DemographicInformation

Age distribution among atheists by marital status

% of atheists who are ages…

Marital status18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Married8%50%24%17%457
Living with a partner46%42%10%3%128
Divorced/separated14%44%28%14%117
Never married74%23%3%1%347
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 marital status

% of atheists who are…

Marital statusYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Married3%13%43%31%9%1%457
Living with a partner27%37%24%10%2%< 1%128
Divorced/separated2%20%36%33%9%1%117
Never married58%25%14%3%< 1%< 1%347
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 marital status

% of atheists who are…

Marital statusMenWomenSample size
Married67%33%464
Living with a partner61%39%131
Divorced/separated62%38%119
Never married73%27%349
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 marital status

% of atheists who identify as…

Marital statusWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Married86%2%4%6%2%458
Living with a partner83%3%2%9%3%128
Divorced/separated84%< 1%5%8%3%118
Never married69%4%11%14%2%349
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 marital status

% of atheists who are…

Marital statusImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Married13%9%77%459
Living with a partner11%10%79%129
Divorced/separated9%4%87%119
Never married13%21%66%345
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 marital status

% of atheists who have a household income of…

Marital statusLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Married10%9%33%48%436
Living with a partner28%16%25%31%122
Divorced/separated39%16%30%16%111
Never married30%26%25%18%308
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 marital status

% of atheists who have completed…

Marital statusHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Married20%23%30%26%463
Living with a partner11%36%36%17%131
Divorced/separated21%38%24%16%119
Never married38%35%20%7%349
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 marital status

% of atheists who are…

Marital statusParentsNon-parentsSample size
Married43%57%464
Living with a partner19%81%131
Divorced/separated20%80%119
Never married5%95%349
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 atheists by marital status

% of atheists who say they…

Marital statusBelieve 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
Married2%2%2%1%93%< 1%464
Living with a partner< 1%6%2%< 1%90%2%131
Divorced/separated5%5%4%1%83%2%119
Never married2%3%1%< 1%94%1%349
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 atheists by marital status

% of atheists who say religion is…

Marital statusVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Married3%4%9%84%< 1%464
Living with a partner1%10%9%80%< 1%131
Divorced/separated1%2%9%87%1%119
Never married2%5%13%80%1%349
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 marital status

% of atheists who attend religious services…

Marital statusAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Married1%9%89%< 1%464
Living with a partner< 1%9%91%< 1%131
Divorced/separated< 1%6%94%< 1%119
Never married1%12%87%< 1%349
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 marital status

% of atheists who pray…

Marital statusAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Married2%1%1%96%< 1%464
Living with a partner< 1%< 1%1%98%1%131
Divorced/separated1%1%1%96%< 1%119
Never married1%< 1%1%97%< 1%349
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 marital status

% of atheists who attend prayer group…

Marital statusAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Married1%< 1%1%98%< 1%464
Living with a partner< 1%2%4%95%< 1%131
Divorced/separated1%< 1%4%95%< 1%119
Never married1%1%1%98%< 1%349
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 marital status

% of atheists who meditate…

Marital statusAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Married19%8%5%68%< 1%464
Living with a partner23%13%2%62%< 1%131
Divorced/separated27%10%6%57%< 1%119
Never married15%7%6%72%< 1%349
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 marital status

% of atheists who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Marital statusAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Married37%11%8%43%1%464
Living with a partner36%16%7%38%3%131
Divorced/separated26%16%9%47%2%119
Never married26%15%9%48%2%349
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 marital status

% of atheists who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Marital statusAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Married47%20%14%18%1%464
Living with a partner62%17%5%16%< 1%131
Divorced/separated58%14%6%21%< 1%119
Never married56%14%11%18%1%349
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 marital status

% of atheists who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Marital statusReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Married1%19%44%34%1%464
Living with a partner< 1%23%43%33%1%131
Divorced/separated< 1%19%50%29%3%119
Never married1%24%43%31%2%349
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 marital status

% of atheists who say…

Marital statusThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Married17%83%< 1%< 1%464
Living with a partner16%82%< 1%1%131
Divorced/separated16%84%1%< 1%119
Never married14%84%1%1%349
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 marital status

% of atheists who read scripture…

Marital statusAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Married2%3%4%91%< 1%464
Living with a partner2%3%11%84%< 1%131
Divorced/separated4%5%3%87%< 1%119
Never married3%3%5%89%< 1%349
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 marital status

% of atheists who say the holy scripture is…

Marital statusWord 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
Married1%2%< 1%95%3%464
Living with a partner< 1%< 1%< 1%98%2%131
Divorced/separated< 1%1%1%96%2%119
Never married< 1%1%< 1%97%1%349
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 marital status

% of atheists who …in heaven

Marital statusBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Married2%97%1%464
Living with a partner5%94%1%131
Divorced/separated7%90%3%119
Never married5%94%1%349
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 marital status

% of atheists who …in hell

Marital statusBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Married2%97%2%464
Living with a partner4%95%1%131
Divorced/separated7%89%4%119
Never married4%96%< 1%349
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 atheists by marital status

% of atheists who identify as…

Marital statusRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Married17%10%73%464
Living with a partner7%19%75%131
Divorced/separated16%24%60%119
Never married14%20%66%349
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 marital status

% of atheists who are…

Marital statusConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Married9%28%61%2%464
Living with a partner3%26%65%5%131
Divorced/separated18%32%45%5%119
Never married11%30%52%6%349
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 marital status

% of atheists who would rather have…

Marital statusSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Married42%51%5%2%464
Living with a partner36%53%5%5%131
Divorced/separated37%52%5%5%119
Never married42%55%2%1%349
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 marital status

% of atheists who say government aid to the poor…

Marital statusDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Married23%73%3%1%464
Living with a partner18%79%2%1%131
Divorced/separated18%78%4%< 1%119
Never married25%72%2%1%349
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 marital status

% of atheists who say abortion should be…

Marital statusLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Married91%8%1%464
Living with a partner83%11%5%131
Divorced/separated87%12%1%119
Never married85%12%3%349
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 marital status

% of atheists who say homosexuality…

Marital statusShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Married95%4%1%< 1%464
Living with a partner96%2%1%< 1%131
Divorced/separated91%6%2%1%119
Never married93%4%1%2%349
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 marital status

% of atheists who …same-sex marriage

Marital statusStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Married92%4%4%464
Living with a partner96%1%2%131
Divorced/separated86%11%4%119
Never married93%4%3%349
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 marital status

% of atheists who say…

Marital statusStricter 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
Married17%80%2%1%464
Living with a partner6%92%< 1%1%131
Divorced/separated21%72%3%3%119
Never married21%74%3%2%349
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 marital status

% of atheists who say humans…

Marital statusEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Married93%2%1%3%1%464
Living with a partner94%< 1%4%2%< 1%131
Divorced/separated81%1%2%16%1%119
Never married90%3%1%5%< 1%349
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.