DemographicInformation

Age distribution among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who are ages…

Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201429%40%23%8%1,107
200730%43%19%7%1,116
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who are…

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
201417%19%33%26%5%< 1%1,107
2007< 1%22%37%31%8%2%1,116
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who are…

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201452%48%1,127
200751%49%1,140
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who identify as…

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201458%17%3%16%7%1,105
200763%17%2%14%5%1,118
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who are…

Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
201412%10%78%1,107
200711%7%82%1,128
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Income distribution among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who have a household income of…

Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201445%21%22%12%995
200739%24%25%11%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.

Educational distribution among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who have completed…

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201454%30%11%5%1,125
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who are…

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201438%13%14%5%31%1,122
200745%11%13%4%26%1,133
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who are…

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201432%68%1,126
200739%61%1,136
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.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who say they…

Survey yearBelieve in God; absolutely certainBelieve in God; fairly certainBelieve in God; not too/not at all certainBelieve in God; don't knowDo not believe in GodOther/don't know if they believe in GodSample size
201457%30%7%< 1%3%3%1,127
200765%26%4%1%2%3%1,140
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who say religion is…

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201432%68%< 1%< 1%< 1%1,127
200735%65%< 1%< 1%< 1%1,140
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who attend religious services…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20148%41%51%< 1%1,127
20077%35%57%< 1%1,140
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201442%21%11%25%1%1,127
200742%23%9%25%2%1,140
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who attend prayer group…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20148%6%7%78%< 1%1,127
20078%6%6%81%1%1,140
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who meditate…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201431%8%4%56%1%1,127
200730%7%4%57%2%1,140
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201446%17%11%24%1%1,127
200740%14%14%28%4%1,140
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201443%17%11%29%1%1,127
200738%13%14%32%3%1,140
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who say…

Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201426%71%1%1%1,127
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who read scripture…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201417%12%8%62%1%1,127
200716%11%8%64%1%1,140
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who say the holy scripture is…

Survey yearWord of God; should be taken literallyWord of God; not everything taken literallyWord of God; other/don't knowNot the word of GodOther/don't knowSample size
201419%26%1%44%10%1,127
200722%25%3%40%11%1,140
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who …in heaven

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201474%18%8%1,127
200770%18%12%1,140
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201455%37%8%1,127
200751%37%11%1,140
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.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who identify as…

Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201428%27%45%1,127
200726%24%49%1,140
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who are…

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201427%38%27%9%1,127
200724%43%23%10%1,140
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who would rather have…

Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201449%46%2%2%1,127
200735%54%4%7%1,140
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who say government aid to the poor…

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201445%50%3%2%1,127
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who say abortion should be…

Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201459%35%5%1,127
200761%32%7%1,140
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who say homosexuality…

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201475%17%4%4%1,127
200764%26%5%5%1,140
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who …same-sex marriage

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201464%27%9%1,127
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who say…

Survey yearStricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economyStricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the costNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201438%57%2%3%1,127
200732%59%3%5%1,140
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who say humans…

Survey yearEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
201434%27%6%30%3%1,127
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.