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 blacks by religious group
% of blacks who say religion is…
Chart
Table
Share
Religious tradition
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
Catholic
75%
21%
2%
2%
< 1%
192
Evangelical Protestant
84%
13%
1%
1%
1%
495
Historically Black Protestant
86%
12%
1%
1%
< 1%
1,798
Mainline Protestant
81%
16%
3%
< 1%
< 1%
159
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")
34%
28%
18%
19%
< 1%
534
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 blacks by importance of religion
% of blacks who are ages…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
Very important
21%
36%
29%
15%
2,497
Somewhat important
39%
37%
18%
6%
512
Not too important
55%
30%
12%
3%
150
Not at all important
44%
38%
12%
7%
128
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 blacks by importance of religion
% of blacks who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
Very important
13%
14%
30%
33%
9%
1%
2,497
Somewhat important
24%
24%
29%
20%
4%
< 1%
512
Not too important
34%
30%
20%
14%
2%
< 1%
150
Not at all important
33%
18%
31%
13%
5%
1%
128
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 blacks by importance of religion
% of blacks who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
Men
Women
Sample size
Very important
41%
59%
2,568
Somewhat important
52%
48%
518
Not too important
56%
44%
153
Not at all important
69%
31%
129
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 blacks by importance of religion
% of blacks who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
Very important
10%
4%
85%
2,509
Somewhat important
8%
6%
85%
511
Not too important
8%
7%
85%
147
Not at all important
20%
12%
68%
124
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 blacks by importance of religion
% of blacks who have a household income of…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
Very important
51%
22%
18%
9%
2,286
Somewhat important
47%
21%
22%
9%
468
Not too important
47%
20%
21%
12%
135
Not at all important
39%
17%
27%
17%
110
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 blacks by importance of religion
% of blacks who have completed…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
Very important
50%
32%
11%
7%
2,551
Somewhat important
44%
37%
11%
7%
517
Not too important
39%
42%
12%
8%
153
Not at all important
45%
31%
18%
6%
128
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 blacks by importance of religion
% of blacks who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
Very important
32%
5%
18%
8%
36%
2,560
Somewhat important
25%
15%
11%
4%
44%
515
Not too important
20%
9%
6%
1%
64%
153
Not at all important
18%
7%
11%
5%
58%
129
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 blacks by importance of religion
% of blacks who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
Very important
32%
68%
2,558
Somewhat important
32%
68%
517
Not too important
28%
72%
152
Not at all important
31%
69%
129
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 blacks by importance of religion
% of blacks who say they…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
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
Very important
92%
6%
1%
1%
< 1%
< 1%
2,568
Somewhat important
63%
30%
4%
< 1%
1%
1%
518
Not too important
37%
36%
12%
1%
12%
2%
153
Not at all important
43%
8%
13%
1%
27%
8%
129
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 blacks by importance of religion
% of blacks who attend religious services…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
At least once a week
Once or twice a month/a few times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Very important
58%
33%
9%
< 1%
2,568
Somewhat important
16%
53%
31%
< 1%
518
Not too important
6%
38%
55%
< 1%
153
Not at all important
9%
19%
71%
1%
129
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 blacks by importance of religion
% of blacks who pray…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Very important
83%
11%
2%
2%
1%
2,568
Somewhat important
50%
22%
10%
17%
1%
518
Not too important
24%
20%
13%
44%
< 1%
153
Not at all important
23%
9%
11%
55%
1%
129
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 blacks by importance of religion
% of blacks who attend prayer group…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Very important
49%
15%
9%
26%
1%
2,568
Somewhat important
10%
12%
9%
68%
< 1%
518
Not too important
3%
6%
6%
86%
< 1%
153
Not at all important
11%
2%
6%
80%
1%
129
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 blacks by importance of religion
% of blacks who meditate…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Very important
58%
8%
3%
28%
2%
2,568
Somewhat important
36%
8%
6%
49%
< 1%
518
Not too important
27%
6%
3%
63%
1%
153
Not at all important
35%
10%
7%
48%
< 1%
129
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 blacks by importance of religion
% of blacks who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Very important
76%
11%
5%
6%
1%
2,568
Somewhat important
47%
20%
11%
21%
1%
518
Not too important
42%
22%
13%
22%
2%
153
Not at all important
43%
19%
8%
25%
5%
129
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 blacks by importance of religion
% of blacks who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Very important
45%
14%
10%
29%
2%
2,568
Somewhat important
44%
15%
11%
30%
1%
518
Not too important
42%
17%
10%
29%
1%
153
Not at all important
47%
12%
15%
25%
2%
129
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 blacks by importance of religion
% of blacks who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
Very important
53%
5%
36%
4%
2%
2,568
Somewhat important
14%
12%
65%
8%
1%
518
Not too important
7%
15%
66%
11%
< 1%
153
Not at all important
6%
16%
57%
19%
1%
129
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 blacks by importance of religion
% of blacks who say…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
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
Very important
31%
67%
1%
1%
2,568
Somewhat important
23%
76%
1%
< 1%
518
Not too important
17%
79%
2%
1%
153
Not at all important
18%
79%
2%
< 1%
129
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 blacks by importance of religion
% of blacks who read scripture…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Very important
66%
14%
6%
13%
1%
2,568
Somewhat important
23%
14%
12%
51%
1%
518
Not too important
9%
12%
10%
69%
< 1%
153
Not at all important
18%
5%
4%
72%
< 1%
129
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 blacks by importance of religion
% of blacks who say the holy scripture is…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
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
Very important
61%
23%
3%
7%
6%
2,568
Somewhat important
26%
28%
1%
37%
8%
518
Not too important
15%
15%
< 1%
61%
10%
153
Not at all important
11%
14%
< 1%
68%
5%
129
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 blacks by importance of religion
% of blacks who …in heaven
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Very important
92%
4%
3%
2,568
Somewhat important
78%
14%
7%
518
Not too important
53%
42%
4%
153
Not at all important
39%
52%
9%
129
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 blacks by importance of religion
% of blacks who …in hell
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Very important
80%
14%
6%
2,568
Somewhat important
61%
31%
8%
518
Not too important
44%
52%
4%
153
Not at all important
28%
64%
7%
129
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 blacks by importance of religion
% of blacks who identify as…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
Very important
9%
13%
78%
2,568
Somewhat important
10%
11%
79%
518
Not too important
18%
12%
69%
153
Not at all important
8%
32%
60%
129
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 blacks by importance of religion
% of blacks who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
Very important
35%
33%
24%
8%
2,568
Somewhat important
23%
38%
30%
8%
518
Not too important
9%
41%
45%
4%
153
Not at all important
17%
27%
42%
14%
129
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 blacks by importance of religion
% of blacks who would rather have…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
Very important
22%
71%
3%
4%
2,568
Somewhat important
26%
68%
3%
3%
518
Not too important
34%
57%
5%
4%
153
Not at all important
34%
59%
3%
3%
129
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 blacks by importance of religion
% of blacks who say government aid to the poor…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Very important
27%
66%
4%
2%
2,568
Somewhat important
30%
64%
5%
2%
518
Not too important
29%
65%
5%
1%
153
Not at all important
30%
65%
3%
2%
129
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 blacks by importance of religion
% of blacks who say abortion should be…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
Very important
48%
46%
6%
2,568
Somewhat important
69%
27%
4%
518
Not too important
74%
24%
2%
153
Not at all important
56%
38%
5%
129
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 blacks by importance of religion
% of blacks who say homosexuality…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Very important
46%
45%
5%
4%
2,568
Somewhat important
75%
19%
4%
3%
518
Not too important
80%
16%
2%
2%
153
Not at all important
70%
25%
4%
1%
129
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 blacks by importance of religion
% of blacks who …same-sex marriage
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
Very important
36%
55%
9%
2,568
Somewhat important
64%
29%
8%
518
Not too important
73%
24%
4%
153
Not at all important
64%
27%
8%
129
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 blacks by importance of religion
% of blacks who say…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
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
Very important
35%
59%
2%
4%
2,568
Somewhat important
31%
65%
2%
1%
518
Not too important
22%
74%
4%
< 1%
153
Not at all important
26%
70%
3%
1%
129
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 blacks by importance of religion
% of blacks who say humans…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
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
Very important
14%
29%
3%
49%
5%
2,568
Somewhat important
34%
34%
4%
24%
4%
518
Not too important
52%
21%
4%
22%
1%
153
Not at all important
46%
21%
1%
24%
8%
129
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.