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 atheists by importance of religion
% of atheists who are ages…
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Importance of religion in one's life
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
Not too important
53%
31%
13%
3%
112
Not at all important
37%
39%
15%
9%
893
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 atheists by importance of religion
% of atheists who are…
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Importance of religion in one's life
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
Not too important
38%
21%
24%
14%
1%
1%
112
Not at all important
26%
21%
29%
18%
5%
1%
893
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 atheists by importance of religion
% of atheists who are…
Chart
Table
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Importance of religion in one's life
Men
Women
Sample size
Not too important
72%
28%
112
Not at all important
68%
32%
907
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 atheists by importance of religion
% of atheists who identify as…
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Importance of religion in one's life
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
Not too important
75%
3%
9%
10%
4%
110
Not at all important
80%
3%
7%
9%
2%
901
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 atheists by importance of religion
% of atheists who are…
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Importance of religion in one's life
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
Not too important
13%
14%
73%
111
Not at all important
12%
13%
75%
899
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 atheists by importance of religion
% of atheists who have a household income of…
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Importance of religion in one's life
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
Not too important
15%
26%
27%
32%
101
Not at all important
24%
17%
29%
30%
838
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 atheists by importance of religion
% of atheists who have completed…
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Importance of religion in one's life
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
Not too important
32%
24%
27%
17%
112
Not at all important
25%
32%
26%
17%
906
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 atheists by importance of religion
% of atheists who are…
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Importance of religion in one's life
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
Not too important
31%
11%
8%
2%
47%
112
Not at all important
37%
12%
10%
2%
39%
904
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 atheists by importance of religion
% of atheists who are…
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Importance of religion in one's life
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
Not too important
19%
81%
112
Not at all important
22%
78%
907
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 atheists by importance of religion
% of atheists who say they…
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Importance of religion in one's life
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
Not too important
3%
7%
5%
< 1%
85%
< 1%
112
Not at all important
1%
2%
1%
< 1%
95%
1%
907
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 atheists by importance of religion
% of atheists who attend religious services…
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Importance of religion in one's life
At least once a week
Once or twice a month/a few times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Not too important
2%
23%
75%
< 1%
112
Not at all important
< 1%
6%
93%
< 1%
907
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 atheists by importance of religion
% of atheists who pray…
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Importance of religion in one's life
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Not too important
1%
4%
2%
93%
< 1%
112
Not at all important
< 1%
< 1%
1%
99%
< 1%
907
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 atheists by importance of religion
% of atheists who attend prayer group…
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Importance of religion in one's life
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Not too important
< 1%
2%
1%
98%
< 1%
112
Not at all important
< 1%
< 1%
1%
99%
< 1%
907
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 atheists by importance of religion
% of atheists who meditate…
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Importance of religion in one's life
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Not too important
13%
15%
10%
62%
< 1%
112
Not at all important
19%
7%
4%
70%
< 1%
907
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 atheists by importance of religion
% of atheists who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
Chart
Table
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Importance of religion in one's life
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Not too important
34%
14%
9%
41%
1%
112
Not at all important
29%
14%
8%
47%
2%
907
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 atheists by importance of religion
% of atheists who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
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Importance of religion in one's life
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Not too important
50%
20%
16%
13%
1%
112
Not at all important
53%
17%
11%
19%
1%
907
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 atheists by importance of religion
% of atheists who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
Chart
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Importance of religion in one's life
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
Not too important
< 1%
22%
49%
27%
3%
112
Not at all important
< 1%
21%
42%
35%
2%
907
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 atheists by importance of religion
% of atheists who say…
Chart
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Importance of religion in one's life
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
Not too important
22%
78%
1%
< 1%
112
Not at all important
15%
84%
< 1%
1%
907
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 atheists by importance of religion
% of atheists who read scripture…
Chart
Table
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Importance of religion in one's life
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Not too important
1%
4%
10%
86%
< 1%
112
Not at all important
2%
3%
4%
92%
< 1%
907
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 atheists by importance of religion
% of atheists who say the holy scripture is…
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Importance of religion in one's life
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
Not too important
< 1%
2%
< 1%
96%
2%
112
Not at all important
< 1%
1%
< 1%
98%
2%
907
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 atheists by importance of religion
% of atheists who …in heaven
Chart
Table
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Importance of religion in one's life
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Not too important
11%
86%
3%
112
Not at all important
2%
97%
1%
907
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 atheists by importance of religion
% of atheists who …in hell
Chart
Table
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Importance of religion in one's life
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Not too important
9%
88%
3%
112
Not at all important
1%
98%
1%
907
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 atheists by importance of religion
% of atheists who identify as…
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Importance of religion in one's life
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
Not too important
20%
11%
68%
112
Not at all important
15%
16%
69%
907
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 atheists by importance of religion
% of atheists who are…
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Importance of religion in one's life
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
Not too important
12%
30%
51%
7%
112
Not at all important
9%
28%
58%
4%
907
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 atheists by importance of religion
% of atheists who would rather have…
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Importance of religion in one's life
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
Not too important
48%
47%
3%
3%
112
Not at all important
40%
53%
4%
3%
907
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 atheists by importance of religion
% of atheists who say government aid to the poor…
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Table
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Importance of religion in one's life
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Not too important
19%
76%
4%
2%
112
Not at all important
23%
73%
3%
1%
907
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 atheists by importance of religion
% of atheists who say abortion should be…
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Importance of religion in one's life
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
Not too important
92%
5%
3%
112
Not at all important
88%
10%
2%
907
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 atheists by importance of religion
% of atheists who say homosexuality…
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Importance of religion in one's life
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Not too important
95%
3%
1%
1%
112
Not at all important
95%
3%
1%
1%
907
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 atheists by importance of religion
% of atheists who …same-sex marriage
Chart
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Importance of religion in one's life
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
Not too important
92%
5%
4%
112
Not at all important
94%
4%
3%
907
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 atheists by importance of religion
% of atheists who say…
Chart
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Importance of religion in one's life
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
Not too important
18%
79%
2%
< 1%
112
Not at all important
17%
79%
2%
2%
907
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 atheists by importance of religion
% of atheists who say humans…
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Importance of religion in one's life
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
Not too important
92%
2%
< 1%
6%
< 1%
112
Not at all important
92%
2%
1%
4%
< 1%
907
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.