Importance of religion in one's life among women

% of women who say religion is…

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201459%23%9%8%1%17,557
200763%24%7%5%1%19,265
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 women by religious group

% of women who say religion is…

Religious traditionVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Buddhist37%38%10%13%2%126
Catholic63%30%6%1%< 1%3,776
Evangelical Protestant83%15%1%< 1%1%4,532
Historically Black Protestant87%11%1%1%< 1%1,098
Jehovah's Witness92%6%1%< 1%1%158
Jewish35%39%19%7%< 1%419
Mainline Protestant59%32%7%1%1%3,305
Mormon85%11%3%1%< 1%317
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")15%23%27%34%1%3,085
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 women by importance of religion

% of women who are ages…

Importance of religion in one's life18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Very important15%32%29%24%10,274
Somewhat important26%35%25%14%3,783
Not too important35%34%20%10%1,532
Not at all important32%37%20%12%1,422
Don't know9%34%25%32%112
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 women by importance of religion

% of women who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Very important9%12%27%34%16%2%10,274
Somewhat important17%16%28%29%9%1%3,783
Not too important25%17%28%24%6%1%1,532
Not at all important19%21%29%23%7%1%1,422
Don't know6%6%31%33%22%2%112
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 women by importance of religion

% of women who identify as…

Importance of religion in one's lifeWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Very important61%17%2%16%4%10,432
Somewhat important70%7%4%15%4%3,823
Not too important74%5%7%10%4%1,545
Not at all important80%4%4%9%3%1,426
Don't know71%10%4%11%4%116
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 women by importance of religion

% of women who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Very important15%8%76%10,414
Somewhat important14%12%74%3,792
Not too important13%14%73%1,537
Not at all important13%11%75%1,435
Don't know15%14%71%117
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 women by importance of religion

% of women 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 important42%21%24%13%8,773
Somewhat important38%20%25%17%3,356
Not too important30%20%28%23%1,376
Not at all important29%18%27%26%1,300
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 women by importance of religion

% of women who have completed…

Importance of religion in one's lifeHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Very important43%33%15%9%10,510
Somewhat important39%33%18%11%3,831
Not too important27%35%21%16%1,552
Not at all important26%31%25%18%1,445
Don't know36%31%20%13%117
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 women by importance of religion

% of women who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Very important51%5%15%12%17%10,517
Somewhat important44%11%13%7%24%3,838
Not too important41%9%11%5%34%1,549
Not at all important40%12%12%4%31%1,441
Don't know48%7%15%14%16%117
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 women by importance of religion

% of women who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeParentsNon-parentsSample size
Very important33%67%10,531
Somewhat important33%67%3,846
Not too important27%73%1,557
Not at all important27%73%1,444
Don't know20%80%123
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 women by importance of religion

% of women 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 important89%9%1%1%< 1%< 1%10,571
Somewhat important54%36%5%1%3%1%3,852
Not too important22%37%19%< 1%16%6%1,558
Not at all important16%16%10%1%51%6%1,451
Don't know56%19%5%10%4%7%125
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 women by importance of religion

% of women 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 important61%28%10%1%10,571
Somewhat important13%55%31%< 1%3,852
Not too important2%32%66%< 1%1,558
Not at all important1%10%88%< 1%1,451
Don't know36%18%36%10%125
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 women by importance of religion

% of women who pray…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important85%11%2%2%1%10,571
Somewhat important43%30%10%16%1%3,852
Not too important18%16%11%55%< 1%1,558
Not at all important12%5%3%79%< 1%1,451
Don't know64%11%2%10%14%125
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 women by importance of religion

% of women 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 important42%13%10%33%1%10,571
Somewhat important7%8%8%76%< 1%3,852
Not too important2%1%3%93%< 1%1,558
Not at all important3%< 1%2%95%< 1%1,451
Don't know21%8%14%46%10%125
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 women by importance of religion

% of women 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 important54%8%3%34%2%10,571
Somewhat important29%10%6%55%1%3,852
Not too important23%11%5%59%1%1,558
Not at all important27%9%6%57%< 1%1,451
Don't know62%4%1%23%11%125
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 women by importance of religion

% of women 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 important78%11%5%4%1%10,571
Somewhat important45%22%15%17%1%3,852
Not too important38%17%17%27%2%1,558
Not at all important41%15%10%32%2%1,451
Don't know68%9%4%9%10%125
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 women by importance of religion

% of women 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 important49%15%11%23%2%10,571
Somewhat important37%18%15%29%1%3,852
Not too important41%17%15%26%1%1,558
Not at all important45%16%13%26%< 1%1,451
Don't know50%15%4%15%15%125
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 women by importance of religion

% of women 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 important57%6%31%4%2%10,571
Somewhat important14%13%62%9%2%3,852
Not too important4%18%63%14%2%1,558
Not at all important2%17%56%23%2%1,451
Don't know30%8%40%4%18%125
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 women by importance of religion

% of women 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 important39%58%1%2%10,571
Somewhat important23%76%1%1%3,852
Not too important16%82%1%< 1%1,558
Not at all important16%83%1%1%1,451
Don't know27%69%1%4%125
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 women by importance of religion

% of women 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 important61%12%7%19%1%10,571
Somewhat important14%12%12%61%1%3,852
Not too important4%4%5%87%< 1%1,558
Not at all important5%1%3%91%< 1%1,451
Don't know34%6%7%38%14%125
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 women by importance of religion

% of women 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 important50%31%4%9%6%10,571
Somewhat important15%35%2%39%9%3,852
Not too important5%14%< 1%72%8%1,558
Not at all important3%4%< 1%89%4%1,451
Don't know23%14%4%37%21%125
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 women by importance of religion

% of women who …in heaven

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Very important88%6%6%10,571
Somewhat important76%15%8%3,852
Not too important47%42%11%1,558
Not at all important20%74%7%1,451
Don't know51%19%30%125
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 women by importance of religion

% of women who …in hell

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Very important73%19%8%10,571
Somewhat important53%38%9%3,852
Not too important29%61%9%1,558
Not at all important13%82%6%1,451
Don't know32%41%27%125
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 women by importance of religion

% of women who identify as…

Importance of religion in one's lifeRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Very important40%18%42%10,571
Somewhat important31%19%51%3,852
Not too important22%16%62%1,558
Not at all important15%18%67%1,451
Don't know16%35%50%125
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 women by importance of religion

% of women who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Very important45%31%17%7%10,571
Somewhat important23%40%31%6%3,852
Not too important14%36%44%6%1,558
Not at all important9%27%57%7%1,451
Don't know25%30%25%20%125
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 women by importance of religion

% of women who would rather have…

Importance of religion in one's lifeSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Very important47%45%3%4%10,571
Somewhat important43%51%3%4%3,852
Not too important39%54%3%4%1,558
Not at all important40%52%3%5%1,451
Don't know43%35%7%15%125
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 women by importance of religion

% of women 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%49%4%3%10,571
Somewhat important40%56%3%2%3,852
Not too important33%63%3%1%1,558
Not at all important28%67%3%2%1,451
Don't know29%50%9%12%125
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 women by importance of religion

% of women who say abortion should be…

Importance of religion in one's lifeLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Very important38%57%5%10,571
Somewhat important70%27%3%3,852
Not too important81%17%1%1,558
Not at all important85%12%2%1,451
Don't know52%27%21%125
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 women by importance of religion

% of women who say homosexuality…

Importance of religion in one's lifeShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important51%40%5%4%10,571
Somewhat important84%11%3%3%3,852
Not too important91%6%1%1%1,558
Not at all important94%4%1%1%1,451
Don't know58%15%11%16%125
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 women by importance of religion

% of women who …same-sex marriage

Importance of religion in one's lifeStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Very important39%52%9%10,571
Somewhat important75%18%7%3,852
Not too important87%9%4%1,558
Not at all important91%6%2%1,451
Don't know49%29%22%125
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 women by importance of religion

% of women 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 important39%53%3%5%10,571
Somewhat important31%64%2%3%3,852
Not too important23%74%1%2%1,558
Not at all important19%77%1%2%1,451
Don't know20%54%8%19%125
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 women by importance of religion

% of women 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 important14%28%3%50%6%10,571
Somewhat important38%28%5%26%3%3,852
Not too important68%13%4%13%3%1,558
Not at all important77%8%3%9%3%1,451
Don't know25%15%16%25%18%125
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.