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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by religious group
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who …in heaven
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Religious tradition
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Catholic
81%
11%
8%
1,158
Evangelical Protestant
88%
5%
7%
1,230
Historically Black Protestant
92%
4%
4%
184
Jehovah's Witness
45%
40%
15%
188
Mainline Protestant
78%
11%
11%
822
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")
43%
44%
13%
1,474
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in heaven
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are ages…
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Belief in Heaven
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
Believe
24%
39%
24%
14%
3,638
Don't believe
31%
37%
21%
11%
1,183
Other/don't know
24%
40%
23%
13%
563
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in heaven
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are…
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Belief in Heaven
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
Believe
14%
17%
32%
28%
9%
1%
3,638
Don't believe
18%
22%
29%
25%
6%
1%
1,183
Other/don't know
13%
20%
31%
28%
8%
1%
563
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in heaven
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are…
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Belief in Heaven
Men
Women
Sample size
Believe
45%
55%
3,811
Don't believe
60%
40%
1,234
Other/don't know
51%
49%
613
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in heaven
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who identify as…
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Table
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Belief in Heaven
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
Believe
57%
10%
4%
24%
5%
3,706
Don't believe
60%
6%
8%
22%
5%
1,191
Other/don't know
59%
7%
4%
24%
7%
572
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in heaven
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are…
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Belief in Heaven
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
Believe
23%
9%
68%
3,682
Don't believe
26%
10%
64%
1,203
Other/don't know
23%
10%
67%
584
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in heaven
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who have a household income of…
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Belief in Heaven
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
Believe
50%
20%
20%
10%
2,901
Don't believe
44%
18%
23%
15%
1,001
Other/don't know
49%
19%
19%
13%
439
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in heaven
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who have completed…
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Belief in Heaven
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
Believe
55%
30%
10%
6%
3,745
Don't believe
45%
30%
16%
9%
1,218
Other/don't know
45%
34%
14%
7%
597
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in heaven
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are…
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Belief in Heaven
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
Believe
46%
9%
15%
7%
23%
3,765
Don't believe
39%
11%
13%
3%
33%
1,224
Other/don't know
45%
9%
14%
3%
29%
587
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in heaven
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are…
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Belief in Heaven
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
Believe
35%
65%
3,774
Don't believe
28%
72%
1,228
Other/don't know
30%
70%
605
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in heaven
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they…
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Belief in Heaven
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
Believe
72%
21%
3%
1%
1%
1%
3,811
Don't believe
31%
18%
8%
1%
36%
5%
1,234
Other/don't know
51%
20%
10%
2%
4%
12%
613
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in heaven
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is…
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Belief in Heaven
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
62%
26%
7%
4%
1%
3,811
Don't believe
22%
20%
19%
37%
1%
1,234
Other/don't know
39%
28%
15%
12%
6%
613
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in heaven
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services…
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Belief in Heaven
At least once a week
Once or twice a month/a few times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
40%
34%
25%
1%
3,811
Don't believe
15%
22%
62%
1%
1,234
Other/don't know
27%
26%
42%
5%
613
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in heaven
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray…
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Belief in Heaven
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
63%
16%
6%
13%
1%
3,811
Don't believe
26%
8%
5%
60%
1%
1,234
Other/don't know
45%
12%
6%
31%
6%
613
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in heaven
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend prayer group…
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Belief in Heaven
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
29%
10%
9%
51%
2%
3,811
Don't believe
13%
4%
5%
78%
< 1%
1,234
Other/don't know
20%
7%
7%
63%
4%
613
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in heaven
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who meditate…
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Belief in Heaven
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
44%
7%
3%
43%
3%
3,811
Don't believe
37%
8%
5%
47%
2%
1,234
Other/don't know
42%
8%
3%
42%
6%
613
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in heaven
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
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Belief in Heaven
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
63%
13%
8%
14%
2%
3,811
Don't believe
46%
12%
8%
31%
3%
1,234
Other/don't know
55%
10%
11%
18%
6%
613
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in heaven
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
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Belief in Heaven
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
45%
13%
12%
28%
2%
3,811
Don't believe
51%
12%
10%
25%
2%
1,234
Other/don't know
51%
12%
10%
21%
6%
613
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in heaven
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
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Belief in Heaven
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
39%
7%
44%
6%
4%
3,811
Don't believe
13%
16%
51%
17%
4%
1,234
Other/don't know
23%
14%
47%
7%
9%
613
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in heaven
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say…
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Belief in Heaven
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
Believe
31%
65%
2%
2%
3,811
Don't believe
24%
73%
2%
2%
1,234
Other/don't know
27%
64%
5%
5%
613
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in heaven
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture…
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Table
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Belief in Heaven
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
42%
10%
8%
39%
1%
3,811
Don't believe
17%
4%
7%
71%
1%
1,234
Other/don't know
28%
10%
7%
50%
5%
613
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in heaven
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is…
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Belief in Heaven
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
Believe
39%
27%
5%
19%
9%
3,811
Don't believe
9%
11%
2%
69%
9%
1,234
Other/don't know
17%
15%
6%
37%
25%
613
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in heaven
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who …in hell
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Belief in Heaven
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Believe
73%
21%
6%
3,811
Don't believe
7%
91%
1%
1,234
Other/don't know
13%
24%
63%
613
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in heaven
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are…
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Belief in Heaven
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
28%
33%
18%
21%
3,811
Don't believe
16%
36%
27%
21%
1,234
Other/don't know
24%
29%
18%
29%
613
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in heaven
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who would rather have…
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Belief in Heaven
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
44%
45%
4%
7%
3,811
Don't believe
55%
36%
5%
5%
1,234
Other/don't know
46%
32%
8%
14%
613
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in heaven
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say government aid to the poor…
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Belief in Heaven
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
42%
48%
6%
4%
3,811
Don't believe
41%
50%
6%
3%
1,234
Other/don't know
40%
43%
9%
8%
613
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in heaven
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say abortion should be…
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Belief in Heaven
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
43%
50%
7%
3,811
Don't believe
65%
28%
7%
1,234
Other/don't know
45%
41%
14%
613
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in heaven
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say homosexuality…
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Belief in Heaven
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
55%
32%
6%
6%
3,811
Don't believe
72%
18%
5%
4%
1,234
Other/don't know
58%
22%
9%
11%
613
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in heaven
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who …same-sex marriage
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Belief in Heaven
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
45%
41%
14%
3,811
Don't believe
69%
21%
9%
1,234
Other/don't know
49%
28%
22%
613
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in heaven
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say…
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Belief in Heaven
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
Believe
37%
53%
4%
6%
3,811
Don't believe
29%
61%
4%
6%
1,234
Other/don't know
33%
49%
7%
11%
613
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in heaven
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say humans…
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Belief in Heaven
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
Believe
22%
27%
5%
39%
8%
3,811
Don't believe
57%
15%
5%
20%
3%
1,234
Other/don't know
30%
15%
13%
28%
14%
613
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.