Age distribution among the Unaffiliated who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services
% of the Unaffiliated who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who are ages…
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Survey year
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
2014
29%
40%
23%
7%
1,198
2007
25%
45%
22%
8%
717
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 believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services
% of the Unaffiliated who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who are…
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Survey year
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
2014
19%
18%
33%
26%
4%
< 1%
1,198
2007
< 1%
19%
35%
36%
9%
1%
717
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 believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services
% of the Unaffiliated who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who are…
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Survey year
Men
Women
Sample size
2014
58%
42%
1,219
2007
61%
39%
737
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 believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services
% of the Unaffiliated who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who identify as…
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Survey year
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
2014
74%
8%
3%
9%
5%
1,196
2007
78%
7%
3%
9%
3%
723
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 believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services
% of the Unaffiliated who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who are…
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Survey year
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
2014
8%
9%
83%
1,195
2007
7%
6%
87%
732
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 believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services
% of the Unaffiliated who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who have a household income of…
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Survey year
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
2014
34%
24%
26%
16%
1,089
2007
27%
24%
32%
16%
620
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 believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services
% of the Unaffiliated who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who have completed…
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Survey year
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
2014
47%
35%
12%
5%
1,215
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 believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services
% of the Unaffiliated who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who are…
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Survey year
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
2014
40%
12%
11%
4%
32%
1,215
2007
53%
8%
12%
4%
23%
733
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 believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services
% of the Unaffiliated who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who are…
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Survey year
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
2014
28%
72%
1,213
2007
34%
66%
733
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.
Beliefs✭and✭Practices
Belief in God among the Unaffiliated who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services
% of the Unaffiliated who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who say they…
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Survey year
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
2014
50%
33%
10%
1%
4%
3%
1,219
2007
56%
30%
7%
< 1%
4%
2%
737
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 believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services
% of the Unaffiliated who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who say religion is…
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Survey year
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
2014
23%
39%
25%
13%
1%
1,219
2007
23%
40%
24%
12%
1%
737
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 believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services
% of the Unaffiliated who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who attend religious services…
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Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month/a few times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
8%
33%
59%
< 1%
1,219
2007
8%
31%
61%
< 1%
737
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 believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services
% of the Unaffiliated who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who pray…
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Survey year
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
35%
20%
11%
35%
< 1%
1,219
2007
35%
18%
10%
35%
1%
737
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 believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services
% of the Unaffiliated who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who attend prayer group…
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Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
8%
5%
6%
81%
< 1%
1,219
2007
9%
4%
4%
83%
1%
737
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 believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services
% of the Unaffiliated who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who meditate…
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Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
28%
8%
4%
59%
1%
1,219
2007
29%
6%
4%
59%
2%
737
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 believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services
% of the Unaffiliated who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
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Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
45%
15%
11%
28%
1%
1,219
2007
36%
14%
16%
33%
2%
737
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 believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services
% of the Unaffiliated who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
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Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
43%
14%
13%
30%
1%
1,219
2007
36%
14%
14%
33%
3%
737
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 believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services
% of the Unaffiliated who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
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Survey year
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
2014
13%
11%
65%
9%
2%
1,219
2007
9%
10%
73%
6%
2%
737
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 believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services
% of the Unaffiliated who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who say…
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Survey year
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
2014
29%
69%
2%
1%
1,219
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 believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services
% of the Unaffiliated who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who read scripture…
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Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
16%
7%
7%
69%
< 1%
1,219
2007
15%
8%
8%
69%
1%
737
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 believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services
% of the Unaffiliated who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who say the holy scripture is…
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Survey year
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
2014
14%
27%
1%
49%
8%
1,219
2007
17%
25%
2%
48%
8%
737
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 believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services
% of the Unaffiliated who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who …in hell
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Survey year
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
2014
65%
30%
5%
1,219
2007
64%
31%
5%
737
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.
Social✭and✭Political✭Views
Party affiliation among the Unaffiliated who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services
% of the Unaffiliated who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who identify as…
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Survey year
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
2014
40%
25%
35%
1,219
2007
37%
22%
40%
737
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 believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services
% of the Unaffiliated who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who are…
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Survey year
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
2014
29%
42%
22%
7%
1,219
2007
30%
41%
23%
6%
737
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 believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services
% of the Unaffiliated who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who say government aid to the poor…
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Survey year
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
2014
55%
40%
3%
2%
1,219
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 believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services
% of the Unaffiliated who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who say abortion should be…
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Survey year
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
2014
62%
34%
4%
1,219
2007
61%
34%
5%
737
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 believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services
% of the Unaffiliated who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who say homosexuality…
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Survey year
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
2014
73%
21%
3%
4%
1,219
2007
59%
31%
6%
4%
737
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 believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services
% of the Unaffiliated who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who …same-sex marriage
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Survey year
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
2014
64%
28%
8%
1,219
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 believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services
% of the Unaffiliated who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who say…
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Survey year
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
2014
41%
55%
2%
2%
1,219
2007
35%
58%
4%
3%
737
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 believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services
% of the Unaffiliated who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who say humans…
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Survey year
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
2014
38%
28%
5%
26%
3%
1,219
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.