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 the Unaffiliated by belief in hell
% of the Unaffiliated who are ages…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
Believe
38%
39%
19%
5%
1,670
Don't believe
34%
37%
19%
11%
5,194
Other/don't know
31%
38%
21%
10%
573
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 the Unaffiliated by belief in hell
% of the Unaffiliated who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
Believe
23%
24%
29%
21%
3%
< 1%
1,670
Don't believe
22%
21%
28%
23%
6%
1%
5,194
Other/don't know
18%
20%
31%
25%
6%
1%
573
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 the Unaffiliated by belief in hell
% of the Unaffiliated who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Men
Women
Sample size
Believe
53%
47%
1,699
Don't believe
58%
42%
5,272
Other/don't know
57%
43%
585
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 the Unaffiliated by belief in hell
% of the Unaffiliated who identify as…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
Believe
58%
17%
4%
16%
5%
1,668
Don't believe
73%
6%
6%
12%
4%
5,193
Other/don't know
66%
8%
5%
14%
6%
566
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 the Unaffiliated by belief in hell
% of the Unaffiliated who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
Believe
12%
9%
79%
1,652
Don't believe
13%
13%
74%
5,220
Other/don't know
13%
14%
73%
563
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 the Unaffiliated by belief in hell
% of the Unaffiliated who have a household income of…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
Believe
48%
21%
21%
10%
1,493
Don't believe
26%
20%
28%
25%
4,809
Other/don't know
36%
21%
22%
21%
488
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 the Unaffiliated by belief in hell
% of the Unaffiliated who have completed…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
Believe
56%
32%
9%
4%
1,688
Don't believe
31%
32%
23%
15%
5,262
Other/don't know
41%
35%
15%
9%
582
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 the Unaffiliated by belief in hell
% of the Unaffiliated who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
Believe
32%
13%
13%
3%
40%
1,691
Don't believe
40%
11%
11%
3%
35%
5,256
Other/don't know
38%
8%
10%
4%
39%
576
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 the Unaffiliated by belief in hell
% of the Unaffiliated who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
Believe
32%
68%
1,693
Don't believe
24%
76%
5,257
Other/don't know
23%
77%
582
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 the Unaffiliated by belief in hell
% of the Unaffiliated who say they…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
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
Believe
52%
30%
10%
1%
4%
2%
1,699
Don't believe
16%
18%
11%
< 1%
48%
5%
5,272
Other/don't know
27%
26%
14%
1%
10%
21%
585
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 the Unaffiliated by belief in hell
% of the Unaffiliated who say religion is…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
29%
36%
22%
13%
1%
1,699
Don't believe
6%
15%
27%
51%
1%
5,272
Other/don't know
12%
25%
29%
29%
4%
585
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 the Unaffiliated by belief in hell
% of the Unaffiliated who attend religious services…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
At least once a week
Once or twice a month/a few times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
9%
34%
56%
< 1%
1,699
Don't believe
2%
19%
78%
< 1%
5,272
Other/don't know
5%
23%
72%
1%
585
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 the Unaffiliated by belief in hell
% of the Unaffiliated who pray…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
38%
19%
9%
33%
< 1%
1,699
Don't believe
12%
7%
6%
75%
< 1%
5,272
Other/don't know
20%
13%
8%
56%
3%
585
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 the Unaffiliated by belief in hell
% of the Unaffiliated who attend prayer group…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
10%
7%
6%
76%
< 1%
1,699
Don't believe
2%
2%
3%
93%
< 1%
5,272
Other/don't know
4%
3%
3%
89%
1%
585
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 the Unaffiliated by belief in hell
% of the Unaffiliated who meditate…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
27%
8%
3%
60%
2%
1,699
Don't believe
25%
10%
5%
58%
1%
5,272
Other/don't know
27%
9%
6%
56%
3%
585
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 the Unaffiliated by belief in hell
% of the Unaffiliated who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
45%
15%
11%
27%
2%
1,699
Don't believe
38%
16%
11%
34%
2%
5,272
Other/don't know
40%
14%
11%
32%
4%
585
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 the Unaffiliated by belief in hell
% of the Unaffiliated who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
41%
14%
11%
34%
1%
1,699
Don't believe
49%
17%
13%
21%
< 1%
5,272
Other/don't know
49%
18%
11%
19%
4%
585
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 the Unaffiliated by belief in hell
% of the Unaffiliated who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
16%
11%
60%
10%
3%
1,699
Don't believe
3%
20%
55%
20%
1%
5,272
Other/don't know
6%
19%
58%
12%
5%
585
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 the Unaffiliated by belief in hell
% of the Unaffiliated who say…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
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
Believe
25%
73%
2%
1%
1,699
Don't believe
18%
80%
1%
1%
5,272
Other/don't know
22%
71%
3%
4%
585
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 the Unaffiliated by belief in hell
% of the Unaffiliated who read scripture…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
19%
9%
6%
65%
1%
1,699
Don't believe
5%
5%
5%
85%
< 1%
5,272
Other/don't know
10%
3%
7%
79%
2%
585
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 the Unaffiliated by belief in hell
% of the Unaffiliated who say the holy scripture is…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
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
Believe
24%
25%
2%
39%
9%
1,699
Don't believe
4%
5%
< 1%
86%
4%
5,272
Other/don't know
5%
8%
2%
63%
22%
585
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 the Unaffiliated by belief in hell
% of the Unaffiliated who …in heaven
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Believe
92%
5%
3%
1,699
Don't believe
17%
80%
4%
5,272
Other/don't know
20%
5%
76%
585
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 the Unaffiliated by belief in hell
% of the Unaffiliated who identify as…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
Believe
28%
27%
44%
1,699
Don't believe
21%
19%
60%
5,272
Other/don't know
26%
33%
41%
585
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 the Unaffiliated by belief in hell
% of the Unaffiliated who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
26%
39%
25%
10%
1,699
Don't believe
14%
34%
46%
6%
5,272
Other/don't know
21%
39%
26%
14%
585
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 the Unaffiliated by belief in hell
% of the Unaffiliated who would rather have…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
45%
50%
2%
4%
1,699
Don't believe
47%
46%
3%
3%
5,272
Other/don't know
48%
36%
7%
9%
585
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 the Unaffiliated by belief in hell
% of the Unaffiliated who say government aid to the poor…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
43%
51%
4%
2%
1,699
Don't believe
33%
63%
3%
2%
5,272
Other/don't know
38%
47%
8%
7%
585
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 the Unaffiliated by belief in hell
% of the Unaffiliated who say abortion should be…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
54%
41%
5%
1,699
Don't believe
82%
15%
3%
5,272
Other/don't know
66%
24%
10%
585
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 the Unaffiliated by belief in hell
% of the Unaffiliated who say homosexuality…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
71%
22%
3%
3%
1,699
Don't believe
88%
8%
2%
2%
5,272
Other/don't know
74%
12%
6%
7%
585
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 the Unaffiliated by belief in hell
% of the Unaffiliated who …same-sex marriage
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
62%
30%
8%
1,699
Don't believe
85%
10%
4%
5,272
Other/don't know
69%
18%
12%
585
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 the Unaffiliated by belief in hell
% of the Unaffiliated who say…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
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
Believe
38%
57%
2%
3%
1,699
Don't believe
22%
74%
2%
2%
5,272
Other/don't know
30%
58%
5%
7%
585
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 the Unaffiliated by belief in hell
% of the Unaffiliated who say humans…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
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
Believe
36%
26%
5%
29%
4%
1,699
Don't believe
76%
10%
3%
10%
2%
5,272
Other/don't know
51%
15%
13%
11%
11%
585
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.