Age distribution among the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is not too important
% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is not too important who are ages…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
2014
41%
39%
14%
6%
317
2007
36%
45%
14%
5%
212
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is not too important
% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is not too important who are…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
2014
23%
29%
28%
17%
3%
1%
317
2007
< 1%
29%
37%
28%
5%
1%
212
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is not too important
% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is not too important who are…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Men
Women
Sample size
2014
58%
42%
328
2007
65%
35%
220
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is not too important
% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is not too important who identify as…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
2014
70%
4%
7%
14%
4%
322
2007
73%
4%
8%
10%
5%
216
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is not too important
% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is not too important who are…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
2014
12%
14%
74%
318
2007
12%
8%
80%
216
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is not too important
% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is not too important who have a household income of…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
2014
44%
18%
23%
15%
273
2007
31%
30%
23%
16%
172
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is not too important
% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is not too important who have completed…
Chart
Table
Share
Survey year
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
2014
43%
38%
13%
6%
325
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is not too important
% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is not too important who are…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
2014
29%
12%
14%
3%
42%
325
2007
46%
12%
11%
2%
29%
215
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is not too important
% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is not too important who are…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
2014
30%
70%
326
2007
37%
63%
219
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.
Beliefs✭and✭Practices
Belief in God among the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is not too important
% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is not too important who say they…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
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
2014
21%
32%
17%
< 1%
20%
9%
328
2007
29%
26%
15%
1%
13%
17%
220
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is not too important
% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is not too important who attend religious services…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month/a few times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
2%
25%
73%
< 1%
328
2007
1%
22%
77%
< 1%
220
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is not too important
% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is not too important who pray…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
15%
11%
8%
66%
< 1%
328
2007
10%
14%
6%
69%
1%
220
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is not too important
% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is not too important who attend prayer group…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
2%
1%
4%
93%
< 1%
328
2007
< 1%
< 1%
2%
95%
3%
220
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is not too important
% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is not too important who meditate…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
22%
13%
5%
58%
2%
328
2007
19%
6%
3%
70%
3%
220
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is not too important
% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is not too important who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
34%
15%
15%
34%
2%
328
2007
20%
8%
12%
53%
7%
220
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is not too important
% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is not too important who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
46%
12%
16%
25%
1%
328
2007
29%
10%
16%
42%
2%
220
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is not too important
% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is not too important who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
2014
3%
21%
61%
12%
2%
328
2007
< 1%
11%
75%
8%
5%
220
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is not too important
% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is not too important who say…
Chart
Table
Share
Survey year
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
2014
22%
75%
2%
1%
328
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is not too important
% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is not too important who read scripture…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
5%
6%
6%
83%
< 1%
328
2007
3%
3%
4%
88%
2%
220
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is not too important
% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
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
2014
5%
11%
< 1%
70%
13%
328
2007
8%
10%
< 1%
62%
19%
220
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is not too important
% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is not too important who …in heaven
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
2014
41%
42%
17%
328
2007
40%
39%
21%
220
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is not too important
% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is not too important who …in hell
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
2014
29%
57%
14%
328
2007
32%
48%
21%
220
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.
Social✭and✭Political✭Views
Political ideology among the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is not too important
% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is not too important who are…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
2014
15%
42%
22%
21%
328
2007
14%
40%
22%
23%
220
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is not too important
% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is not too important who would rather have…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
2014
51%
36%
6%
7%
328
2007
42%
43%
6%
9%
220
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is not too important
% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is not too important who say government aid to the poor…
Chart
Table
Share
Survey year
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
2014
38%
53%
7%
2%
328
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is not too important
% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is not too important who say abortion should be…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
2014
67%
26%
7%
328
2007
69%
23%
8%
220
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is not too important
% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is not too important who say homosexuality…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
2014
81%
12%
4%
3%
328
2007
66%
18%
9%
7%
220
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is not too important
% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is not too important who …same-sex marriage
Chart
Table
Share
Survey year
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
2014
76%
14%
10%
328
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is not too important
% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is not too important who say…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
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
2014
31%
63%
3%
3%
328
2007
21%
64%
6%
9%
220
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is not too important
% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is not too important who say humans…
Chart
Table
Share
Survey year
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
2014
57%
16%
7%
15%
4%
328
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.