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 adults in the Boston metro area by religious group
% of adults in the Boston metro area who say religion is…
Chart
Table
Share
Religious tradition
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
Catholic
51%
33%
13%
3%
1%
154
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")
7%
21%
23%
48%
1%
153
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.
Age distribution among adults in the Boston metro area by importance of religion
% of adults in the Boston metro area who are ages…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
Very important
13%
35%
29%
23%
166
Somewhat important
22%
31%
36%
11%
124
Not at all important
42%
38%
10%
9%
106
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 adults in the Boston metro area by importance of religion
% of adults in the Boston metro area who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
Very important
9%
11%
28%
34%
14%
4%
166
Somewhat important
14%
13%
26%
38%
7%
2%
124
Not at all important
21%
28%
31%
14%
6%
< 1%
106
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 adults in the Boston metro area by importance of religion
% of adults in the Boston metro area who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
Men
Women
Sample size
Very important
44%
56%
176
Somewhat important
49%
51%
126
Not at all important
59%
41%
106
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 adults in the Boston metro area by importance of religion
% of adults in the Boston metro area who identify as…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
Very important
63%
11%
2%
18%
6%
170
Somewhat important
82%
9%
1%
4%
4%
122
Not at all important
88%
2%
5%
< 1%
5%
106
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 adults in the Boston metro area by importance of religion
% of adults in the Boston metro area who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
Very important
25%
14%
61%
175
Somewhat important
11%
17%
71%
125
Not at all important
8%
13%
79%
104
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 adults in the Boston metro area by importance of religion
% of adults in the Boston metro area who have a household income of…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
Very important
42%
17%
19%
23%
135
Somewhat important
31%
14%
26%
29%
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.
Educational distribution among adults in the Boston metro area by importance of religion
% of adults in the Boston metro area who have completed…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
Very important
35%
32%
17%
16%
176
Somewhat important
40%
20%
22%
18%
125
Not at all important
17%
30%
35%
18%
106
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 adults in the Boston metro area by importance of religion
% of adults in the Boston metro area who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
Very important
38%
14%
11%
9%
28%
173
Somewhat important
41%
14%
15%
10%
21%
126
Not at all important
41%
14%
7%
1%
37%
106
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 adults in the Boston metro area by importance of religion
% of adults in the Boston metro area who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
Very important
22%
78%
175
Somewhat important
23%
77%
125
Not at all important
30%
70%
106
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 adults in the Boston metro area by importance of religion
% of adults in the Boston metro area who say they…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
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
Very important
75%
20%
1%
2%
2%
1%
176
Somewhat important
49%
33%
10%
1%
4%
1%
126
Not at all important
5%
22%
16%
< 1%
50%
7%
106
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 adults in the Boston metro area by importance of religion
% of adults in the Boston metro area who attend religious services…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
At least once a week
Once or twice a month/a few times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Very important
59%
30%
11%
< 1%
176
Somewhat important
15%
48%
37%
< 1%
126
Not at all important
< 1%
10%
90%
< 1%
106
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 adults in the Boston metro area by importance of religion
% of adults in the Boston metro area who pray…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Very important
71%
15%
4%
9%
1%
176
Somewhat important
34%
25%
20%
20%
1%
126
Not at all important
3%
3%
2%
93%
< 1%
106
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 adults in the Boston metro area by importance of religion
% of adults in the Boston metro area who attend prayer group…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Very important
34%
9%
10%
46%
2%
176
Somewhat important
4%
11%
4%
81%
< 1%
126
Not at all important
1%
< 1%
3%
96%
< 1%
106
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 adults in the Boston metro area by importance of religion
% of adults in the Boston metro area who meditate…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Very important
47%
13%
5%
34%
1%
176
Somewhat important
25%
14%
10%
51%
< 1%
126
Not at all important
15%
11%
5%
69%
< 1%
106
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 adults in the Boston metro area by importance of religion
% of adults in the Boston metro area who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Very important
75%
16%
2%
7%
< 1%
176
Somewhat important
38%
26%
15%
19%
1%
126
Not at all important
37%
14%
16%
29%
5%
106
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 adults in the Boston metro area by importance of religion
% of adults in the Boston metro area who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Very important
50%
7%
7%
30%
5%
176
Somewhat important
44%
15%
17%
24%
< 1%
126
Not at all important
54%
8%
15%
23%
< 1%
106
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 adults in the Boston metro area by importance of religion
% of adults in the Boston metro area who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
Very important
36%
4%
51%
7%
2%
176
Somewhat important
6%
11%
66%
14%
2%
126
Not at all important
5%
13%
51%
31%
1%
106
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 adults in the Boston metro area by importance of religion
% of adults in the Boston metro area who say…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
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
Very important
31%
64%
4%
1%
176
Somewhat important
25%
73%
2%
< 1%
126
Not at all important
18%
82%
< 1%
< 1%
106
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 adults in the Boston metro area by importance of religion
% of adults in the Boston metro area who read scripture…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Very important
40%
9%
12%
39%
< 1%
176
Somewhat important
8%
15%
12%
65%
< 1%
126
Not at all important
2%
< 1%
2%
96%
< 1%
106
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 adults in the Boston metro area by importance of religion
% of adults in the Boston metro area who say the holy scripture is…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
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
Very important
38%
32%
3%
17%
11%
176
Somewhat important
7%
28%
9%
49%
6%
126
Not at all important
1%
3%
< 1%
94%
2%
106
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 adults in the Boston metro area by importance of religion
% of adults in the Boston metro area who …in heaven
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Very important
78%
11%
11%
176
Somewhat important
56%
27%
17%
126
Not at all important
10%
75%
15%
106
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 adults in the Boston metro area by importance of religion
% of adults in the Boston metro area who …in hell
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Very important
56%
31%
13%
176
Somewhat important
37%
48%
15%
126
Not at all important
11%
75%
14%
106
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 adults in the Boston metro area by importance of religion
% of adults in the Boston metro area who identify as…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
Very important
25%
20%
56%
176
Somewhat important
41%
11%
48%
126
Not at all important
13%
17%
70%
106
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 adults in the Boston metro area by importance of religion
% of adults in the Boston metro area who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
Very important
30%
32%
28%
11%
176
Somewhat important
29%
33%
32%
7%
126
Not at all important
8%
18%
70%
3%
106
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 adults in the Boston metro area by importance of religion
% of adults in the Boston metro area who would rather have…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
Very important
45%
45%
5%
5%
176
Somewhat important
53%
36%
6%
5%
126
Not at all important
42%
54%
1%
3%
106
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 adults in the Boston metro area by importance of religion
% of adults in the Boston metro area who say government aid to the poor…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Very important
38%
53%
3%
5%
176
Somewhat important
45%
52%
4%
< 1%
126
Not at all important
21%
74%
3%
1%
106
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 adults in the Boston metro area by importance of religion
% of adults in the Boston metro area who say abortion should be…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
Very important
55%
37%
9%
176
Somewhat important
84%
14%
2%
126
Not at all important
93%
7%
< 1%
106
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 adults in the Boston metro area by importance of religion
% of adults in the Boston metro area who say homosexuality…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Very important
62%
25%
3%
9%
176
Somewhat important
80%
8%
4%
8%
126
Not at all important
94%
6%
< 1%
< 1%
106
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 adults in the Boston metro area by importance of religion
% of adults in the Boston metro area who …same-sex marriage
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
Very important
54%
31%
15%
176
Somewhat important
71%
25%
4%
126
Not at all important
95%
4%
1%
106
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 adults in the Boston metro area by importance of religion
% of adults in the Boston metro area who say…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
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
Very important
30%
59%
4%
7%
176
Somewhat important
40%
60%
< 1%
< 1%
126
Not at all important
19%
77%
< 1%
3%
106
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 adults in the Boston metro area by importance of religion
% of adults in the Boston metro area who say humans…
Chart
Table
Share
Importance of religion in one's life
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
Very important
18%
34%
7%
32%
9%
176
Somewhat important
48%
26%
5%
21%
1%
126
Not at all important
83%
5%
2%
5%
5%
106
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.