Age distribution among adults in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally
% of adults in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who are ages…
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Survey year
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
2014
23%
36%
25%
16%
2,128
2007
22%
41%
23%
14%
1,934
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 adults in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally
% of adults in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who are…
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Survey year
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
2014
16%
14%
29%
30%
11%
1%
2,128
2007
< 1%
17%
33%
33%
13%
4%
1,934
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 in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally
% of adults in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who are…
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Survey year
Men
Women
Sample size
2014
46%
54%
2,167
2007
47%
53%
1,970
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Racial and ethnic composition among adults in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally
% of adults in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who identify as…
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Survey year
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
2014
59%
4%
7%
24%
5%
2,141
2007
66%
4%
6%
21%
3%
1,949
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 in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally
% of adults in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who are…
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Survey year
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
2014
20%
13%
66%
2,143
2007
17%
14%
69%
1,950
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 in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally
% of adults in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who have a household income of…
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Survey year
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
2014
31%
20%
28%
21%
1,934
2007
27%
20%
34%
20%
1,713
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 in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally
% of adults in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who have completed…
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Survey year
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
2014
37%
35%
18%
10%
2,161
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 in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally
% of adults in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who are…
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Survey year
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
2014
50%
8%
13%
5%
25%
2,162
2007
58%
7%
10%
6%
19%
1,957
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.
Parent of children under 18 among adults in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally
% of adults in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who are…
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Survey year
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
2014
32%
68%
2,160
2007
41%
59%
1,965
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 adults in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally
% of adults in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who say they…
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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
75%
21%
3%
< 1%
< 1%
< 1%
2,167
2007
81%
17%
1%
< 1%
< 1%
1%
1,970
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 adults in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally
% of adults in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who say religion is…
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Survey year
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
2014
61%
30%
7%
1%
1%
2,167
2007
59%
34%
6%
2%
< 1%
1,970
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 in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally
% of adults in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who attend religious services…
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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
44%
37%
18%
< 1%
2,167
2007
42%
38%
20%
< 1%
1,970
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 in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally
% of adults in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who pray…
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Survey year
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
65%
18%
6%
10%
< 1%
2,167
2007
63%
20%
7%
9%
1%
1,970
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 in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally
% of adults in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who attend prayer group…
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Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
29%
12%
10%
50%
< 1%
2,167
2007
26%
11%
9%
54%
1%
1,970
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 in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally
% of adults in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who meditate…
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Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
43%
9%
5%
42%
1%
2,167
2007
38%
9%
4%
46%
2%
1,970
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 in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally
% of adults in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
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Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
62%
16%
9%
12%
1%
2,167
2007
55%
18%
13%
13%
2%
1,970
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 in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally
% of adults in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
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Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
45%
18%
14%
23%
1%
2,167
2007
39%
17%
15%
25%
3%
1,970
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 in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally
% of adults in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
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Survey year
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
2014
39%
9%
43%
6%
3%
2,167
2007
31%
8%
52%
5%
3%
1,970
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 in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally
% of adults in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who say…
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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
39%
58%
1%
1%
2,167
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 in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally
% of adults in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who read scripture…
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Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
41%
13%
10%
37%
< 1%
2,167
2007
39%
13%
10%
38%
1%
1,970
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 in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally
% of adults in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who …in heaven
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Survey year
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
2014
89%
7%
4%
2,167
2007
85%
8%
7%
1,970
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 in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally
% of adults in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who …in hell
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Survey year
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
2014
67%
26%
7%
2,167
2007
63%
27%
10%
1,970
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 adults in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally
% of adults in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who identify as…
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Survey year
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
2014
45%
17%
38%
2,167
2007
41%
16%
42%
1,970
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 in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally
% of adults in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who are…
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Survey year
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
2014
40%
38%
18%
4%
2,167
2007
37%
41%
16%
5%
1,970
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 in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally
% of adults in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who would rather have…
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Survey year
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
2014
57%
38%
2%
2%
2,167
2007
44%
48%
3%
5%
1,970
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 in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally
% of adults in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who say government aid to the poor…
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Survey year
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
2014
48%
48%
3%
1%
2,167
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 in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally
% of adults in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who say abortion should be…
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Survey year
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
2014
48%
49%
3%
2,167
2007
48%
47%
5%
1,970
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 in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally
% of adults in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who say homosexuality…
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Survey year
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
2014
61%
31%
4%
3%
2,167
2007
53%
37%
5%
5%
1,970
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 in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally
% of adults in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who …same-sex marriage
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Survey year
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
2014
53%
40%
7%
2,167
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 in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally
% of adults in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who say…
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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
42%
55%
1%
2%
2,167
2007
31%
61%
3%
5%
1,970
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 in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally
% of adults in the West who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who say humans…
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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
21%
36%
3%
35%
4%
2,167
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.