Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201440%28%16%16%< 1%5,544
200745%32%13%9%< 1%4,242
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: Very important, Somewhat important, Not too important, Not at all important

Importance of religion in one's life among 18-29 year olds by religious group

% of 18-29 year olds who say religion is…

Religious traditionVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Catholic44%40%12%3%< 1%890
Evangelical Protestant74%23%2%1%< 1%1,092
Historically Black Protestant76%21%2%1%< 1%298
Jewish37%34%24%5%< 1%104
Mainline Protestant44%42%11%2%< 1%586
Mormon80%18%1%1%< 1%114
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")9%22%29%39%< 1%2,003
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: Very important, Somewhat important, Not too important, Not at all important

DemographicInformation

Generational cohort among 18-29 year olds by importance of religion

% of 18-29 year olds who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Very important60%40%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%2,151
Somewhat important64%36%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%1,542
Not too important65%35%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%909
Not at all important65%35%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%918
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 18-29 year olds by importance of religion

% of 18-29 year olds who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeMenWomenSample size
Very important46%54%2,151
Somewhat important49%51%1,542
Not too important52%48%909
Not at all important63%37%918
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 18-29 year olds by importance of religion

% of 18-29 year olds who identify as…

Importance of religion in one's lifeWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Very important48%21%5%21%5%2,133
Somewhat important53%11%7%23%5%1,530
Not too important61%8%11%15%5%902
Not at all important69%6%7%15%4%911
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 18-29 year olds by importance of religion

% of 18-29 year olds who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Very important18%14%69%2,125
Somewhat important14%20%66%1,517
Not too important13%19%68%901
Not at all important11%18%71%904
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 18-29 year olds by importance of religion

% of 18-29 year olds who have a household income of…

Importance of religion in one's lifeLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Very important47%20%23%10%1,875
Somewhat important41%22%23%13%1,358
Not too important36%25%23%16%805
Not at all important39%20%26%16%836
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 18-29 year olds by importance of religion

% of 18-29 year olds who have completed…

Importance of religion in one's lifeHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Very important43%40%13%4%2,146
Somewhat important44%39%14%4%1,540
Not too important37%40%17%5%907
Not at all important38%39%17%5%918
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 18-29 year olds by importance of religion

% of 18-29 year olds who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Very important23%9%4%< 1%64%2,149
Somewhat important12%16%3%< 1%70%1,539
Not too important12%11%2%< 1%75%905
Not at all important10%14%3%< 1%74%914
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 18-29 year olds by importance of religion

% of 18-29 year olds who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeParentsNon-parentsSample size
Very important29%71%2,145
Somewhat important21%79%1,540
Not too important14%86%908
Not at all important13%87%916
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 18-29 year olds by importance of religion

% of 18-29 year olds who say they…

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieve 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
Very important85%12%1%< 1%1%< 1%2,151
Somewhat important47%38%8%1%4%2%1,542
Not too important13%30%23%< 1%28%6%909
Not at all important9%9%12%< 1%63%7%918
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 18-29 year olds by importance of religion

% of 18-29 year olds who attend religious services…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important56%32%11%< 1%2,151
Somewhat important13%59%28%< 1%1,542
Not too important3%38%59%< 1%909
Not at all important2%12%86%< 1%918
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 18-29 year olds by importance of religion

% of 18-29 year olds who pray…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important76%17%4%4%< 1%2,151
Somewhat important31%29%13%27%< 1%1,542
Not too important8%13%9%71%< 1%909
Not at all important5%4%3%88%< 1%918
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 18-29 year olds by importance of religion

% of 18-29 year olds who attend prayer group…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important37%17%11%34%< 1%2,151
Somewhat important7%11%10%71%< 1%1,542
Not too important2%2%4%92%< 1%909
Not at all important2%1%2%95%< 1%918
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 18-29 year olds by importance of religion

% of 18-29 year olds who meditate…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important41%9%3%46%1%2,151
Somewhat important23%11%6%59%< 1%1,542
Not too important16%11%6%66%1%909
Not at all important20%9%4%66%1%918
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 18-29 year olds by importance of religion

% of 18-29 year olds who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important71%15%7%6%1%2,151
Somewhat important41%24%15%19%1%1,542
Not too important30%23%13%33%1%909
Not at all important35%17%8%38%2%918
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 18-29 year olds by importance of religion

% of 18-29 year olds who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important47%21%11%20%1%2,151
Somewhat important47%18%13%21%1%1,542
Not too important47%20%14%18%1%909
Not at all important51%19%9%21%< 1%918
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 18-29 year olds by importance of religion

% of 18-29 year olds who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Importance of religion in one's lifeReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Very important50%9%33%5%3%2,151
Somewhat important11%18%59%11%1%1,542
Not too important2%22%57%18%1%909
Not at all important2%22%50%25%1%918
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 18-29 year olds by importance of religion

% of 18-29 year olds who say…

Importance of religion in one's lifeThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important33%64%2%1%2,151
Somewhat important19%80%1%< 1%1,542
Not too important13%86%1%< 1%909
Not at all important12%87%< 1%1%918
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 18-29 year olds by importance of religion

% of 18-29 year olds who read scripture…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important55%17%8%20%1%2,151
Somewhat important13%14%12%60%1%1,542
Not too important3%6%6%85%< 1%909
Not at all important4%3%3%89%< 1%918
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 18-29 year olds by importance of religion

% of 18-29 year olds who say the holy scripture is…

Importance of religion in one's lifeWord 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
Very important40%41%3%12%5%2,151
Somewhat important13%36%1%43%8%1,542
Not too important4%12%< 1%76%7%909
Not at all important3%4%< 1%90%3%918
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 18-29 year olds by importance of religion

% of 18-29 year olds who …in heaven

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Very important90%7%3%2,151
Somewhat important78%16%6%1,542
Not too important44%47%9%909
Not at all important17%75%8%918
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 18-29 year olds by importance of religion

% of 18-29 year olds who …in hell

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Very important79%17%4%2,151
Somewhat important61%32%6%1,542
Not too important33%60%7%909
Not at all important13%81%6%918
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 18-29 year olds by importance of religion

% of 18-29 year olds who identify as…

Importance of religion in one's lifeRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Very important42%21%38%2,151
Somewhat important31%20%49%1,542
Not too important26%19%54%909
Not at all important17%23%60%918
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 18-29 year olds by importance of religion

% of 18-29 year olds who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Very important38%35%19%8%2,151
Somewhat important22%40%31%8%1,542
Not too important16%41%37%6%909
Not at all important12%31%49%8%918
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 18-29 year olds by importance of religion

% of 18-29 year olds who would rather have…

Importance of religion in one's lifeSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Very important43%52%2%3%2,151
Somewhat important42%53%1%3%1,542
Not too important44%50%2%4%909
Not at all important43%52%2%3%918
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 18-29 year olds by importance of religion

% of 18-29 year olds who say government aid to the poor…

Importance of religion in one's lifeDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important45%49%4%2%2,151
Somewhat important40%56%3%1%1,542
Not too important36%58%4%1%909
Not at all important34%62%2%1%918
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 18-29 year olds by importance of religion

% of 18-29 year olds who say abortion should be…

Importance of religion in one's lifeLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Very important34%63%3%2,151
Somewhat important61%37%2%1,542
Not too important77%21%3%909
Not at all important79%18%2%918
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 18-29 year olds by importance of religion

% of 18-29 year olds who say homosexuality…

Importance of religion in one's lifeShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important57%36%4%3%2,151
Somewhat important85%11%2%1%1,542
Not too important91%5%1%2%909
Not at all important93%5%1%1%918
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 18-29 year olds by importance of religion

% of 18-29 year olds who …same-sex marriage

Importance of religion in one's lifeStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Very important49%45%6%2,151
Somewhat important80%16%4%1,542
Not too important88%9%3%909
Not at all important90%7%3%918
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 18-29 year olds by importance of religion

% of 18-29 year olds who say…

Importance of religion in one's lifeStricter 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
Very important39%57%2%3%2,151
Somewhat important34%63%1%2%1,542
Not too important25%71%1%3%909
Not at all important21%75%2%2%918
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 18-29 year olds by importance of religion

% of 18-29 year olds who say humans…

Importance of religion in one's lifeEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Very important17%33%2%45%3%2,151
Somewhat important45%30%5%18%2%1,542
Not too important72%12%4%10%1%909
Not at all important79%9%2%8%2%918
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.