Educational distribution among adults who do not believe in God by religious group
% of adults who do not believe in God who have completed…
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Religious tradition
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
Catholic
38%
25%
27%
10%
112
Jewish
14%
14%
38%
34%
160
Mainline Protestant
42%
17%
24%
17%
110
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")
28%
31%
24%
16%
2,732
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.
Age distribution among adults who do not believe in God by educational group
% of adults who do not believe in God who are ages…
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Educational distribution
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
High school or less
46%
28%
15%
11%
639
Some college
48%
29%
14%
9%
729
College
33%
39%
17%
11%
1,149
Post-graduate degree
13%
45%
22%
19%
851
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 adults who do not believe in God by educational group
% of adults who do not believe in God who are…
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Educational distribution
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
High school or less
39%
13%
22%
18%
7%
2%
639
Some college
35%
21%
21%
16%
5%
< 1%
729
College
15%
29%
28%
21%
6%
1%
1,149
Post-graduate degree
2%
21%
35%
29%
12%
1%
851
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 adults who do not believe in God by educational group
% of adults who do not believe in God who are…
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Educational distribution
Men
Women
Sample size
High school or less
70%
30%
641
Some college
66%
34%
731
College
62%
38%
1,164
Post-graduate degree
59%
41%
867
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 adults who do not believe in God by educational group
% of adults who do not believe in God who identify as…
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Educational distribution
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
High school or less
73%
4%
6%
14%
3%
635
Some college
76%
2%
7%
10%
4%
725
College
80%
2%
8%
7%
3%
1,149
Post-graduate degree
81%
2%
10%
4%
2%
854
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 adults who do not believe in God by educational group
% of adults who do not believe in God who are…
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Educational distribution
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
High school or less
10%
16%
73%
628
Some college
10%
18%
72%
726
College
13%
13%
73%
1,158
Post-graduate degree
20%
11%
69%
856
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 adults who do not believe in God by educational group
% of adults who do not believe in God who have a household income of…
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Educational distribution
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
High school or less
37%
23%
26%
14%
565
Some college
29%
20%
30%
21%
674
College
14%
17%
33%
35%
1,092
Post-graduate degree
8%
11%
31%
50%
784
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 adults who do not believe in God by educational group
% of adults who do not believe in God who are…
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Educational distribution
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
High school or less
29%
9%
9%
3%
50%
639
Some college
30%
12%
10%
2%
46%
730
College
43%
15%
7%
2%
33%
1,159
Post-graduate degree
61%
10%
9%
3%
18%
865
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 adults who do not believe in God by educational group
% of adults who do not believe in God who are…
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Educational distribution
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
High school or less
19%
81%
639
Some college
19%
81%
730
College
21%
79%
1,160
Post-graduate degree
30%
70%
865
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 adults who do not believe in God by educational group
% of adults who do not believe in God who say religion is…
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Educational distribution
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
3%
8%
22%
66%
1%
641
Some college
2%
7%
23%
67%
1%
731
College
3%
8%
24%
65%
1%
1,164
Post-graduate degree
3%
11%
21%
65%
< 1%
867
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 adults who do not believe in God by educational group
% of adults who do not believe in God who attend religious services…
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Educational distribution
At least once a week
Once or twice a month/a few times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
3%
14%
83%
< 1%
641
Some college
1%
17%
82%
< 1%
731
College
2%
19%
78%
< 1%
1,164
Post-graduate degree
3%
19%
78%
< 1%
867
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 adults who do not believe in God by educational group
% of adults who do not believe in God who pray…
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Educational distribution
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
3%
2%
2%
93%
< 1%
641
Some college
2%
1%
3%
93%
< 1%
731
College
2%
2%
3%
93%
< 1%
1,164
Post-graduate degree
3%
1%
2%
94%
< 1%
867
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 adults who do not believe in God by educational group
% of adults who do not believe in God who attend prayer group…
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Educational distribution
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
2%
< 1%
2%
96%
< 1%
641
Some college
< 1%
1%
2%
96%
< 1%
731
College
1%
2%
2%
95%
< 1%
1,164
Post-graduate degree
1%
1%
2%
96%
< 1%
867
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 adults who do not believe in God by educational group
% of adults who do not believe in God who meditate…
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Educational distribution
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
16%
5%
4%
74%
1%
641
Some college
17%
10%
5%
67%
1%
731
College
19%
9%
7%
65%
1%
1,164
Post-graduate degree
23%
10%
7%
59%
1%
867
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 adults who do not believe in God by educational group
% of adults who do not believe in God who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
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Educational distribution
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
27%
9%
6%
56%
2%
641
Some college
29%
18%
6%
46%
1%
731
College
34%
18%
12%
33%
2%
1,164
Post-graduate degree
32%
15%
15%
36%
2%
867
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 adults who do not believe in God by educational group
% of adults who do not believe in God who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
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Educational distribution
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
38%
15%
11%
35%
1%
641
Some college
50%
18%
12%
20%
1%
731
College
49%
19%
16%
16%
< 1%
1,164
Post-graduate degree
44%
20%
18%
16%
1%
867
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 adults who do not believe in God by educational group
% of adults who do not believe in God who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
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Educational distribution
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
1%
13%
62%
23%
1%
641
Some college
2%
19%
53%
25%
1%
731
College
1%
22%
47%
28%
1%
1,164
Post-graduate degree
1%
27%
36%
34%
2%
867
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 adults who do not believe in God by educational group
% of adults who do not believe in God who say…
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Educational distribution
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
High school or less
19%
80%
< 1%
1%
641
Some college
16%
82%
1%
1%
731
College
15%
84%
1%
< 1%
1,164
Post-graduate degree
12%
86%
1%
1%
867
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 adults who do not believe in God by educational group
% of adults who do not believe in God who read scripture…
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Educational distribution
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
3%
3%
3%
90%
< 1%
641
Some college
2%
2%
5%
92%
< 1%
731
College
2%
4%
5%
88%
< 1%
1,164
Post-graduate degree
1%
2%
5%
91%
< 1%
867
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 adults who do not believe in God by educational group
% of adults who do not believe in God who say the holy scripture is…
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Educational distribution
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
High school or less
2%
3%
< 1%
90%
4%
641
Some college
< 1%
1%
< 1%
95%
3%
731
College
< 1%
1%
< 1%
96%
3%
1,164
Post-graduate degree
< 1%
1%
< 1%
97%
2%
867
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 adults who do not believe in God by educational group
% of adults who do not believe in God who …in heaven
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Educational distribution
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
High school or less
8%
87%
4%
641
Some college
7%
90%
4%
731
College
3%
95%
2%
1,164
Post-graduate degree
3%
95%
2%
867
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 adults who do not believe in God by educational group
% of adults who do not believe in God who …in hell
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Educational distribution
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
High school or less
7%
89%
4%
641
Some college
5%
93%
3%
731
College
2%
96%
2%
1,164
Post-graduate degree
3%
95%
2%
867
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Party affiliation among adults who do not believe in God by educational group
% of adults who do not believe in God who identify as…
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Educational distribution
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
High school or less
26%
29%
45%
641
Some college
17%
17%
66%
731
College
14%
10%
75%
1,164
Post-graduate degree
12%
9%
80%
867
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 adults who do not believe in God by educational group
% of adults who do not believe in God who are…
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Educational distribution
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
21%
32%
36%
11%
641
Some college
12%
33%
49%
6%
731
College
9%
31%
58%
2%
1,164
Post-graduate degree
5%
26%
66%
2%
867
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 adults who do not believe in God by educational group
% of adults who do not believe in God who would rather have…
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Educational distribution
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
52%
42%
3%
3%
641
Some college
47%
46%
3%
3%
731
College
36%
57%
3%
4%
1,164
Post-graduate degree
30%
64%
3%
3%
867
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 adults who do not believe in God by educational group
% of adults who do not believe in God who say government aid to the poor…
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Educational distribution
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
41%
53%
4%
2%
641
Some college
29%
67%
3%
1%
731
College
23%
74%
2%
1%
1,164
Post-graduate degree
18%
77%
3%
2%
867
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 adults who do not believe in God by educational group
% of adults who do not believe in God who say abortion should be…
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Educational distribution
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
79%
18%
3%
641
Some college
86%
10%
4%
731
College
91%
7%
2%
1,164
Post-graduate degree
92%
6%
2%
867
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 adults who do not believe in God by educational group
% of adults who do not believe in God who say homosexuality…
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Educational distribution
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
84%
11%
2%
2%
641
Some college
92%
5%
2%
1%
731
College
96%
3%
1%
< 1%
1,164
Post-graduate degree
95%
3%
1%
< 1%
867
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 adults who do not believe in God by educational group
% of adults who do not believe in God who …same-sex marriage
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Educational distribution
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
79%
15%
6%
641
Some college
90%
6%
4%
731
College
95%
4%
2%
1,164
Post-graduate degree
94%
5%
1%
867
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 adults who do not believe in God by educational group
% of adults who do not believe in God who say…
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Educational distribution
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
High school or less
31%
65%
1%
3%
641
Some college
19%
78%
1%
1%
731
College
14%
84%
2%
1%
1,164
Post-graduate degree
9%
88%
2%
1%
867
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 adults who do not believe in God by educational group
% of adults who do not believe in God who say humans…
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Educational distribution
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
High school or less
78%
7%
3%
10%
2%
641
Some college
89%
4%
1%
5%
< 1%
731
College
93%
2%
1%
4%
< 1%
1,164
Post-graduate degree
93%
2%
< 1%
3%
1%
867
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.