DemographicInformation

Age distribution among the Unaffiliated adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who are ages…

Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201435%45%14%6%154
200739%39%19%4%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 the Unaffiliated adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who are…

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
201424%21%35%16%4%< 1%154
2007< 1%32%36%27%5%< 1%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.

Gender composition among the Unaffiliated adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who are…

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201451%49%156
200758%42%115
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 adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who identify as…

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201472%7%4%11%7%155
200781%8%6%5%< 1%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.

Immigrant status among the Unaffiliated adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who are…

Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
20149%10%80%150
200710%6%84%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.

Income distribution among the Unaffiliated adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who have a household income of…

Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201448%18%25%10%140
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 adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who have completed…

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201452%31%10%7%155
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 adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who are…

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201438%7%14%2%39%156
200746%8%12%1%32%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.

Parent of children under 18 among the Unaffiliated adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who are…

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201428%72%156
200726%74%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 the Unaffiliated adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally 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
201434%46%8%< 1%10%2%156
200737%43%8%< 1%7%6%115
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 adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who attend religious services…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20143%30%67%< 1%156
20071%27%72%< 1%115
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 adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201417%18%13%52%< 1%156
20078%24%17%50%< 1%115
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 adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who attend prayer group…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20142%3%8%87%< 1%156
20072%4%3%91%< 1%115
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 adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who meditate…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201413%9%5%72%1%156
200716%2%1%81%< 1%115
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 adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally 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
201429%15%13%43%< 1%156
200717%12%17%54%< 1%115
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 adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally 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
201432%11%13%44%1%156
200722%13%14%50%1%115
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 adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
20147%13%68%12%1%156
20071%7%85%5%1%115
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 adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who say…

Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201430%69%1%< 1%156
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of reading scripture among the Unaffiliated adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who read scripture…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20147%9%7%77%< 1%156
20077%2%6%86%< 1%115
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 adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who …in heaven

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201476%16%8%156
200779%14%7%115
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 adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201455%36%9%156
200761%31%7%115
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who identify as…

Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201435%25%40%156
200735%19%45%115
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who are…

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201424%46%23%7%156
200725%48%19%8%115
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 adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who would rather have…

Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201455%45%< 1%< 1%156
200737%55%4%4%115
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 adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who say government aid to the poor…

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201442%54%3%< 1%156
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about abortion among the Unaffiliated adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who say abortion should be…

Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201464%34%2%156
200767%31%2%115
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 adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who say homosexuality…

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201480%17%2%1%156
200773%24%1%2%115
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 adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who …same-sex marriage

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201474%24%2%156
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about environmental regulation among the Unaffiliated adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally 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
201440%60%< 1%< 1%156
200735%63%2%< 1%115
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 adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally 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
201440%32%2%27%< 1%156
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.