Generational cohort among adults who say religion is not too important by religious group

% of adults who say religion is not too important who are…

Religious traditionYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Catholic19%11%30%31%8%1%563
Evangelical Protestant12%12%32%32%10%1%173
Jewish19%14%18%37%10%3%165
Mainline Protestant11%12%26%35%14%2%591
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")26%23%27%20%4%< 1%1,894
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 say religion is not too important by generational group

% of adults who say religion is not too important who are ages…

Generational cohort18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Younger Millennial100%< 1%< 1%< 1%560
Older Millennial60%40%< 1%< 1%599
Generation X< 1%100%< 1%< 1%873
Baby Boomer< 1%< 1%84%16%1,233
Silent< 1%< 1%< 1%100%440
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 generational group

% of adults who say religion is not too important who are…

Generational cohortMenWomenSample size
Younger Millennial49%51%560
Older Millennial60%40%599
Generation X57%43%873
Baby Boomer59%41%1,233
Silent61%39%440
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 generational group

% of adults who say religion is not too important who identify as…

Generational cohortWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Younger Millennial61%8%9%18%4%556
Older Millennial65%8%10%12%5%593
Generation X78%4%6%8%4%866
Baby Boomer87%3%4%5%2%1,222
Silent91%1%1%4%2%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.

Immigrant status among adults who say religion is not too important by generational group

% of adults who say religion is not too important who are…

Generational cohortImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Younger Millennial11%24%66%556
Older Millennial18%9%73%589
Generation X13%9%77%861
Baby Boomer10%9%81%1,225
Silent10%14%76%437
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 generational group

% of adults who say religion is not too important 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 Millennial35%22%23%20%484
Older Millennial34%28%25%13%563
Generation X19%18%33%30%821
Baby Boomer21%15%33%30%1,132
Silent35%20%28%17%352
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 say religion is not too important by generational group

% of adults who say religion is not too important who have completed…

Generational cohortHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Younger Millennial45%42%11%2%558
Older Millennial22%37%26%14%598
Generation X27%30%24%19%872
Baby Boomer31%30%22%17%1,230
Silent39%20%22%18%439
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 generational group

% of adults who say religion is not too important who are…

Generational cohortMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Younger Millennial5%9%1%< 1%86%558
Older Millennial31%13%7%< 1%48%596
Generation X58%11%11%1%19%871
Baby Boomer60%7%19%4%10%1,231
Silent58%4%13%21%5%437
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 generational group

% of adults who say religion is not too important who are…

Generational cohortParentsNon-parentsSample size
Younger Millennial10%90%559
Older Millennial29%71%598
Generation X51%49%872
Baby Boomer11%89%1,233
Silent1%99%438
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 say religion is not too important by generational group

% of adults who say religion is not too important 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 Millennial12%27%24%< 1%31%6%560
Older Millennial16%36%19%< 1%22%7%599
Generation X22%39%18%< 1%15%6%873
Baby Boomer24%36%17%1%15%6%1,233
Silent20%34%19%3%14%9%440
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 generational group

% of adults who say religion is not too important who attend religious services…

Generational cohortAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial3%40%57%< 1%560
Older Millennial2%34%64%< 1%599
Generation X2%32%65%< 1%873
Baby Boomer2%31%67%< 1%1,233
Silent5%32%63%1%440
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 generational group

% of adults who say religion is not too important who pray…

Generational cohortAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial6%13%9%71%< 1%560
Older Millennial11%11%10%68%< 1%599
Generation X16%13%12%59%< 1%873
Baby Boomer17%13%10%60%< 1%1,233
Silent17%10%8%63%1%440
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 generational group

% of adults who say religion is not too important who attend prayer group…

Generational cohortAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial2%3%5%90%< 1%560
Older Millennial1%2%4%94%< 1%599
Generation X2%2%3%94%< 1%873
Baby Boomer2%1%2%95%< 1%1,233
Silent1%2%1%95%1%440
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 generational group

% of adults who say religion is not too important who meditate…

Generational cohortAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial14%12%5%69%1%560
Older Millennial21%12%6%61%< 1%599
Generation X23%11%5%60%1%873
Baby Boomer25%9%6%60%< 1%1,233
Silent26%7%6%60%1%440
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 generational group

% of adults who say religion is not too important 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%26%12%31%1%560
Older Millennial32%19%15%33%1%599
Generation X35%13%19%32%1%873
Baby Boomer31%15%15%37%1%1,233
Silent30%12%14%42%3%440
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 generational group

% of adults who say religion is not too important 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 Millennial49%20%14%16%1%560
Older Millennial42%20%17%21%1%599
Generation X37%18%17%28%< 1%873
Baby Boomer38%17%15%29%1%1,233
Silent30%14%15%37%4%440
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 generational group

% of adults who say religion is not too important who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Generational cohortReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial2%24%55%17%1%560
Older Millennial3%18%62%16%1%599
Generation X4%17%65%13%1%873
Baby Boomer4%17%65%12%2%1,233
Silent4%13%64%17%3%440
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 generational group

% of adults who say religion is not too important 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 Millennial12%87%< 1%< 1%560
Older Millennial17%81%2%< 1%599
Generation X22%76%1%1%873
Baby Boomer27%70%3%< 1%1,233
Silent20%79%< 1%< 1%440
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 generational group

% of adults who say religion is not too important who read scripture…

Generational cohortAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial3%5%6%87%< 1%560
Older Millennial4%6%7%83%< 1%599
Generation X5%5%5%85%< 1%873
Baby Boomer4%4%6%86%< 1%1,233
Silent5%2%6%87%< 1%440
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 generational group

% of adults who say religion is not too important 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 Millennial5%12%< 1%77%6%560
Older Millennial4%11%< 1%75%10%599
Generation X4%15%< 1%72%8%873
Baby Boomer6%13%1%73%7%1,233
Silent3%16%1%71%9%440
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 generational group

% of adults who say religion is not too important who …in heaven

Generational cohortBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Younger Millennial45%46%10%560
Older Millennial41%49%10%599
Generation X46%43%11%873
Baby Boomer41%46%13%1,233
Silent33%50%16%440
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 generational group

% of adults who say religion is not too important who …in hell

Generational cohortBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Younger Millennial32%60%8%560
Older Millennial32%59%9%599
Generation X31%60%10%873
Baby Boomer27%63%10%1,233
Silent22%69%9%440
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 say religion is not too important by generational group

% of adults who say religion is not too important who identify as…

Generational cohortRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Younger Millennial27%17%57%560
Older Millennial27%22%51%599
Generation X32%17%51%873
Baby Boomer31%16%52%1,233
Silent36%10%54%440
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 generational group

% of adults who say religion is not too important who are…

Generational cohortConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial17%38%40%5%560
Older Millennial13%44%35%8%599
Generation X20%40%35%5%873
Baby Boomer23%38%34%6%1,233
Silent30%36%29%5%440
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 generational group

% of adults who say religion is not too important who would rather have…

Generational cohortSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial44%50%2%3%560
Older Millennial46%46%3%5%599
Generation X55%40%3%3%873
Baby Boomer56%38%3%3%1,233
Silent57%35%5%4%440
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 generational group

% of adults who say religion is not too important who say government aid to the poor…

Generational cohortDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial35%60%5%1%560
Older Millennial37%56%4%2%599
Generation X42%54%3%1%873
Baby Boomer40%55%3%2%1,233
Silent40%54%3%3%440
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 generational group

% of adults who say religion is not too important who say abortion should be…

Generational cohortLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial78%20%3%560
Older Millennial76%22%2%599
Generation X79%18%2%873
Baby Boomer81%15%4%1,233
Silent75%19%5%440
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 generational group

% of adults who say religion is not too important who say homosexuality…

Generational cohortShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial93%4%1%1%560
Older Millennial89%7%1%3%599
Generation X83%13%2%2%873
Baby Boomer79%16%2%3%1,233
Silent74%20%3%3%440
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 generational group

% of adults who say religion is not too important who …same-sex marriage

Generational cohortStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial90%7%3%560
Older Millennial88%10%3%599
Generation X78%16%5%873
Baby Boomer72%21%7%1,233
Silent62%30%7%440
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 generational group

% of adults who say religion is not too important 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 Millennial25%72%1%2%560
Older Millennial24%70%3%4%599
Generation X31%67%1%1%873
Baby Boomer32%65%1%2%1,233
Silent34%59%3%3%440
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 generational group

% of adults who say religion is not too important 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 Millennial77%10%2%10%2%560
Older Millennial68%15%6%10%1%599
Generation X64%16%6%13%1%873
Baby Boomer64%17%5%11%3%1,233
Silent62%11%8%13%6%440
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.