DemographicInformation

Age distribution among the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are third generation or higher

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are third generation or higher who are ages…

Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201426%42%25%7%394
200729%44%18%9%384
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are third generation or higher

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are third generation or higher who are…

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
201415%21%31%28%5%< 1%394
2007< 1%23%35%31%8%2%384
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are third generation or higher

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are third generation or higher who are…

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201448%52%398
200750%50%391
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are third generation or higher

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are third generation or higher who identify as…

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201456%34%1%5%4%394
200760%29%< 1%5%6%385
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are third generation or higher

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are third generation or higher who have a household income of…

Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201455%23%16%7%330
200753%23%16%8%324
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are third generation or higher

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are third generation or higher who have completed…

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201471%21%6%2%397
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are third generation or higher

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are third generation or higher who are…

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201430%9%14%5%41%396
200738%12%13%5%32%387
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are third generation or higher

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are third generation or higher who are…

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201429%71%397
200738%62%391
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are third generation or higher

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are third generation or higher who say they…

Survey yearBelieve 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
201477%16%5%1%1%< 1%398
200783%13%2%< 1%1%1%391
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are third generation or higher

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are third generation or higher who say religion is…

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201448%33%11%6%2%398
200752%34%9%5%< 1%391
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are third generation or higher

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are third generation or higher who attend religious services…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201422%38%39%1%398
200719%33%48%1%391
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are third generation or higher

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are third generation or higher who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201455%22%5%17%< 1%398
200753%21%6%19%1%391
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are third generation or higher

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are third generation or higher who attend prayer group…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201425%13%7%55%< 1%398
200721%9%6%62%1%391
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are third generation or higher

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are third generation or higher who meditate…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201434%8%3%54%2%398
200729%7%3%57%4%391
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are third generation or higher

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are third generation or higher who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201454%12%9%22%3%398
200743%13%12%28%4%391
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are third generation or higher

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are third generation or higher who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201442%14%8%35%1%398
200732%11%11%40%6%391
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are third generation or higher

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are third generation or higher who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201437%6%49%6%2%398
200726%6%61%3%5%391
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are third generation or higher

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are third generation or higher who say…

Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201429%67%2%2%398
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are third generation or higher

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are third generation or higher who read scripture…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201437%15%4%43%1%398
200729%13%7%49%2%391
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are third generation or higher

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are third generation or higher who …in heaven

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201490%7%4%398
200790%6%4%391
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are third generation or higher

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are third generation or higher who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201474%23%3%398
200775%18%6%391
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are third generation or higher

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are third generation or higher who identify as…

Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201427%26%46%398
200729%25%46%391
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are third generation or higher

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are third generation or higher who are…

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201433%31%22%15%398
200733%35%20%13%391
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are third generation or higher

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are third generation or higher who would rather have…

Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201436%59%1%4%398
200731%62%3%4%391
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are third generation or higher

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are third generation or higher who say government aid to the poor…

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201441%53%4%2%398
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are third generation or higher

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are third generation or higher who say abortion should be…

Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201439%55%6%398
200742%53%5%391
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are third generation or higher

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are third generation or higher who say homosexuality…

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201447%43%3%7%398
200743%48%3%5%391
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are third generation or higher

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are third generation or higher who …same-sex marriage

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201438%53%9%398
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are third generation or higher

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are third generation or higher who say…

Survey yearStricter 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
201447%47%2%5%398
200738%54%4%5%391
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are third generation or higher

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are third generation or higher who say humans…

Survey yearEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
201419%25%2%47%7%398
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.