Geographic Distribution

The Unaffiliated by State

% of adults in each state who are Unaffiliated (religious "nones").

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.
State % of adults (2014) Total State Sample
Alabama 12% 511
Alaska 31% 310
Arizona 27% 653
Arkansas 18% 311
California 27% 3,697
Colorado 29% 504
Connecticut 23% 377
Delaware 23% 301
District of Columbia 25% 303
Florida 24% 2,020
Georgia 18% 968
Hawaii 26% 312
Idaho 27% 320
Illinois 22% 1,326
Indiana 26% 654
Iowa 21% 330
Kansas 20% 307
Kentucky 22% 439
Louisiana 13% 465
Maine 31% 303
Maryland 23% 644
Massachusetts 32% 704
Michigan 24% 982
Minnesota 20% 563
Mississippi 14% 309
Missouri 20% 642
Montana 30% 312
Nebraska 20% 312
Nevada 28% 314
New Hampshire 36% 303
New Jersey 18% 886
New Mexico 21% 312
New York 27% 1,966
North Carolina 20% 1,022
North Dakota 20% 338
Ohio 22% 1,132
Oklahoma 18% 391
Oregon 31% 419
Pennsylvania 21% 1,366
Rhode Island 20% 305
South Carolina 19% 495
South Dakota 18% 305
Tennessee 14% 661
Texas 18% 2,535
Utah 22% 315
Vermont 37% 306
Virginia 20% 882
West Virginia 18% 309
Wisconsin 25% 600
Wyoming 26% 316
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.

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among the Unaffiliated

% of the Unaffiliated who are ages…

Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201435%37%19%9%7,437
200731%40%20%8%4,947
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.

Learn More: age distribution, 18-29, 30-49, 50-64, 65+

Generational cohort among the Unaffiliated

% of the Unaffiliated who are…

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
201422%22%28%22%5%< 1%7,437
2007< 1%23%35%31%9%2%4,947
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.

Learn More: generational cohort, Younger Millennial, Older Millennial, Generation X, Baby Boomer, Silent

Gender composition among the Unaffiliated

% of the Unaffiliated who are…

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201457%43%7,556
200759%41%5,048
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.

Learn More: gender composition, Men, Women

Racial and ethnic composition among the Unaffiliated

% of the Unaffiliated who identify as…

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201468%9%5%13%4%7,427
200773%8%4%11%4%4,955
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.

Learn More: racial and ethnic composition, White, Black, Asian, Latino, Other/Mixed

Immigrant status among the Unaffiliated

% of the Unaffiliated who are…

Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
201413%12%75%7,435
200712%9%80%4,987
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.

Learn More: immigrant status, Immigrants, Second generation, Third generation or higher

Income distribution among the Unaffiliated

% of the Unaffiliated who have a household income of…

Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201433%20%26%21%6,790
200729%23%29%19%4,279
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.

Learn More: income distribution, Less than $30,000, $30,000-$49,999, $50,000-$99,999, $100,000 or more

Educational distribution among the Unaffiliated

% of the Unaffiliated who have completed…

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201438%32%18%11%7,532
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.

Learn More: educational distribution, High school or less, Some college, College, Post-graduate degree

Marital status among the Unaffiliated

% of the Unaffiliated who are…

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201437%11%11%3%37%7,523
200746%10%12%4%28%5,005
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.

Learn More: marital status, Married, Living with a partner, Divorced/separated, Widowed, Never married

Parent of children under 18 among the Unaffiliated

% of the Unaffiliated who are…

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201426%74%7,532
200733%67%5,031
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.

Learn More: parent of children under 18, Parents, Non-parents

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among the Unaffiliated

% of the Unaffiliated who say they…

Survey yearBelieve 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
201427%22%11%1%33%6%7,556
200736%24%9%1%22%8%5,048
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.

Learn More: belief in God, Believe in God; absolutely certain, Believe in God; fairly certain, Believe in God; not too/not at all certain, Do not believe in God

Importance of religion in one's life among the Unaffiliated

% of the Unaffiliated who say religion is…

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201413%21%26%39%1%7,556
200716%25%25%33%2%5,048
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.

Learn More: importance of religion in one's life, Very important, Somewhat important, Not too important, Not at all important

Attendance at religious services among the Unaffiliated

% of the Unaffiliated who attend religious services…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20144%24%72%< 1%7,556
20075%22%72%< 1%5,048
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.

Learn More: attendance at religious services, At least once a week, Once or twice a month/a few times a year, Seldom/never

Frequency of prayer among the Unaffiliated

% of the Unaffiliated who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201420%11%7%62%1%7,556
200722%13%7%56%2%5,048
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.

Learn More: frequency of prayer, At least daily, Weekly, Monthly, Seldom/never

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among the Unaffiliated

% of the Unaffiliated who attend prayer group…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20145%3%4%88%< 1%7,556
20075%3%3%88%1%5,048
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.

Learn More: frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups, At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never

Frequency of meditation among the Unaffiliated

% of the Unaffiliated who meditate…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201426%10%5%58%1%7,556
200726%7%5%60%2%5,048
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.

Learn More: frequency of meditation, At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among the Unaffiliated

% of the Unaffiliated who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201440%16%11%32%2%7,556
200735%13%12%37%4%5,048
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.

Learn More: frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing, At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among the Unaffiliated

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

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201447%16%12%24%1%7,556
200739%14%14%31%3%5,048
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.

Learn More: frequency of feeling wonder about the universe, At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among the Unaffiliated

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

Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
20147%18%57%17%2%7,556
20076%16%66%10%3%5,048
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.

Learn More: sources of guidance on right and wrong, Religion, Philosophy/reason, Common sense, Science

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among the Unaffiliated

% of the Unaffiliated who say…

Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201420%78%1%1%7,556
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.

Learn More: belief in absolute standards for right and wrong, There are clear standards for what is right and wrong, Right or wrong depends on the situation

Frequency of reading scripture among the Unaffiliated

% of the Unaffiliated who read scripture…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20149%6%6%79%< 1%7,556
20079%6%6%78%1%5,048
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.

Learn More: frequency of reading scripture, At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never

Interpreting scripture among the Unaffiliated

% of the Unaffiliated who say the holy scripture is…

Survey yearWord 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
201410%11%1%72%7%7,556
200711%13%1%64%10%5,048
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.

Learn More: interpreting scripture, Word of God; should be taken literally, Word of God; not everything taken literally, Not the word of God

Belief in Heaven among the Unaffiliated

% of the Unaffiliated who …in heaven

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201437%53%9%7,556
200741%46%13%5,048
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.

Learn More: belief in Heaven, Believe, Don't believe

Belief in Hell among the Unaffiliated

% of the Unaffiliated who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201427%65%8%7,556
200730%58%11%5,048
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.

Learn More: belief in Hell, Believe, Don't believe

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among the Unaffiliated

% of the Unaffiliated who identify as…

Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201423%22%54%7,556
200723%23%55%5,048
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.

Learn More: party affiliation, Republican/lean Rep., No lean, Democrat/lean Dem.

Political ideology among the Unaffiliated

% of the Unaffiliated who are…

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201418%36%39%8%7,556
200720%39%34%8%5,048
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.

Learn More: political ideology, Conservative, Moderate, Liberal

Views about size of government among the Unaffiliated

% of the Unaffiliated who would rather have…

Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201447%46%3%4%7,556
200741%48%5%6%5,048
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.

Learn More: views about size of government, Smaller government; fewer services, Bigger government; more services

Views about government aid to the poor among the Unaffiliated

% of the Unaffiliated who say government aid to the poor…

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201436%58%4%2%7,556
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.

Learn More: views about government aid to the poor, Does more harm than good, Does more good than harm

Views about abortion among the Unaffiliated

% of the Unaffiliated who say abortion should be…

Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201473%23%4%7,556
200770%24%6%5,048
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.

Learn More: views about abortion, Legal in all/most cases, Illegal in all/most cases

Views about homosexuality among the Unaffiliated

% of the Unaffiliated who say homosexuality…

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201483%12%3%3%7,556
200771%20%5%5%5,048
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.

Learn More: views about homosexuality, Should be accepted, Should be discouraged

Views about same-sex marriage among the Unaffiliated

% of the Unaffiliated who …same-sex marriage

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201478%16%6%7,556
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.

Learn More: views about same-sex marriage, Strongly favor/favor, Oppose/strongly oppose

Views about environmental regulation among the Unaffiliated

% of the Unaffiliated who say…

Survey yearStricter 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
201427%68%2%3%7,556
200724%69%3%4%5,048
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.

Learn More: views about environmental regulation, Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy, Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost

Views about human evolution among the Unaffiliated

% of the Unaffiliated who say humans…

Survey yearEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
201463%14%4%15%3%7,556
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.

Learn More: views about human evolution, Evolved; due to natural processes, Evolved; due to God's design, Always existed in present form