DemographicInformation

Age distribution among the Unaffiliated who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of the Unaffiliated who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have bigger government; more services who are ages…

Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201436%37%17%10%2,074
200738%35%19%9%1,029
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 who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of the Unaffiliated who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have bigger government; more services who are…

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
201423%22%28%21%6%< 1%2,074
2007< 1%29%34%26%10%2%1,029
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 who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of the Unaffiliated who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have bigger government; more services who are…

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201454%46%2,100
200758%42%1,034
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 who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of the Unaffiliated who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have bigger government; more services who identify as…

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201470%5%8%13%4%2,079
200773%6%6%12%3%1,023
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 who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of the Unaffiliated who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have bigger government; more services who are…

Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
201416%13%70%2,079
200715%11%73%1,025
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 who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of the Unaffiliated who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have bigger government; more services who have a household income of…

Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201425%19%28%28%1,939
200725%22%33%19%922
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 who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of the Unaffiliated who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have bigger government; more services who have completed…

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201424%29%27%20%2,097
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 who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of the Unaffiliated who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have bigger government; more services who are…

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201440%12%12%2%34%2,091
200741%12%11%3%34%1,032
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 who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of the Unaffiliated who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have bigger government; more services who are…

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201423%77%2,096
200730%70%1,032
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among the Unaffiliated who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of the Unaffiliated who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have bigger government; more services 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
20149%13%11%< 1%62%4%2,100
200717%21%12%< 1%44%7%1,034
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 who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of the Unaffiliated who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have bigger government; more services who say religion is…

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
20144%11%25%60%< 1%2,100
20076%14%25%54%1%1,034
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 who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of the Unaffiliated who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have bigger government; more services who attend religious services…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20141%17%81%< 1%2,100
20071%15%84%< 1%1,034
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 who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of the Unaffiliated who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have bigger government; more services who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20147%5%4%83%< 1%2,100
200711%6%7%77%< 1%1,034
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 who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of the Unaffiliated who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have bigger government; more services who attend prayer group…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20141%1%2%95%< 1%2,100
20072%1%2%95%< 1%1,034
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 who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of the Unaffiliated who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have bigger government; more services who meditate…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201423%11%6%59%< 1%2,100
200725%8%6%60%< 1%1,034
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 who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of the Unaffiliated who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have bigger government; more services 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
201436%18%10%34%2%2,100
200733%12%11%41%2%1,034
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 who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of the Unaffiliated who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have bigger government; more services 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
201449%19%13%19%1%2,100
200743%15%14%27%1%1,034
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 who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of the Unaffiliated who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have bigger government; more services who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
20142%23%49%24%1%2,100
20072%23%59%13%2%1,034
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 who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of the Unaffiliated who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have bigger government; more services who say…

Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201415%84%< 1%1%2,100
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 who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of the Unaffiliated who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have bigger government; more services who read scripture…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20143%3%5%89%< 1%2,100
20074%4%5%86%< 1%1,034
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 who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of the Unaffiliated who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have bigger government; more services 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
20142%4%< 1%91%2%2,100
20073%5%< 1%87%5%1,034
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 the Unaffiliated who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of the Unaffiliated who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have bigger government; more services who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
20143%97%< 1%2,100
20074%96%1%1,034
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among the Unaffiliated who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of the Unaffiliated who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have bigger government; more services who identify as…

Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
20147%12%81%2,100
200710%16%75%1,034
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 who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of the Unaffiliated who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have bigger government; more services who are…

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
20146%23%67%4%2,100
20079%30%56%5%1,034
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 who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of the Unaffiliated who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have bigger government; more services who say government aid to the poor…

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201415%83%1%< 1%2,100
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 who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of the Unaffiliated who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have bigger government; more services who say abortion should be…

Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201486%12%2%2,100
200783%15%2%1,034
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 who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of the Unaffiliated who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have bigger government; more services who say homosexuality…

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201494%5%1%1%2,100
200786%12%1%1%1,034
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 who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of the Unaffiliated who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have bigger government; more services who …same-sex marriage

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201492%5%2%2,100
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 who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of the Unaffiliated who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have bigger government; more services 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
201410%88%1%1%2,100
200713%85%1%1%1,034
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 who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of the Unaffiliated who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have bigger government; more services 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
201485%7%2%7%< 1%2,100
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.