Importance of religion in one's life among married adults

% of married adults who say religion is…

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201458%23%9%9%1%17,827
200759%26%8%6%1%20,430
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 married adults by religious group

% of married adults who say religion is…

Religious traditionVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Buddhist35%38%20%6%< 1%103
Catholic62%30%7%1%< 1%3,810
Evangelical Protestant83%14%2%1%1%4,853
Hindu26%55%14%6%< 1%131
Historically Black Protestant87%11%1%1%< 1%626
Jehovah's Witness93%7%< 1%< 1%< 1%124
Jewish41%37%15%7%< 1%498
Mainline Protestant54%33%10%2%1%3,444
Mormon88%9%2%1%< 1%454
Muslim66%24%7%3%< 1%110
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")13%20%26%40%1%3,150
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 married adults by importance of religion

% of married adults who are ages…

Importance of religion in one's life18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Very important7%37%34%22%9,938
Somewhat important7%43%33%18%3,996
Not too important9%46%30%16%1,726
Not at all important8%45%27%19%1,683
Don't know6%36%28%29%107
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 married adults by importance of religion

% of married adults who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Very important2%11%32%40%14%1%9,938
Somewhat important2%12%36%40%10%1%3,996
Not too important2%14%38%36%9%1%1,726
Not at all important2%14%37%34%12%1%1,683
Don't know< 1%9%33%37%19%1%107
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 married adults by importance of religion

% of married adults who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeMenWomenSample size
Very important45%55%10,185
Somewhat important53%47%4,060
Not too important57%43%1,752
Not at all important61%39%1,712
Don't know54%46%118
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 married adults by importance of religion

% of married adults who identify as…

Importance of religion in one's lifeWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Very important70%10%3%15%3%10,042
Somewhat important77%4%5%11%3%4,013
Not too important82%2%7%6%3%1,728
Not at all important83%2%4%7%3%1,680
Don't know75%1%2%19%2%109
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 married adults by importance of religion

% of married adults who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Very important16%7%77%10,081
Somewhat important15%8%76%4,023
Not too important13%9%78%1,737
Not at all important14%10%77%1,697
Don't know24%5%71%113
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 married adults by importance of religion

% of married adults 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 important23%21%33%22%8,699
Somewhat important18%18%34%30%3,590
Not too important12%15%36%37%1,577
Not at all important11%13%34%42%1,541
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 married adults by importance of religion

% of married adults who have completed…

Importance of religion in one's lifeHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Very important39%30%18%12%10,127
Somewhat important34%29%22%15%4,041
Not too important26%29%26%19%1,748
Not at all important24%27%25%24%1,702
Don't know38%30%18%14%113
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 married adults by importance of religion

% of married adults who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeParentsNon-parentsSample size
Very important40%60%10,132
Somewhat important41%59%4,041
Not too important40%60%1,748
Not at all important38%62%1,702
Don't know32%68%114
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 married adults by importance of religion

% of married adults 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%10,185
Somewhat important51%38%6%1%3%2%4,060
Not too important20%39%18%1%15%7%1,752
Not at all important12%13%10%< 1%58%7%1,712
Don't know60%19%3%6%5%7%118
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 married adults by importance of religion

% of married adults 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 important66%25%8%< 1%10,185
Somewhat important14%56%29%< 1%4,060
Not too important2%35%63%< 1%1,752
Not at all important2%9%90%< 1%1,712
Don't know38%17%35%10%118
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 married adults by importance of religion

% of married adults who pray…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important84%12%2%2%1%10,185
Somewhat important37%29%13%20%1%4,060
Not too important12%12%11%63%< 1%1,752
Not at all important7%3%3%85%< 1%1,712
Don't know58%10%4%12%15%118
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 married adults by importance of religion

% of married adults 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 important45%13%10%32%1%10,185
Somewhat important7%7%9%77%< 1%4,060
Not too important1%2%2%94%< 1%1,752
Not at all important2%< 1%1%97%< 1%1,712
Don't know22%9%12%48%9%118
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 married adults by importance of religion

% of married adults 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%7%3%34%2%10,185
Somewhat important27%9%6%58%1%4,060
Not too important21%10%5%64%1%1,752
Not at all important22%8%5%64%1%1,712
Don't know57%6%2%23%12%118
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 married adults by importance of religion

% of married adults 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 important79%11%5%4%1%10,185
Somewhat important41%22%16%19%1%4,060
Not too important32%17%16%34%1%1,752
Not at all important39%11%10%38%2%1,712
Don't know64%8%8%9%11%118
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 married adults by importance of religion

% of married adults 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%22%2%10,185
Somewhat important34%18%18%29%1%4,060
Not too important35%19%16%29%< 1%1,752
Not at all important44%14%14%27%1%1,712
Don't know49%17%10%11%13%118
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 married adults by importance of religion

% of married adults 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 important59%5%29%4%3%10,185
Somewhat important13%12%63%10%2%4,060
Not too important3%15%65%15%2%1,752
Not at all important2%17%54%26%2%1,712
Don't know34%9%32%7%18%118
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 married adults by importance of religion

% of married adults 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 important50%48%2%1%10,185
Somewhat important30%68%1%1%4,060
Not too important24%75%1%< 1%1,752
Not at all important20%79%1%1%1,712
Don't know39%53%2%6%118
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 married adults by importance of religion

% of married adults 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 important60%12%8%19%1%10,185
Somewhat important11%10%13%65%< 1%4,060
Not too important3%4%5%88%< 1%1,752
Not at all important3%2%3%92%< 1%1,712
Don't know38%7%9%35%11%118
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 married adults by importance of religion

% of married adults 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 important49%32%4%9%5%10,185
Somewhat important14%34%2%41%9%4,060
Not too important4%14%< 1%75%8%1,752
Not at all important1%3%< 1%90%5%1,712
Don't know21%23%8%38%11%118
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 married adults by importance of religion

% of married adults who …in heaven

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Very important87%7%7%10,185
Somewhat important74%18%8%4,060
Not too important41%45%14%1,752
Not at all important13%80%6%1,712
Don't know56%18%27%118
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 married adults by importance of religion

% of married adults who …in hell

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Very important74%18%8%10,185
Somewhat important53%39%8%4,060
Not too important30%60%10%1,752
Not at all important8%86%6%1,712
Don't know37%35%28%118
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 married adults by importance of religion

% of married adults who identify as…

Importance of religion in one's lifeRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Very important51%17%32%10,185
Somewhat important41%17%41%4,060
Not too important34%14%52%1,752
Not at all important25%15%60%1,712
Don't know30%39%30%118
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 married adults by importance of religion

% of married adults who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Very important53%28%13%6%10,185
Somewhat important33%40%23%4%4,060
Not too important23%39%33%4%1,752
Not at all important15%34%46%6%1,712
Don't know32%25%21%22%118
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 married adults by importance of religion

% of married adults who would rather have…

Importance of religion in one's lifeSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Very important61%32%3%4%10,185
Somewhat important59%35%3%4%4,060
Not too important56%38%3%4%1,752
Not at all important49%43%4%3%1,712
Don't know56%23%9%12%118
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 married adults by importance of religion

% of married adults 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 important54%40%4%2%10,185
Somewhat important51%45%3%1%4,060
Not too important42%54%3%1%1,752
Not at all important35%60%4%1%1,712
Don't know32%41%13%14%118
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 married adults by importance of religion

% of married adults 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%63%4%10,185
Somewhat important66%30%4%4,060
Not too important80%17%3%1,752
Not at all important85%12%3%1,712
Don't know40%42%18%118
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 married adults by importance of religion

% of married adults who say homosexuality…

Importance of religion in one's lifeShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important41%50%5%4%10,185
Somewhat important74%20%4%3%4,060
Not too important83%13%1%3%1,752
Not at all important88%8%2%1%1,712
Don't know45%22%13%19%118
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 married adults by importance of religion

% of married adults who …same-sex marriage

Importance of religion in one's lifeStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Very important31%61%8%10,185
Somewhat important63%29%8%4,060
Not too important78%18%4%1,752
Not at all important86%10%4%1,712
Don't know43%33%25%118
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 married adults by importance of religion

% of married adults 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 important47%47%3%3%10,185
Somewhat important37%58%2%3%4,060
Not too important30%67%2%1%1,752
Not at all important23%74%2%2%1,712
Don't know34%44%9%14%118
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 married adults by importance of religion

% of married adults 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 important12%28%3%51%5%10,185
Somewhat important38%30%5%23%3%4,060
Not too important66%14%6%12%2%1,752
Not at all important81%7%3%8%2%1,712
Don't know22%16%15%24%22%118
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.