthly who identify as…

Generational cohortRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Younger Millennial32%23%45%248
Older Millennial27%23%51%297
Generation X34%24%42%433
Baby Boomer40%12%48%690
Silent37%11%52%221
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 pray monthly by generational group

% of adults who pray monthly who are…

Generational cohortConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial20%37%36%7%248
Older Millennial17%42%34%7%297
Generation X22%42%29%7%433
Baby Boomer35%37%24%4%690
Silent37%43%18%1%221
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 pray monthly by generational group

% of adults who pray monthly who would rather have…

Generational cohortSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial41%56%1%2%248
Older Millennial43%50%3%4%297
Generation X56%37%3%3%433
Baby Boomer56%39%2%3%690
Silent57%34%5%5%221
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 pray monthly by generational group

% of adults who pray monthly who say government aid to the poor…

Generational cohortDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial39%55%4%1%248
Older Millennial40%52%3%5%297
Generation X50%47%3%1%433
Baby Boomer46%48%4%2%690
Silent46%49%1%4%221
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 pray monthly by generational group

% of adults who pray monthly who say abortion should be…

Generational cohortLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial64%34%2%248
Older Millennial61%34%5%297
Generation X62%33%5%433
Baby Boomer69%29%3%690
Silent63%34%3%221
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 pray monthly by generational group

% of adults who pray monthly who say homosexuality…

Generational cohortShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial85%12%1%1%248
Older Millennial83%12%3%3%297
Generation X77%16%4%3%433
Baby Boomer68%26%3%2%690
Silent56%38%2%5%221
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 pray monthly by generational group

% of adults who pray monthly who …same-sex marriage

Generational cohortStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial81%16%3%248
Older Millennial79%15%7%297
Generation X66%27%7%433
Baby Boomer57%35%8%690
Silent44%46%10%221
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 pray monthly by generational group

% of adults who pray monthly 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 Millennial28%70%< 1%2%248
Older Millennial29%67%1%3%297
Generation X37%59%4%< 1%433
Baby Boomer39%57%2%3%690
Silent47%48%2%3%221
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 pray monthly by generational group

% of adults who pray monthly 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 Millennial45%25%2%26%1%248
Older Millennial53%26%4%14%3%297
Generation X41%27%6%24%2%433
Baby Boomer40%28%6%23%4%690
Silent36%17%4%35%7%221
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.