DemographicInformation

Age distribution among the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have bigger government; more services who are ages…

Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201438%37%18%7%1,692
200742%37%15%5%1,384
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 say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have bigger government; more services who are…

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
201424%23%28%21%4%< 1%1,692
2007< 1%32%37%24%6%1%1,384
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 say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have bigger government; more services who are…

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201445%55%1,713
200750%50%1,402
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 say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have bigger government; more services who identify as…

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201462%14%5%15%5%1,698
200768%13%3%12%5%1,388
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 say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have bigger government; more services who are…

Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
201413%11%75%1,685
200710%9%81%1,391
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 say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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
201439%20%24%18%1,560
200736%24%27%14%1,212
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 say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have bigger government; more services who have completed…

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201443%29%18%11%1,710
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 say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have bigger government; more services who are…

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201433%13%12%3%40%1,711
200739%14%10%2%35%1,396
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 say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have bigger government; more services who are…

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201428%72%1,710
200738%62%1,398
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 say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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
201428%24%11%< 1%32%4%1,713
200740%28%9%< 1%18%5%1,402
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 say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have bigger government; more services who say religion is…

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201413%23%27%37%1%1,713
200716%30%26%27%1%1,402
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 say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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
20144%25%71%< 1%1,713
20073%24%72%< 1%1,402
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 say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have bigger government; more services who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201421%11%7%61%< 1%1,713
200723%15%9%52%1%1,402
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 say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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
20144%3%4%89%< 1%1,713
20074%4%4%88%1%1,402
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 say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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
201424%9%5%61%1%1,713
200723%7%4%66%1%1,402
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 say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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
201438%16%12%32%2%1,713
200731%14%13%39%3%1,402
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 say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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
201441%17%13%27%1%1,713
200734%13%15%36%2%1,402
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 say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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
201416%83%< 1%1%1,713
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 say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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
20148%6%5%80%< 1%1,713
20079%7%6%78%< 1%1,402
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 say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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
201411%12%1%70%6%1,713
200714%17%1%60%8%1,402
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have bigger government; more services who …in heaven

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201442%50%8%1,713
200751%39%11%1,402
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 say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have bigger government; more services who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201432%62%6%1,713
200738%53%9%1,402
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 say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have bigger government; more services who identify as…

Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201413%19%68%1,713
200718%21%61%1,402
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 say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have bigger government; more services who are…

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201413%31%47%9%1,713
200716%38%37%8%1,402
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 say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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
201426%71%2%1%1,713
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 say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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
201474%23%3%1,713
200770%26%3%1,402
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 say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have bigger government; more services who say homosexuality…

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201487%9%2%2%1,713
200776%18%3%3%1,402
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 say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have bigger government; more services who …same-sex marriage

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201481%14%5%1,713
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 say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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
201423%74%1%2%1,713
200723%72%1%4%1,402
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 say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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
201464%14%3%17%2%1,713
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.