DemographicInformation

Age distribution among members of the United Methodist Church by generational group

% of members of the United Methodist Church who are ages…

Generational cohort18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Generation X< 1%100%< 1%< 1%271
Baby Boomer< 1%< 1%80%20%677
Silent< 1%< 1%< 1%100%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.

Gender composition among members of the United Methodist Church by generational group

% of members of the United Methodist Church who are…

Generational cohortMenWomenSample size
Generation X44%56%271
Baby Boomer47%53%677
Silent39%61%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.

Racial and ethnic composition among members of the United Methodist Church by generational group

% of members of the United Methodist Church who identify as…

Generational cohortWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Generation X94%1%2%3%1%271
Baby Boomer94%1%1%1%3%673
Silent97%1%< 1%< 1%1%471
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 members of the United Methodist Church by generational group

% of members of the United Methodist Church who are…

Generational cohortImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Generation X4%3%93%271
Baby Boomer4%4%92%674
Silent3%5%92%471
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 members of the United Methodist Church by generational group

% of members of the United Methodist Church who have a household income of…

Generational cohortLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Generation X13%21%33%33%256
Baby Boomer20%19%32%29%601
Silent40%24%24%13%389
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 members of the United Methodist Church by generational group

% of members of the United Methodist Church who have completed…

Generational cohortHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Generation X23%37%26%14%270
Baby Boomer32%29%23%16%677
Silent45%26%16%13%472
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 members of the United Methodist Church by generational group

% of members of the United Methodist Church who are…

Generational cohortMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Generation X70%7%15%2%6%271
Baby Boomer69%3%16%6%5%675
Silent59%1%9%30%2%472
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 members of the United Methodist Church by generational group

% of members of the United Methodist Church who are…

Generational cohortParentsNon-parentsSample size
Generation X66%34%270
Baby Boomer11%89%676
Silent3%97%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.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among members of the United Methodist Church by generational group

% of members of the United Methodist Church who say they…

Generational cohortBelieve 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
Generation X66%27%4%< 1%1%2%271
Baby Boomer75%21%3%< 1%< 1%1%677
Silent71%21%4%3%1%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.

Importance of religion in one's life among members of the United Methodist Church by generational group

% of members of the United Methodist Church who say religion is…

Generational cohortVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Generation X58%31%8%3%< 1%271
Baby Boomer63%29%7%1%< 1%677
Silent64%27%5%2%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.

Attendance at religious services among members of the United Methodist Church by generational group

% of members of the United Methodist Church who attend religious services…

Generational cohortAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Generation X38%40%22%< 1%271
Baby Boomer43%40%18%< 1%677
Silent54%28%17%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.

Frequency of prayer among members of the United Methodist Church by generational group

% of members of the United Methodist Church who pray…

Generational cohortAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Generation X61%21%7%10%1%271
Baby Boomer64%20%5%10%1%677
Silent68%17%5%7%2%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.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among members of the United Methodist Church by generational group

% of members of the United Methodist Church who attend prayer group…

Generational cohortAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Generation X24%12%9%56%< 1%271
Baby Boomer23%11%12%55%< 1%677
Silent29%9%12%49%< 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.

Frequency of meditation among members of the United Methodist Church by generational group

% of members of the United Methodist Church who meditate…

Generational cohortAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Generation X28%9%4%57%2%271
Baby Boomer41%7%6%44%1%677
Silent56%13%3%26%2%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.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among members of the United Methodist Church by generational group

% of members of the United Methodist Church who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Generational cohortAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Generation X54%21%15%8%1%271
Baby Boomer65%14%9%10%2%677
Silent64%16%7%11%2%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.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among members of the United Methodist Church by generational group

% of members of the United Methodist Church who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Generational cohortAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Generation X34%19%20%27%< 1%271
Baby Boomer43%14%17%25%1%677
Silent43%16%14%24%3%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.

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among members of the United Methodist Church by generational group

% of members of the United Methodist Church who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Generational cohortReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Generation X35%9%51%4%1%271
Baby Boomer41%7%44%5%2%677
Silent38%6%48%5%3%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.

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among members of the United Methodist Church by generational group

% of members of the United Methodist Church who say…

Generational cohortThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Generation X34%65%1%< 1%271
Baby Boomer39%59%1%< 1%677
Silent41%57%1%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.

Frequency of reading scripture among members of the United Methodist Church by generational group

% of members of the United Methodist Church who read scripture…

Generational cohortAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Generation X36%14%13%38%< 1%271
Baby Boomer38%14%11%37%< 1%677
Silent44%14%8%33%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.

Interpreting scripture among members of the United Methodist Church by generational group

% of members of the United Methodist Church who say the holy scripture is…

Generational cohortWord 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
Generation X25%47%< 1%20%7%271
Baby Boomer29%39%3%22%7%677
Silent26%42%5%17%10%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.

Belief in Heaven among members of the United Methodist Church by generational group

% of members of the United Methodist Church who …in heaven

Generational cohortBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Generation X88%6%6%271
Baby Boomer85%10%5%677
Silent80%10%10%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.

Belief in Hell among members of the United Methodist Church by generational group

% of members of the United Methodist Church who …in hell

Generational cohortBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Generation X70%19%11%271
Baby Boomer66%27%7%677
Silent53%33%14%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.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among members of the United Methodist Church by generational group

% of members of the United Methodist Church who identify as…

Generational cohortRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Generation X55%9%36%271
Baby Boomer54%10%36%677
Silent52%10%38%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.

Political ideology among members of the United Methodist Church by generational group

% of members of the United Methodist Church who are…

Generational cohortConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Generation X38%43%16%3%271
Baby Boomer50%34%13%2%677
Silent49%35%13%4%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.

Views about size of government among members of the United Methodist Church by generational group

% of members of the United Methodist Church who would rather have…

Generational cohortSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Generation X66%30%1%3%271
Baby Boomer70%25%3%3%677
Silent68%23%4%5%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.

Views about government aid to the poor among members of the United Methodist Church by generational group

% of members of the United Methodist Church who say government aid to the poor…

Generational cohortDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Generation X54%41%4%< 1%271
Baby Boomer57%38%2%2%677
Silent52%43%3%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.

Views about abortion among members of the United Methodist Church by generational group

% of members of the United Methodist Church who say abortion should be…

Generational cohortLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Generation X62%36%1%271
Baby Boomer58%38%4%677
Silent56%36%7%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.

Views about homosexuality among members of the United Methodist Church by generational group

% of members of the United Methodist Church who say homosexuality…

Generational cohortShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Generation X67%27%3%3%271
Baby Boomer59%34%4%2%677
Silent50%40%5%5%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.

Views about same-sex marriage among members of the United Methodist Church by generational group

% of members of the United Methodist Church who …same-sex marriage

Generational cohortStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Generation X59%34%7%271
Baby Boomer46%47%8%677
Silent37%53%10%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.

Views about environmental regulation among members of the United Methodist Church by generational group

% of members of the United Methodist Church who say…

Generational cohortStricter 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
Generation X41%56%2%< 1%271
Baby Boomer45%52%2%1%677
Silent42%50%4%5%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.

Views about human evolution among members of the United Methodist Church by generational group

% of members of the United Methodist Church who say humans…

Generational cohortEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Generation X19%36%4%37%4%271
Baby Boomer22%34%5%34%4%677
Silent21%31%4%35%9%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.