Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201465%27%8%10,584
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: Believe, Don't believe

Belief in Hell among adults with an education level of high school or less by religious group

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who …in hell

Religious traditionBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Catholic64%27%9%2,431
Evangelical Protestant84%10%6%2,977
Historically Black Protestant80%12%7%823
Jehovah's Witness6%90%4%130
Mainline Protestant68%23%9%1,536
Mormon66%26%9%127
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")40%52%9%2,129
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: Believe, Don't believe

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults with an education level of high school or less by belief in hell

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who are ages…

Belief in Hell18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Believe21%30%28%21%6,761
Don't believe27%28%24%21%2,840
Other/don't know15%29%29%27%860
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 with an education level of high school or less by belief in hell

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who are…

Belief in HellYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Believe15%11%26%33%14%1%6,761
Don't believe21%12%23%29%14%2%2,840
Other/don't know9%10%25%35%18%3%860
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 with an education level of high school or less by belief in hell

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who are…

Belief in HellMenWomenSample size
Believe50%50%6,825
Don't believe54%46%2,879
Other/don't know45%55%880
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 with an education level of high school or less by belief in hell

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who identify as…

Belief in HellWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Believe58%16%2%21%3%6,771
Don't believe62%9%3%23%3%2,845
Other/don't know59%13%1%22%5%857
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 with an education level of high school or less by belief in hell

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who are…

Belief in HellImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Believe18%8%74%6,696
Don't believe20%12%68%2,840
Other/don't know20%9%71%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 with an education level of high school or less by belief in hell

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who have a household income of…

Belief in HellLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Believe54%21%18%7%5,796
Don't believe46%23%20%11%2,491
Other/don't know57%19%16%8%672
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 with an education level of high school or less by belief in hell

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who are…

Belief in HellMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Believe43%7%15%9%26%6,801
Don't believe40%9%13%8%31%2,869
Other/don't know40%9%15%12%24%869
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 with an education level of high school or less by belief in hell

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who are…

Belief in HellParentsNon-parentsSample size
Believe28%72%6,807
Don't believe23%77%2,872
Other/don't know23%77%876
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 adults with an education level of high school or less by belief in hell

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who say they…

Belief in HellBelieve 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
Believe76%19%3%1%1%1%6,825
Don't believe44%23%9%1%21%3%2,879
Other/don't know60%23%7%3%3%5%880
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 with an education level of high school or less by belief in hell

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who say religion is…

Belief in HellVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Believe68%24%5%3%< 1%6,825
Don't believe35%26%16%22%1%2,879
Other/don't know55%25%10%8%3%880
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 with an education level of high school or less by belief in hell

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who attend religious services…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe43%34%22%1%6,825
Don't believe21%30%48%< 1%2,879
Other/don't know32%30%36%2%880
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 with an education level of high school or less by belief in hell

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who pray…

Belief in HellAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe66%17%6%11%1%6,825
Don't believe38%14%7%41%1%2,879
Other/don't know54%16%5%22%4%880
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 with an education level of high school or less by belief in hell

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who attend prayer group…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe32%12%9%46%1%6,825
Don't believe15%6%6%73%< 1%2,879
Other/don't know20%7%7%64%2%880
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 with an education level of high school or less by belief in hell

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who meditate…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe43%8%3%44%2%6,825
Don't believe34%8%4%53%1%2,879
Other/don't know41%6%4%44%5%880
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 with an education level of high school or less by belief in hell

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe63%14%9%14%1%6,825
Don't believe47%14%9%28%1%2,879
Other/don't know57%10%9%19%4%880
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 with an education level of high school or less by belief in hell

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe42%14%11%30%2%6,825
Don't believe44%13%12%30%1%2,879
Other/don't know47%11%10%26%6%880
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 with an education level of high school or less by belief in hell

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Belief in HellReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Believe43%6%43%6%2%6,825
Don't believe19%11%56%11%2%2,879
Other/don't know28%7%54%6%5%880
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 with an education level of high school or less by belief in hell

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who say…

Belief in HellThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe34%63%1%2%6,825
Don't believe24%73%1%1%2,879
Other/don't know26%68%3%3%880
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 with an education level of high school or less by belief in hell

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who read scripture…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe45%12%8%34%1%6,825
Don't believe21%8%7%63%1%2,879
Other/don't know31%10%7%49%2%880
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 with an education level of high school or less by belief in hell

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who say the holy scripture is…

Belief in HellWord 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
Believe52%26%3%13%5%6,825
Don't believe19%22%1%51%7%2,879
Other/don't know33%18%5%26%18%880
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 with an education level of high school or less by belief in hell

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who …in heaven

Belief in HellBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Believe95%2%3%6,825
Don't believe46%48%6%2,879
Other/don't know54%3%44%880
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 adults with an education level of high school or less by belief in hell

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who identify as…

Belief in HellRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Believe38%20%42%6,825
Don't believe29%28%43%2,879
Other/don't know31%29%40%880
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 with an education level of high school or less by belief in hell

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who are…

Belief in HellConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Believe44%29%19%8%6,825
Don't believe28%33%29%10%2,879
Other/don't know37%27%20%15%880
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 with an education level of high school or less by belief in hell

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who would rather have…

Belief in HellSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Believe45%49%2%4%6,825
Don't believe47%46%3%4%2,879
Other/don't know42%44%6%9%880
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 with an education level of high school or less by belief in hell

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who say government aid to the poor…

Belief in HellDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe46%48%4%2%6,825
Don't believe43%51%3%2%2,879
Other/don't know37%49%7%7%880
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 with an education level of high school or less by belief in hell

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who say abortion should be…

Belief in HellLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Believe39%56%4%6,825
Don't believe61%35%4%2,879
Other/don't know44%45%12%880
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 with an education level of high school or less by belief in hell

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who say homosexuality…

Belief in HellShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe49%44%4%4%6,825
Don't believe70%23%3%3%2,879
Other/don't know55%29%7%10%880
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 with an education level of high school or less by belief in hell

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who …same-sex marriage

Belief in HellStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Believe37%54%9%6,825
Don't believe62%29%9%2,879
Other/don't know42%41%17%880
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 with an education level of high school or less by belief in hell

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who say…

Belief in HellStricter 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
Believe46%48%2%4%6,825
Don't believe37%56%2%5%2,879
Other/don't know39%46%4%11%880
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 with an education level of high school or less by belief in hell

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who say humans…

Belief in HellEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Believe19%26%3%46%6%6,825
Don't believe44%19%4%29%5%2,879
Other/don't know27%18%8%32%14%880
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.