Age distribution among whites who say religion is not too important
% of whites who say religion is not too important who are ages…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
2014
27%
36%
24%
14%
2,956
2007
24%
41%
24%
11%
2,584
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Generational cohort among whites who say religion is not too important
% of whites who say religion is not too important who are…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
2014
17%
16%
29%
29%
8%
1%
2,956
2007
< 1%
18%
33%
35%
12%
2%
2,584
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Gender composition among whites who say religion is not too important
% of whites who say religion is not too important who are…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Men
Women
Sample size
2014
57%
43%
2,988
2007
62%
38%
2,619
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 whites who say religion is not too important
% of whites who say religion is not too important who are…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
2014
5%
9%
86%
2,961
2007
5%
7%
88%
2,605
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 whites who say religion is not too important
% of whites who say religion is not too important who have a household income of…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
2014
24%
19%
31%
26%
2,701
2007
20%
22%
34%
24%
2,269
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 whites who say religion is not too important
% of whites who say religion is not too important who have completed…
Chart
Table
Share
Survey year
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
2014
31%
33%
22%
14%
2,979
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 whites who say religion is not too important
% of whites who say religion is not too important who are…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
2014
46%
10%
11%
4%
30%
2,976
2007
51%
9%
11%
5%
25%
2,607
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 whites who say religion is not too important
% of whites who say religion is not too important who are…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
2014
25%
75%
2,980
2007
30%
70%
2,615
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 whites who say religion is not too important
% of whites who say religion is not too important who say they…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
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
17%
38%
18%
< 1%
19%
7%
2,988
2007
27%
39%
14%
1%
11%
8%
2,619
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 whites who say religion is not too important
% of whites who say religion is not too important who attend religious services…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
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
2%
33%
65%
< 1%
2,988
2007
2%
33%
65%
< 1%
2,619
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 whites who say religion is not too important
% of whites who say religion is not too important who pray…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
11%
13%
11%
65%
< 1%
2,988
2007
11%
16%
12%
59%
1%
2,619
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 whites who say religion is not too important
% of whites who say religion is not too important who attend prayer group…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
1%
1%
2%
95%
< 1%
2,988
2007
1%
1%
2%
95%
1%
2,619
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 whites who say religion is not too important
% of whites who say religion is not too important who meditate…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
20%
11%
6%
63%
1%
2,988
2007
17%
7%
6%
68%
1%
2,619
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 whites who say religion is not too important
% of whites who say religion is not too important who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
30%
18%
15%
36%
1%
2,988
2007
24%
14%
16%
44%
3%
2,619
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 whites who say religion is not too important
% of whites who say religion is not too important who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
40%
19%
15%
26%
1%
2,988
2007
34%
16%
17%
32%
1%
2,619
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 whites who say religion is not too important
% of whites who say religion is not too important who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
2014
3%
18%
64%
14%
1%
2,988
2007
2%
15%
73%
8%
2%
2,619
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 whites who say religion is not too important
% of whites who say religion is not too important who say…
Chart
Table
Share
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
22%
76%
1%
< 1%
2,988
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 whites who say religion is not too important
% of whites who say religion is not too important who read scripture…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
3%
4%
5%
88%
< 1%
2,988
2007
3%
3%
5%
88%
1%
2,619
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 whites who say religion is not too important
% of whites who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
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
4%
13%
< 1%
75%
8%
2,988
2007
4%
15%
< 1%
71%
9%
2,619
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 whites who say religion is not too important
% of whites who say religion is not too important who …in heaven
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
2014
43%
45%
12%
2,988
2007
44%
40%
16%
2,619
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 whites who say religion is not too important
% of whites who say religion is not too important who …in hell
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
2014
29%
61%
9%
2,988
2007
30%
57%
13%
2,619
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 whites who say religion is not too important
% of whites who say religion is not too important who identify as…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
2014
32%
17%
51%
2,988
2007
29%
16%
55%
2,619
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 whites who say religion is not too important
% of whites who say religion is not too important who are…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
2014
21%
40%
34%
5%
2,988
2007
22%
43%
30%
5%
2,619
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 whites who say religion is not too important
% of whites who say religion is not too important who would rather have…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
2014
54%
39%
3%
3%
2,988
2007
50%
40%
5%
5%
2,619
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 whites who say religion is not too important
% of whites who say religion is not too important who say government aid to the poor…
Chart
Table
Share
Survey year
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
2014
40%
56%
3%
1%
2,988
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 whites who say religion is not too important
% of whites who say religion is not too important who say abortion should be…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
2014
79%
18%
3%
2,988
2007
77%
19%
4%
2,619
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 whites who say religion is not too important
% of whites who say religion is not too important who say homosexuality…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
2014
85%
11%
2%
2%
2,988
2007
74%
18%
4%
3%
2,619
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 whites who say religion is not too important
% of whites who say religion is not too important who …same-sex marriage
Chart
Table
Share
Survey year
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
2014
80%
15%
5%
2,988
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 whites who say religion is not too important
% of whites who say religion is not too important who say…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
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
29%
68%
2%
2%
2,988
2007
24%
70%
3%
3%
2,619
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 whites who say religion is not too important
% of whites who say religion is not too important who say humans…
Chart
Table
Share
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
70%
14%
5%
9%
2%
2,988
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.