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 blacks by religious group
% of blacks who pray…
Chart
Table
Share
Religious tradition
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Catholic
77%
13%
3%
7%
1%
192
Evangelical Protestant
80%
15%
2%
3%
1%
495
Historically Black Protestant
80%
11%
4%
4%
1%
1,798
Mainline Protestant
72%
20%
3%
4%
< 1%
159
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")
41%
18%
10%
31%
1%
534
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 blacks by frequency of prayer
% of blacks who are ages…
Chart
Table
Share
Frequency of prayer
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
At least daily
22%
36%
28%
14%
2,433
Weekly
34%
35%
21%
9%
421
Monthly
45%
30%
17%
8%
139
Seldom/never
40%
37%
18%
6%
284
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 blacks by frequency of prayer
% of blacks who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Frequency of prayer
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
At least daily
13%
15%
30%
32%
9%
1%
2,433
Weekly
24%
20%
26%
25%
5%
< 1%
421
Monthly
24%
29%
23%
19%
5%
1%
139
Seldom/never
28%
23%
25%
20%
4%
< 1%
284
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 blacks by frequency of prayer
% of blacks who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Frequency of prayer
Men
Women
Sample size
At least daily
40%
60%
2,504
Weekly
48%
52%
425
Monthly
68%
32%
139
Seldom/never
67%
33%
288
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 blacks by frequency of prayer
% of blacks who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Frequency of prayer
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
At least daily
11%
4%
85%
2,450
Weekly
7%
6%
86%
418
Monthly
10%
4%
86%
132
Seldom/never
11%
10%
79%
278
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 blacks by frequency of prayer
% of blacks who have a household income of…
Chart
Table
Share
Frequency of prayer
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
At least daily
50%
22%
19%
9%
2,227
Weekly
53%
19%
18%
11%
388
Monthly
48%
21%
14%
17%
120
Seldom/never
44%
20%
25%
11%
255
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Educational distribution among blacks by frequency of prayer
% of blacks who have completed…
Chart
Table
Share
Frequency of prayer
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
At least daily
48%
33%
12%
7%
2,488
Weekly
51%
34%
8%
7%
424
Monthly
51%
37%
5%
7%
139
Seldom/never
47%
35%
13%
5%
287
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 blacks by frequency of prayer
% of blacks who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Frequency of prayer
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
At least daily
33%
6%
18%
8%
34%
2,496
Weekly
24%
7%
13%
5%
51%
424
Monthly
24%
9%
8%
3%
56%
139
Seldom/never
19%
11%
12%
3%
55%
287
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 blacks by frequency of prayer
% of blacks who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Frequency of prayer
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
At least daily
32%
68%
2,494
Weekly
34%
66%
424
Monthly
25%
75%
139
Seldom/never
27%
73%
288
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.
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 blacks by frequency of prayer
% of blacks who say religion is…
Chart
Table
Share
Frequency of prayer
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
At least daily
86%
11%
2%
1%
< 1%
2,504
Weekly
63%
26%
7%
3%
1%
425
Monthly
42%
35%
13%
10%
1%
139
Seldom/never
20%
31%
23%
26%
< 1%
288
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 blacks by frequency of prayer
% of blacks who attend religious services…
Chart
Table
Share
Frequency of prayer
At least once a week
Once or twice a month/a few times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
At least daily
55%
33%
11%
< 1%
2,504
Weekly
35%
48%
16%
< 1%
425
Monthly
14%
52%
34%
1%
139
Seldom/never
9%
31%
59%
1%
288
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 blacks by frequency of prayer
% of blacks who attend prayer group…
Chart
Table
Share
Frequency of prayer
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
At least daily
48%
14%
9%
28%
1%
2,504
Weekly
24%
18%
10%
48%
< 1%
425
Monthly
7%
12%
10%
72%
< 1%
139
Seldom/never
5%
6%
4%
84%
< 1%
288
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 blacks by frequency of prayer
% of blacks who meditate…
Chart
Table
Share
Frequency of prayer
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
At least daily
61%
8%
3%
27%
2%
2,504
Weekly
35%
10%
4%
51%
< 1%
425
Monthly
23%
17%
8%
52%
< 1%
139
Seldom/never
28%
7%
6%
59%
< 1%
288
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 blacks by frequency of prayer
% of blacks who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
Chart
Table
Share
Frequency of prayer
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
At least daily
76%
11%
5%
7%
1%
2,504
Weekly
55%
19%
14%
12%
< 1%
425
Monthly
46%
21%
9%
20%
4%
139
Seldom/never
39%
17%
11%
30%
3%
288
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 blacks by frequency of prayer
% of blacks who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
Chart
Table
Share
Frequency of prayer
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
At least daily
48%
14%
9%
28%
2%
2,504
Weekly
34%
20%
13%
32%
1%
425
Monthly
37%
16%
15%
31%
1%
139
Seldom/never
42%
12%
13%
33%
1%
288
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 blacks by frequency of prayer
% of blacks who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
Chart
Table
Share
Frequency of prayer
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
At least daily
50%
6%
38%
4%
2%
2,504
Weekly
33%
10%
51%
5%
< 1%
425
Monthly
14%
10%
64%
11%
1%
139
Seldom/never
12%
14%
59%
13%
3%
288
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 blacks by frequency of prayer
% of blacks who say…
Chart
Table
Share
Frequency of prayer
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
At least daily
30%
68%
1%
1%
2,504
Weekly
25%
74%
< 1%
< 1%
425
Monthly
24%
76%
< 1%
< 1%
139
Seldom/never
20%
77%
2%
1%
288
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 blacks by frequency of prayer
% of blacks who read scripture…
Chart
Table
Share
Frequency of prayer
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
At least daily
66%
13%
5%
15%
1%
2,504
Weekly
34%
20%
13%
33%
< 1%
425
Monthly
14%
13%
19%
52%
1%
139
Seldom/never
10%
6%
9%
75%
< 1%
288
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 blacks by frequency of prayer
% of blacks who say the holy scripture is…
Chart
Table
Share
Frequency of prayer
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
At least daily
58%
23%
3%
9%
7%
2,504
Weekly
46%
30%
1%
18%
4%
425
Monthly
30%
23%
< 1%
37%
9%
139
Seldom/never
20%
11%
< 1%
64%
5%
288
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 blacks by frequency of prayer
% of blacks who …in heaven
Chart
Table
Share
Frequency of prayer
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
At least daily
91%
5%
4%
2,504
Weekly
85%
10%
5%
425
Monthly
78%
18%
5%
139
Seldom/never
50%
42%
8%
288
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 blacks by frequency of prayer
% of blacks who …in hell
Chart
Table
Share
Frequency of prayer
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
At least daily
78%
16%
6%
2,504
Weekly
73%
20%
6%
425
Monthly
66%
28%
6%
139
Seldom/never
41%
52%
7%
288
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 blacks by frequency of prayer
% of blacks who identify as…
Chart
Table
Share
Frequency of prayer
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
At least daily
9%
12%
78%
2,504
Weekly
13%
11%
76%
425
Monthly
12%
16%
71%
139
Seldom/never
7%
19%
74%
288
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 blacks by frequency of prayer
% of blacks who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Frequency of prayer
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
At least daily
34%
33%
25%
8%
2,504
Weekly
31%
35%
27%
7%
425
Monthly
19%
38%
33%
9%
139
Seldom/never
19%
35%
36%
10%
288
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 blacks by frequency of prayer
% of blacks who would rather have…
Chart
Table
Share
Frequency of prayer
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
At least daily
24%
70%
3%
4%
2,504
Weekly
25%
71%
2%
2%
425
Monthly
21%
71%
4%
4%
139
Seldom/never
28%
65%
3%
4%
288
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 blacks by frequency of prayer
% of blacks who say government aid to the poor…
Chart
Table
Share
Frequency of prayer
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
At least daily
28%
65%
5%
2%
2,504
Weekly
30%
67%
2%
1%
425
Monthly
31%
63%
3%
4%
139
Seldom/never
25%
69%
5%
1%
288
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 blacks by frequency of prayer
% of blacks who say abortion should be…
Chart
Table
Share
Frequency of prayer
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
At least daily
50%
45%
6%
2,504
Weekly
61%
35%
4%
425
Monthly
57%
38%
5%
139
Seldom/never
66%
28%
6%
288
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 blacks by frequency of prayer
% of blacks who say homosexuality…
Chart
Table
Share
Frequency of prayer
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
At least daily
48%
43%
5%
4%
2,504
Weekly
65%
31%
2%
2%
425
Monthly
60%
34%
5%
2%
139
Seldom/never
77%
19%
3%
1%
288
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 blacks by frequency of prayer
% of blacks who …same-sex marriage
Chart
Table
Share
Frequency of prayer
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
At least daily
38%
53%
9%
2,504
Weekly
53%
42%
5%
425
Monthly
58%
34%
8%
139
Seldom/never
67%
26%
7%
288
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 blacks by frequency of prayer
% of blacks who say…
Chart
Table
Share
Frequency of prayer
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
At least daily
35%
59%
2%
4%
2,504
Weekly
33%
63%
1%
2%
425
Monthly
29%
64%
4%
3%
139
Seldom/never
25%
69%
4%
2%
288
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 blacks by frequency of prayer
% of blacks who say humans…
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Frequency of prayer
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
At least daily
16%
29%
3%
47%
5%
2,504
Weekly
20%
34%
2%
40%
3%
425
Monthly
34%
33%
5%
24%
4%
139
Seldom/never
51%
22%
6%
17%
4%
288
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.