Parent of children under 18 among adults who say religion is very important by religious group
% of adults who say religion is very important who are…
| Religious tradition | Parents | Non-parents | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catholic | 32% | 68% | 4,200 |
| Evangelical Protestant | 31% | 69% | 6,877 |
| Historically Black Protestant | 30% | 70% | 1,633 |
| Jehovah's Witness | 27% | 73% | 223 |
| Jewish | 38% | 62% | 277 |
| Mainline Protestant | 25% | 75% | 3,304 |
| Mormon | 41% | 59% | 557 |
| Muslim | 40% | 60% | 154 |
| Unaffiliated (religious "nones") | 34% | 66% | 824 |
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: Parents, Non-parents
Demographic✭Information
Age distribution among adults who say religion is very important by parental status
% of adults who say religion is very important who are ages…
| Parent of children under 18 | 18-29 | 30-49 | 50-64 | 65+ | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parents | 16% | 67% | 15% | 2% | 4,545 |
| Non-parents | 17% | 17% | 35% | 30% | 13,686 |
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.
Switch Display To: parental status among adults who say religion is very important by age group
Generational cohort among adults who say religion is very important by parental status
% of adults who say religion is very important who are…
| Parent of children under 18 | Younger Millennial | Older Millennial | Generation X | Baby Boomer | Silent | Greatest | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parents | 5% | 23% | 55% | 16% | 1% | < 1% | 4,545 |
| Non-parents | 12% | 7% | 15% | 43% | 20% | 2% | 13,686 |
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 very important by parental status
% of adults who say religion is very important who are…
| Parent of children under 18 | Men | Women | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parents | 39% | 61% | 4,619 |
| Non-parents | 44% | 56% | 14,029 |
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.
Switch Display To: parental status among adults who say religion is very important by gender
Racial and ethnic composition among adults who say religion is very important by parental status
% of adults who say religion is very important who identify as…
| Parent of children under 18 | White | Black | Asian | Latino | Other/Mixed | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parents | 53% | 17% | 3% | 23% | 4% | 4,572 |
| Non-parents | 65% | 16% | 2% | 13% | 4% | 13,808 |
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 very important by parental status
% of adults who say religion is very important who are…
| Parent of children under 18 | Immigrants | Second generation | Third generation or higher | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parents | 23% | 7% | 70% | 4,560 |
| Non-parents | 13% | 9% | 79% | 13,837 |
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 very important by parental status
% of adults who say religion is very important who have a household income of…
| Parent of children under 18 | Less than $30,000 | $30,000-$49,999 | $50,000-$99,999 | $100,000 or more | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parents | 36% | 19% | 27% | 18% | 4,224 |
| Non-parents | 40% | 22% | 25% | 14% | 11,687 |
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 very important by parental status
% of adults who say religion is very important who have completed…
| Parent of children under 18 | High school or less | Some college | College | Post-graduate degree | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parents | 39% | 33% | 18% | 10% | 4,604 |
| Non-parents | 47% | 31% | 13% | 9% | 13,946 |
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 very important by parental status
% of adults who say religion is very important who are…
| Parent of children under 18 | Married | Living with a partner | Divorced/separated | Widowed | Never married | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parents | 68% | 7% | 12% | 2% | 11% | 4,610 |
| Non-parents | 46% | 4% | 15% | 11% | 24% | 13,957 |
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 adults who say religion is very important by parental status
% of adults who say religion is very important who say they…
| Parent of children under 18 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parents | 86% | 11% | 1% | 1% | < 1% | < 1% | 4,619 |
| Non-parents | 88% | 9% | 1% | 1% | 1% | < 1% | 14,029 |
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 very important by parental status
% of adults who say religion is very important who attend religious services…
| Parent of children under 18 | At least once a week | Once or twice a month/a few times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parents | 60% | 30% | 9% | < 1% | 4,619 |
| Non-parents | 60% | 28% | 12% | 1% | 14,029 |
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 very important by parental status
% of adults who say religion is very important who pray…
| Parent of children under 18 | At least daily | Weekly | Monthly | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parents | 82% | 13% | 2% | 2% | < 1% | 4,619 |
| Non-parents | 81% | 13% | 2% | 3% | 1% | 14,029 |
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 very important by parental status
% of adults who say religion is very important who attend prayer group…
| Parent of children under 18 | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parents | 43% | 15% | 11% | 30% | 1% | 4,619 |
| Non-parents | 41% | 12% | 10% | 36% | 1% | 14,029 |
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 very important by parental status
% of adults who say religion is very important who meditate…
| Parent of children under 18 | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parents | 49% | 8% | 3% | 39% | 2% | 4,619 |
| Non-parents | 55% | 7% | 3% | 32% | 3% | 14,029 |
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 very important by parental status
% of adults who say religion is very important who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
| Parent of children under 18 | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parents | 74% | 13% | 6% | 5% | 1% | 4,619 |
| Non-parents | 77% | 10% | 5% | 6% | 1% | 14,029 |
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 very important by parental status
% of adults who say religion is very important who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
| Parent of children under 18 | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parents | 46% | 17% | 12% | 24% | 1% | 4,619 |
| Non-parents | 51% | 15% | 10% | 22% | 2% | 14,029 |
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 very important by parental status
% of adults who say religion is very important who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
| Parent of children under 18 | Religion | Philosophy/reason | Common sense | Science | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parents | 55% | 6% | 31% | 5% | 3% | 4,619 |
| Non-parents | 55% | 6% | 32% | 4% | 3% | 14,029 |
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 very important by parental status
% of adults who say religion is very important who say…
| Parent of children under 18 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parents | 43% | 55% | 1% | 1% | 4,619 |
| Non-parents | 42% | 55% | 2% | 1% | 14,029 |
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 very important by parental status
% of adults who say religion is very important who read scripture…
| Parent of children under 18 | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parents | 59% | 13% | 8% | 19% | < 1% | 4,619 |
| Non-parents | 58% | 12% | 7% | 21% | 1% | 14,029 |
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 very important by parental status
% of adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is…
| Parent of children under 18 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parents | 49% | 33% | 4% | 9% | 5% | 4,619 |
| Non-parents | 49% | 30% | 4% | 11% | 7% | 14,029 |
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 very important by parental status
% of adults who say religion is very important who …in heaven
| Parent of children under 18 | Believe | Don't believe | Other/don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parents | 88% | 6% | 6% | 4,619 |
| Non-parents | 88% | 7% | 6% | 14,029 |
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 very important by parental status
% of adults who say religion is very important who …in hell
| Parent of children under 18 | Believe | Don't believe | Other/don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parents | 76% | 17% | 7% | 4,619 |
| Non-parents | 73% | 18% | 8% | 14,029 |
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
Party affiliation among adults who say religion is very important by parental status
% of adults who say religion is very important who identify as…
| Parent of children under 18 | Republican/lean Rep. | No lean | Democrat/lean Dem. | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parents | 42% | 20% | 38% | 4,619 |
| Non-parents | 43% | 17% | 40% | 14,029 |
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 very important by parental status
% of adults who say religion is very important who are…
| Parent of children under 18 | Conservative | Moderate | Liberal | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parents | 47% | 29% | 17% | 7% | 4,619 |
| Non-parents | 47% | 30% | 17% | 7% | 14,029 |
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 very important by parental status
% of adults who say religion is very important who would rather have…
| Parent of children under 18 | Smaller government; fewer services | Bigger government; more services | Depends | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parents | 49% | 45% | 3% | 3% | 4,619 |
| Non-parents | 54% | 39% | 3% | 4% | 14,029 |
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 very important by parental status
% of adults who say religion is very important who say government aid to the poor…
| Parent of children under 18 | Does more harm than good | Does more good than harm | Neither/both equally | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parents | 48% | 45% | 4% | 2% | 4,619 |
| Non-parents | 47% | 46% | 4% | 3% | 14,029 |
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 very important by parental status
% of adults who say religion is very important who say abortion should be…
| Parent of children under 18 | Legal in all/most cases | Illegal in all/most cases | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parents | 35% | 62% | 4% | 4,619 |
| Non-parents | 38% | 57% | 5% | 14,029 |
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 very important by parental status
% of adults who say religion is very important who say homosexuality…
| Parent of children under 18 | Should be accepted | Should be discouraged | Neither/both equally | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parents | 47% | 44% | 4% | 4% | 4,619 |
| Non-parents | 45% | 46% | 5% | 4% | 14,029 |
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 very important by parental status
% of adults who say religion is very important who …same-sex marriage
| Parent of children under 18 | Strongly favor/favor | Oppose/strongly oppose | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parents | 38% | 54% | 8% | 4,619 |
| Non-parents | 35% | 56% | 9% | 14,029 |
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 very important by parental status
% of adults who say religion is very important who say…
| Parent of children under 18 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parents | 43% | 51% | 3% | 3% | 4,619 |
| Non-parents | 43% | 50% | 3% | 4% | 14,029 |
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 very important by parental status
% of adults who say religion is very important who say humans…
| Parent of children under 18 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parents | 15% | 29% | 2% | 49% | 4% | 4,619 |
| Non-parents | 13% | 28% | 4% | 49% | 6% | 14,029 |
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.
