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 views about government aid to the poor
% of atheists who are ages…
Chart
Table
Share
Views about government aid to the poor
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
Does more harm than good
38%
40%
15%
7%
225
Does more good than harm
41%
36%
14%
9%
816
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 views about government aid to the poor
% of atheists who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Views about government aid to the poor
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
Does more harm than good
29%
21%
28%
18%
3%
1%
225
Does more good than harm
28%
21%
27%
18%
5%
< 1%
816
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 views about government aid to the poor
% of atheists who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Views about government aid to the poor
Men
Women
Sample size
Does more harm than good
74%
26%
229
Does more good than harm
66%
34%
825
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 views about government aid to the poor
% of atheists who identify as…
Chart
Table
Share
Views about government aid to the poor
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
Does more harm than good
82%
2%
6%
9%
1%
226
Does more good than harm
77%
3%
7%
10%
3%
818
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 views about government aid to the poor
% of atheists who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Views about government aid to the poor
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
Does more harm than good
12%
9%
79%
226
Does more good than harm
13%
15%
72%
817
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 views about government aid to the poor
% of atheists who have a household income of…
Chart
Table
Share
Views about government aid to the poor
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
Does more harm than good
17%
21%
33%
29%
207
Does more good than harm
26%
17%
26%
31%
767
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 views about government aid to the poor
% of atheists who have completed…
Chart
Table
Share
Views about government aid to the poor
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
Does more harm than good
40%
30%
21%
9%
228
Does more good than harm
22%
32%
28%
18%
825
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 views about government aid to the poor
% of atheists who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Views about government aid to the poor
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
Does more harm than good
37%
10%
8%
1%
44%
227
Does more good than harm
36%
14%
10%
2%
39%
822
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 views about government aid to the poor
% of atheists who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Views about government aid to the poor
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
Does more harm than good
23%
77%
228
Does more good than harm
22%
78%
825
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 views about government aid to the poor
% of atheists who say they…
Chart
Table
Share
Views about government aid to the poor
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
Does more harm than good
2%
2%
3%
< 1%
90%
2%
229
Does more good than harm
2%
3%
1%
< 1%
92%
< 1%
825
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 views about government aid to the poor
% of atheists who say religion is…
Chart
Table
Share
Views about government aid to the poor
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
Does more harm than good
2%
4%
9%
85%
< 1%
229
Does more good than harm
2%
5%
11%
82%
< 1%
825
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 views about government aid to the poor
% of atheists who attend religious services…
Chart
Table
Share
Views about government aid to the poor
At least once a week
Once or twice a month/a few times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Does more harm than good
2%
10%
88%
< 1%
229
Does more good than harm
1%
10%
89%
< 1%
825
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 views about government aid to the poor
% of atheists who pray…
Chart
Table
Share
Views about government aid to the poor
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Does more harm than good
1%
1%
< 1%
98%
< 1%
229
Does more good than harm
1%
1%
1%
97%
< 1%
825
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 views about government aid to the poor
% of atheists who attend prayer group…
Chart
Table
Share
Views about government aid to the poor
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Does more harm than good
1%
1%
2%
96%
< 1%
229
Does more good than harm
1%
< 1%
1%
98%
< 1%
825
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 views about government aid to the poor
% of atheists who meditate…
Chart
Table
Share
Views about government aid to the poor
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Does more harm than good
18%
6%
3%
72%
1%
229
Does more good than harm
18%
9%
5%
67%
< 1%
825
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 views about government aid to the poor
% of atheists who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
Chart
Table
Share
Views about government aid to the poor
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Does more harm than good
32%
10%
6%
50%
2%
229
Does more good than harm
31%
15%
9%
44%
2%
825
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 views about government aid to the poor
% of atheists who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
Chart
Table
Share
Views about government aid to the poor
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Does more harm than good
51%
15%
10%
24%
1%
229
Does more good than harm
55%
17%
12%
16%
1%
825
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 views about government aid to the poor
% of atheists who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
Chart
Table
Share
Views about government aid to the poor
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
Does more harm than good
1%
17%
54%
28%
< 1%
229
Does more good than harm
1%
23%
41%
34%
2%
825
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 views about government aid to the poor
% of atheists who say…
Chart
Table
Share
Views about government aid to the poor
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
Does more harm than good
25%
75%
< 1%
< 1%
229
Does more good than harm
13%
86%
< 1%
1%
825
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 views about government aid to the poor
% of atheists who read scripture…
Chart
Table
Share
Views about government aid to the poor
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Does more harm than good
5%
1%
4%
91%
< 1%
229
Does more good than harm
2%
4%
5%
89%
< 1%
825
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 views about government aid to the poor
% of atheists who say the holy scripture is…
Chart
Table
Share
Views about government aid to the poor
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
Does more harm than good
1%
1%
< 1%
95%
4%
229
Does more good than harm
1%
1%
< 1%
97%
1%
825
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 views about government aid to the poor
% of atheists who …in heaven
Chart
Table
Share
Views about government aid to the poor
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Does more harm than good
6%
93%
1%
229
Does more good than harm
4%
95%
1%
825
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 views about government aid to the poor
% of atheists who …in hell
Chart
Table
Share
Views about government aid to the poor
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Does more harm than good
4%
95%
1%
229
Does more good than harm
3%
96%
1%
825
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 views about government aid to the poor
% of atheists who identify as…
Chart
Table
Share
Views about government aid to the poor
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
Does more harm than good
39%
28%
33%
229
Does more good than harm
7%
12%
81%
825
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 views about government aid to the poor
% of atheists who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Views about government aid to the poor
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
Does more harm than good
24%
45%
23%
9%
229
Does more good than harm
6%
24%
68%
3%
825
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 views about government aid to the poor
% of atheists who would rather have…
Chart
Table
Share
Views about government aid to the poor
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
Does more harm than good
82%
15%
2%
1%
229
Does more good than harm
28%
66%
4%
3%
825
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 views about government aid to the poor
% of atheists who say abortion should be…
Chart
Table
Share
Views about government aid to the poor
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
Does more harm than good
79%
18%
3%
229
Does more good than harm
90%
9%
1%
825
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 views about government aid to the poor
% of atheists who say homosexuality…
Chart
Table
Share
Views about government aid to the poor
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Does more harm than good
86%
10%
2%
2%
229
Does more good than harm
97%
2%
1%
< 1%
825
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 views about government aid to the poor
% of atheists who …same-sex marriage
Chart
Table
Share
Views about government aid to the poor
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
Does more harm than good
84%
10%
6%
229
Does more good than harm
95%
3%
2%
825
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 views about government aid to the poor
% of atheists who say…
Chart
Table
Share
Views about government aid to the poor
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
Does more harm than good
43%
54%
3%
1%
229
Does more good than harm
10%
87%
2%
2%
825
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 views about government aid to the poor
% of atheists who say humans…
Chart
Table
Share
Views about government aid to the poor
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
Does more harm than good
88%
2%
2%
8%
< 1%
229
Does more good than harm
92%
2%
1%
4%
< 1%
825
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.