DemographicInformation

Age distribution among the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who are ages…

Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201440%39%15%5%873
200733%40%20%8%561
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who are…

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
201424%26%30%17%3%< 1%873
2007< 1%25%35%29%9%2%561
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who are…

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201465%35%903
200768%32%582
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who identify as…

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201467%6%7%16%4%873
200774%5%5%9%6%566
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who are…

Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
201415%11%73%875
200712%7%81%570
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who have a household income of…

Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201441%20%24%16%765
200732%27%24%17%472
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who have completed…

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201446%32%15%7%897
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who are…

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201431%12%13%3%41%896
200743%12%12%3%31%578
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who are…

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201430%70%899
200731%69%577
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who say they…

Survey yearBelieve 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
201420%20%11%1%41%7%903
200725%20%14%1%30%10%582
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who say religion is…

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
20145%17%27%50%1%903
20078%19%25%47%2%582
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who attend religious services…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20142%17%81%< 1%903
20072%14%83%< 1%582
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201412%7%6%74%< 1%903
200714%10%7%69%1%582
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who attend prayer group…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20142%1%3%93%< 1%903
20072%2%1%93%1%582
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who meditate…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201426%9%5%59%1%903
200727%6%5%59%3%582
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201439%12%10%37%2%903
200731%8%10%47%4%582
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201449%13%11%27%1%903
200738%11%14%35%3%582
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
20142%17%60%18%2%903
20071%14%71%11%3%582
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who say…

Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201418%79%2%1%903
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who read scripture…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20144%4%6%85%< 1%903
20074%4%4%87%1%582
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who …in heaven

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201426%62%12%903
200725%60%15%582
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201418%71%11%903
200720%67%13%582
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

Political ideology among the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who are…

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201414%41%25%19%903
200714%39%29%18%582
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who would rather have…

Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201458%32%5%5%903
200748%36%5%10%582
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who say government aid to the poor…

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201442%50%5%3%903
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who say abortion should be…

Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201470%24%6%903
200774%19%7%582
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who say homosexuality…

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201482%10%5%3%903
200771%17%7%5%582
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who …same-sex marriage

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201479%12%9%903
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who say…

Survey yearStricter 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
201431%62%3%4%903
200722%68%4%6%582
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who say humans…

Survey yearEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
201466%12%7%13%3%903
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.