Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201458%24%8%8%1%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: Very important, Somewhat important, Not too important, Not at all important

Importance of religion in one's life 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 say religion is…

Religious traditionVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Catholic60%31%6%2%< 1%2,431
Evangelical Protestant79%17%2%1%1%2,977
Historically Black Protestant88%11%1%< 1%< 1%823
Jehovah's Witness88%10%1%< 1%1%130
Mainline Protestant55%33%9%2%1%1,536
Mormon76%19%4%1%< 1%127
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")20%27%21%31%1%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: Very important, Somewhat important, Not too important, Not at all important

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults with an education level of high school or less by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's life18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Very important16%29%29%26%6,201
Somewhat important27%30%27%16%2,460
Not too important38%29%20%13%867
Not at all important39%31%18%13%864
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 importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Very important11%10%25%34%18%2%6,201
Somewhat important20%12%26%32%10%1%2,460
Not too important30%13%24%24%8%1%867
Not at all important31%14%24%22%8%1%864
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 importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeMenWomenSample size
Very important44%56%6,289
Somewhat important54%46%2,486
Not too important63%37%869
Not at all important69%31%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.

Racial and ethnic composition among adults with an education level of high school or less by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Very important53%18%1%24%3%6,222
Somewhat important64%8%2%22%4%2,466
Not too important73%6%4%14%3%859
Not at all important71%6%4%15%4%859
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 importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Very important22%7%71%6,179
Somewhat important16%10%73%2,435
Not too important11%12%77%858
Not at all important13%13%74%852
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 importance of religion

% of adults with an education level of high school or less 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 important56%21%16%6%5,198
Somewhat important50%22%19%9%2,190
Not too important42%21%25%12%768
Not at all important42%23%21%13%754
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 importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Very important47%6%15%12%21%6,263
Somewhat important37%11%15%7%30%2,475
Not too important34%9%11%4%42%866
Not at all important29%9%12%4%46%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 with an education level of high school or less by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeParentsNon-parentsSample size
Very important27%73%6,272
Somewhat important26%74%2,480
Not too important23%77%868
Not at all important21%79%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.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among adults with an education level of high school or less by importance of religion

% of adults with an education level of high school or less 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%6,289
Somewhat important54%35%6%1%2%1%2,486
Not too important21%37%19%1%17%4%869
Not at all important18%12%12%1%50%7%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.

Attendance at religious services among adults with an education level of high school or less by importance of religion

% of adults with an education level of high school or less 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%29%14%1%6,289
Somewhat important13%48%38%1%2,486
Not too important4%32%64%< 1%869
Not at all important3%9%88%< 1%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.

Frequency of prayer among adults with an education level of high school or less by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important79%14%3%4%1%6,289
Somewhat important38%27%12%22%1%2,486
Not too important16%12%11%61%< 1%869
Not at all important10%5%5%80%< 1%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.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among adults with an education level of high school or less by importance of religion

% of adults with an education level of high school or less 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 important41%13%9%36%1%6,289
Somewhat important8%9%8%74%< 1%2,486
Not too important3%2%4%91%< 1%869
Not at all important4%1%2%93%< 1%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.

Frequency of meditation among adults with an education level of high school or less by importance of religion

% of adults with an education level of high school or less 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 important53%8%3%34%3%6,289
Somewhat important25%9%5%60%1%2,486
Not too important17%7%5%70%1%869
Not at all important22%5%3%69%1%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.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among adults with an education level of high school or less by importance of religion

% of adults with an education level of high school or less 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 important74%11%6%7%2%6,289
Somewhat important41%20%14%24%1%2,486
Not too important27%15%15%43%1%869
Not at all important32%11%6%49%2%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.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among adults with an education level of high school or less by importance of religion

% of adults with an education level of high school or less 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 important48%13%10%26%3%6,289
Somewhat important35%15%15%33%2%2,486
Not too important35%13%14%37%1%869
Not at all important41%13%11%35%1%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.

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among adults with an education level of high school or less by importance of religion

% of adults with an education level of high school or less 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 important53%5%35%5%2%6,289
Somewhat important16%9%63%10%2%2,486
Not too important4%15%67%12%1%869
Not at all important3%12%66%16%2%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.

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among adults with an education level of high school or less by importance of religion

% of adults with an education level of high school or less 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 important36%60%2%2%6,289
Somewhat important26%73%1%1%2,486
Not too important23%75%1%1%869
Not at all important21%78%< 1%< 1%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.

Frequency of reading scripture among adults with an education level of high school or less by importance of religion

% of adults with an education level of high school or less 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 important56%12%7%23%1%6,289
Somewhat important15%12%12%61%1%2,486
Not too important4%5%5%85%< 1%869
Not at all important7%3%2%87%< 1%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.

Interpreting scripture among adults with an education level of high school or less by importance of religion

% of adults with an education level of high school or less 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 important59%23%4%8%6%6,289
Somewhat important24%35%2%31%7%2,486
Not too important10%19%1%63%7%869
Not at all important7%7%< 1%79%6%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.

Belief in Heaven among adults with an education level of high school or less by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Very important89%6%5%6,289
Somewhat important80%13%7%2,486
Not too important51%38%11%869
Not at all important26%66%8%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.

Belief in Hell among adults with an education level of high school or less by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Very important76%16%7%6,289
Somewhat important62%29%8%2,486
Not too important39%52%9%869
Not at all important20%73%7%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.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among adults with an education level of high school or less by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Very important36%22%42%6,289
Somewhat important35%23%42%2,486
Not too important34%24%43%869
Not at all important26%29%45%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.

Political ideology among adults with an education level of high school or less by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Very important46%26%18%9%6,289
Somewhat important33%36%23%7%2,486
Not too important28%37%27%8%869
Not at all important20%32%34%13%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.

Views about size of government among adults with an education level of high school or less by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Very important43%50%3%4%6,289
Somewhat important46%48%2%4%2,486
Not too important53%42%3%2%869
Not at all important53%39%3%4%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.

Views about government aid to the poor among adults with an education level of high school or less by importance of religion

% of adults with an education level of high school or less 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%48%4%3%6,289
Somewhat important46%49%3%2%2,486
Not too important46%49%4%1%869
Not at all important42%52%4%2%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.

Views about abortion among adults with an education level of high school or less by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Very important33%61%6%6,289
Somewhat important58%38%4%2,486
Not too important70%27%3%869
Not at all important71%25%4%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.

Views about homosexuality among adults with an education level of high school or less by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important43%48%4%4%6,289
Somewhat important69%24%3%4%2,486
Not too important77%18%2%3%869
Not at all important78%16%3%3%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.

Views about same-sex marriage among adults with an education level of high school or less by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Very important32%59%10%6,289
Somewhat important58%33%9%2,486
Not too important68%25%7%869
Not at all important72%20%8%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.

Views about environmental regulation among adults with an education level of high school or less by importance of religion

% of adults with an education level of high school or less 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 important45%47%2%6%6,289
Somewhat important43%51%2%4%2,486
Not too important39%57%2%3%869
Not at all important34%61%2%3%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.

Views about human evolution among adults with an education level of high school or less by importance of religion

% of adults with an education level of high school or less 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 important15%24%3%51%7%6,289
Somewhat important33%27%4%31%4%2,486
Not too important57%17%4%19%3%869
Not at all important63%12%4%16%4%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.