Age distribution among independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray at least daily
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray at least daily who are ages…
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Survey year
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
2014
19%
39%
26%
16%
2,938
2007
19%
41%
24%
17%
3,061
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray at least daily
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray at least daily who are…
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Survey year
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
2014
11%
14%
33%
31%
11%
1%
2,938
2007
< 1%
14%
31%
35%
16%
4%
3,061
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray at least daily
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray at least daily who are…
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Survey year
Men
Women
Sample size
2014
40%
60%
3,089
2007
40%
60%
3,248
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray at least daily
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray at least daily who identify as…
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Survey year
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
2014
53%
11%
4%
26%
7%
2,991
2007
58%
11%
3%
23%
5%
3,156
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray at least daily
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray at least daily who are…
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Survey year
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
2014
27%
8%
65%
2,991
2007
22%
8%
70%
3,152
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray at least daily
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray at least daily who have a household income of…
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Survey year
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
2014
52%
19%
19%
10%
2,325
2007
46%
22%
21%
10%
2,301
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray at least daily
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray at least daily who have completed…
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Survey year
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
2014
51%
30%
11%
7%
3,032
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray at least daily
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray at least daily who are…
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Survey year
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
2014
49%
7%
15%
8%
20%
3,048
2007
54%
7%
14%
9%
15%
3,202
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray at least daily
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray at least daily who are…
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Survey year
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
2014
34%
66%
3,061
2007
37%
63%
3,223
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 God among independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray at least daily
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray at least daily who say they…
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Survey year
Believe in God; absolutely certain
Believe in God; fairly certain
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain
Believe in God; don't know
Do not believe in God
Other/don't know if they believe in God
Sample size
2014
82%
14%
2%
1%
< 1%
1%
3,089
2007
85%
11%
1%
1%
< 1%
2%
3,248
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray at least daily
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray at least daily who say religion is…
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Survey year
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
2014
76%
17%
3%
3%
1%
3,089
2007
76%
17%
3%
3%
1%
3,248
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray at least daily
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray at least daily who attend religious services…
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Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month/a few times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
52%
29%
18%
1%
3,089
2007
55%
27%
17%
1%
3,248
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray at least daily
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray at least daily who attend prayer group…
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Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
41%
11%
9%
38%
1%
3,089
2007
37%
9%
7%
45%
1%
3,248
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray at least daily
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray at least daily who meditate…
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Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
57%
6%
2%
31%
3%
3,089
2007
55%
6%
3%
33%
4%
3,248
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray at least daily
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray at least daily who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
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Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
76%
10%
5%
6%
3%
3,089
2007
66%
11%
8%
10%
5%
3,248
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray at least daily
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray at least daily who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
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Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
53%
12%
9%
23%
3%
3,089
2007
45%
10%
10%
27%
8%
3,248
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray at least daily
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray at least daily who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
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Survey year
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
2014
48%
6%
36%
5%
4%
3,089
2007
38%
6%
43%
4%
8%
3,248
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray at least daily
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray at least daily who say…
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Survey year
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
2014
35%
60%
3%
2%
3,089
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray at least daily
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray at least daily who read scripture…
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Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
58%
10%
7%
24%
1%
3,089
2007
53%
11%
6%
29%
1%
3,248
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray at least daily
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray at least daily who say the holy scripture is…
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Survey year
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
2014
44%
26%
6%
15%
9%
3,089
2007
43%
26%
7%
13%
12%
3,248
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray at least daily
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray at least daily who …in heaven
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Survey year
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
2014
81%
10%
9%
3,089
2007
79%
10%
10%
3,248
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray at least daily
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray at least daily who …in hell
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Survey year
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
2014
63%
27%
10%
3,089
2007
63%
24%
13%
3,248
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray at least daily
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray at least daily who are…
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Survey year
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
2014
31%
29%
17%
23%
3,089
2007
29%
31%
16%
25%
3,248
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray at least daily
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray at least daily who would rather have…
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Survey year
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
2014
43%
44%
5%
7%
3,089
2007
33%
49%
6%
12%
3,248
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray at least daily
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray at least daily who say government aid to the poor…
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Survey year
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
2014
40%
49%
7%
4%
3,089
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray at least daily
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray at least daily who say abortion should be…
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Survey year
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
2014
37%
55%
8%
3,089
2007
37%
52%
11%
3,248
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray at least daily
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray at least daily who say homosexuality…
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Survey year
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
2014
46%
39%
8%
7%
3,089
2007
37%
45%
8%
10%
3,248
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray at least daily
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray at least daily who …same-sex marriage
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Survey year
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
2014
37%
48%
15%
3,089
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray at least daily
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray at least daily who say…
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Survey year
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
2014
36%
52%
5%
7%
3,089
2007
30%
54%
5%
11%
3,248
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray at least daily
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray at least daily who say humans…
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Survey year
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
2014
15%
26%
5%
45%
9%
3,089
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.