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 Catholics by importance of religion
% of Catholics who are ages…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
Very important
13%
33%
29%
25%
4,122
Somewhat important
22%
34%
30%
14%
2,188
Not too important
27%
33%
25%
15%
563
Not at all important
24%
28%
33%
15%
160
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 Catholics by importance of religion
% of Catholics who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
Very important
8%
10%
29%
35%
17%
2%
4,122
Somewhat important
15%
13%
28%
35%
8%
1%
2,188
Not too important
19%
11%
30%
31%
8%
1%
563
Not at all important
16%
14%
22%
39%
9%
< 1%
160
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 Catholics by importance of religion
% of Catholics who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
Men
Women
Sample size
Very important
42%
58%
4,220
Somewhat important
50%
50%
2,225
Not too important
59%
41%
569
Not at all important
72%
28%
160
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 Catholics by importance of religion
% of Catholics who identify as…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
Very important
54%
4%
3%
38%
2%
4,162
Somewhat important
63%
2%
2%
31%
2%
2,200
Not too important
75%
1%
5%
19%
1%
564
Not at all important
71%
2%
< 1%
25%
2%
160
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 Catholics by importance of religion
% of Catholics who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
Very important
32%
14%
54%
4,174
Somewhat important
23%
16%
61%
2,201
Not too important
14%
16%
70%
566
Not at all important
22%
15%
63%
158
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 Catholics by importance of religion
% of Catholics who have a household income of…
Chart
Table
Share
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
Very important
40%
19%
24%
17%
3,497
Somewhat important
31%
20%
28%
21%
1,963
Not too important
28%
18%
31%
24%
511
Not at all important
36%
16%
29%
18%
147
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 Catholics by importance of religion
% of Catholics who have completed…
Chart
Table
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Importance of religion in one's life
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
Very important
49%
26%
15%
10%
4,196
Somewhat important
45%
29%
18%
9%
2,211
Not too important
38%
29%
21%
12%
564
Not at all important
47%
27%
16%
10%
159
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 Catholics by importance of religion
% of Catholics who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
Very important
55%
7%
12%
9%
17%
4,203
Somewhat important
48%
10%
13%
5%
25%
2,219
Not too important
46%
9%
10%
3%
33%
566
Not at all important
33%
11%
18%
6%
33%
160
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 Catholics by importance of religion
% of Catholics who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
Very important
32%
68%
4,200
Somewhat important
30%
70%
2,217
Not too important
23%
77%
567
Not at all important
15%
85%
160
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 Catholics by importance of religion
% of Catholics who say they…
Chart
Table
Share
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
Very important
79%
18%
1%
1%
< 1%
< 1%
4,220
Somewhat important
52%
40%
6%
1%
1%
1%
2,225
Not too important
24%
45%
20%
1%
6%
4%
569
Not at all important
23%
22%
20%
< 1%
29%
6%
160
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 Catholics by importance of religion
% of Catholics who attend religious services…
Chart
Table
Share
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
Very important
57%
31%
11%
1%
4,220
Somewhat important
18%
57%
25%
< 1%
2,225
Not too important
3%
44%
53%
< 1%
569
Not at all important
5%
18%
76%
1%
160
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 Catholics by importance of religion
% of Catholics who pray…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Very important
77%
16%
3%
3%
1%
4,220
Somewhat important
38%
31%
13%
17%
1%
2,225
Not too important
19%
14%
12%
55%
< 1%
569
Not at all important
9%
11%
9%
71%
< 1%
160
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 Catholics by importance of religion
% of Catholics who attend prayer group…
Chart
Table
Share
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
Very important
25%
12%
12%
50%
1%
4,220
Somewhat important
7%
7%
8%
78%
< 1%
2,225
Not too important
3%
1%
2%
95%
< 1%
569
Not at all important
5%
2%
4%
89%
< 1%
160
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 Catholics by importance of religion
% of Catholics who meditate…
Chart
Table
Share
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
Very important
52%
9%
4%
33%
2%
4,220
Somewhat important
25%
10%
6%
58%
< 1%
2,225
Not too important
19%
8%
6%
67%
1%
569
Not at all important
18%
5%
2%
75%
< 1%
160
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 Catholics by importance of religion
% of Catholics who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
Chart
Table
Share
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
Very important
71%
14%
7%
7%
1%
4,220
Somewhat important
42%
22%
17%
18%
1%
2,225
Not too important
25%
18%
19%
36%
2%
569
Not at all important
25%
9%
10%
55%
1%
160
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 Catholics by importance of religion
% of Catholics who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
Chart
Table
Share
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
Very important
48%
14%
13%
23%
2%
4,220
Somewhat important
34%
18%
17%
31%
1%
2,225
Not too important
34%
13%
16%
36%
1%
569
Not at all important
32%
13%
15%
38%
1%
160
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 Catholics by importance of religion
% of Catholics who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
Very important
43%
8%
39%
8%
3%
4,220
Somewhat important
15%
12%
61%
12%
1%
2,225
Not too important
5%
14%
64%
16%
2%
569
Not at all important
4%
13%
57%
23%
3%
160
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 Catholics by importance of religion
% of Catholics who say…
Chart
Table
Share
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
Very important
33%
63%
1%
2%
4,220
Somewhat important
26%
73%
1%
1%
2,225
Not too important
25%
72%
2%
1%
569
Not at all important
18%
80%
1%
1%
160
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 Catholics by importance of religion
% of Catholics who read scripture…
Chart
Table
Share
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
Very important
37%
14%
11%
37%
1%
4,220
Somewhat important
11%
9%
12%
68%
1%
2,225
Not too important
4%
2%
4%
90%
< 1%
569
Not at all important
5%
6%
2%
87%
< 1%
160
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 Catholics by importance of religion
% of Catholics who say the holy scripture is…
Chart
Table
Share
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
Very important
35%
39%
4%
14%
8%
4,220
Somewhat important
15%
36%
2%
39%
8%
2,225
Not too important
5%
21%
1%
67%
6%
569
Not at all important
10%
9%
< 1%
76%
5%
160
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 Catholics by importance of religion
% of Catholics who …in heaven
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Very important
91%
5%
4%
4,220
Somewhat important
82%
12%
6%
2,225
Not too important
61%
30%
9%
569
Not at all important
41%
54%
6%
160
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 Catholics by importance of religion
% of Catholics who …in hell
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Very important
71%
21%
8%
4,220
Somewhat important
58%
34%
7%
2,225
Not too important
40%
51%
9%
569
Not at all important
32%
61%
7%
160
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 Catholics by importance of religion
% of Catholics who identify as…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
Very important
38%
20%
43%
4,220
Somewhat important
37%
18%
45%
2,225
Not too important
39%
14%
47%
569
Not at all important
33%
16%
51%
160
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 Catholics by importance of religion
% of Catholics who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
Very important
43%
32%
19%
5%
4,220
Somewhat important
30%
41%
24%
4%
2,225
Not too important
26%
40%
30%
4%
569
Not at all important
25%
30%
39%
6%
160
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 Catholics by importance of religion
% of Catholics who would rather have…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
Very important
46%
48%
3%
3%
4,220
Somewhat important
49%
46%
3%
3%
2,225
Not too important
54%
42%
2%
3%
569
Not at all important
45%
49%
2%
5%
160
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 Catholics by importance of religion
% of Catholics who say government aid to the poor…
Chart
Table
Share
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
Very important
46%
48%
4%
2%
4,220
Somewhat important
47%
48%
3%
2%
2,225
Not too important
48%
47%
4%
1%
569
Not at all important
38%
57%
3%
2%
160
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 Catholics by importance of religion
% of Catholics who say abortion should be…
Chart
Table
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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
Very important
36%
59%
5%
4,220
Somewhat important
61%
35%
4%
2,225
Not too important
75%
21%
4%
569
Not at all important
76%
21%
3%
160
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 Catholics by importance of religion
% of Catholics who say homosexuality…
Chart
Table
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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
Very important
63%
28%
5%
5%
4,220
Somewhat important
78%
16%
3%
3%
2,225
Not too important
84%
12%
1%
2%
569
Not at all important
77%
17%
2%
4%
160
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 Catholics by importance of religion
% of Catholics who …same-sex marriage
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
Very important
48%
42%
10%
4,220
Somewhat important
67%
25%
8%
2,225
Not too important
75%
19%
7%
569
Not at all important
67%
28%
5%
160
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 Catholics by importance of religion
% of Catholics who say…
Chart
Table
Share
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
Very important
40%
54%
2%
4%
4,220
Somewhat important
39%
56%
3%
2%
2,225
Not too important
35%
61%
1%
3%
569
Not at all important
44%
53%
1%
2%
160
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 Catholics by importance of religion
% of Catholics who say humans…
Chart
Table
Share
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
Very important
21%
34%
4%
35%
6%
4,220
Somewhat important
39%
31%
4%
23%
3%
2,225
Not too important
61%
16%
5%
15%
3%
569
Not at all important
61%
20%
3%
13%
4%
160
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.