Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201438%33%23%7%7,491
200737%37%19%7%9,078
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: Conservative, Moderate, Liberal

Political ideology among adults in the Midwest by religious group

% of adults in the Midwest who are…

Religious traditionConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Catholic40%35%21%5%1,634
Evangelical Protestant57%25%12%6%1,937
Historically Black Protestant33%36%27%4%335
Mainline Protestant37%37%20%6%1,637
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")20%36%36%9%1,455
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: Conservative, Moderate, Liberal

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults in the Midwest by political ideology

% of adults in the Midwest who are ages…

Political ideology18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Conservative15%32%31%22%2,874
Moderate22%34%27%17%2,447
Liberal29%34%24%14%1,656
Don't know29%35%21%15%380
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 Midwest by political ideology

% of adults in the Midwest who are…

Political ideologyYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Conservative10%11%26%36%15%2%2,874
Moderate14%15%27%31%11%1%2,447
Liberal18%17%28%28%8%1%1,656
Don't know19%19%26%26%9%1%380
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 Midwest by political ideology

% of adults in the Midwest who are…

Political ideologyMenWomenSample size
Conservative52%48%2,929
Moderate48%52%2,485
Liberal45%55%1,675
Don't know43%57%402
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 Midwest by political ideology

% of adults in the Midwest who identify as…

Political ideologyWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Conservative85%7%1%4%3%2,890
Moderate80%10%1%5%3%2,453
Liberal71%13%4%9%3%1,657
Don't know76%9%1%10%4%384
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 Midwest by political ideology

% of adults in the Midwest who are…

Political ideologyImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Conservative5%6%89%2,919
Moderate6%7%87%2,461
Liberal11%10%79%1,658
Don't know13%3%84%380
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 Midwest by political ideology

% of adults in the Midwest who have a household income of…

Political ideologyLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Conservative29%22%33%16%2,571
Moderate33%22%28%17%2,190
Liberal38%20%25%16%1,529
Don't know55%19%16%10%290
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 Midwest by political ideology

% of adults in the Midwest who have completed…

Political ideologyHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Conservative43%34%17%7%2,922
Moderate38%34%18%11%2,479
Liberal35%33%19%14%1,670
Don't know60%31%6%3%387
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 Midwest by political ideology

% of adults in the Midwest who are…

Political ideologyMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Conservative59%5%10%8%18%2,918
Moderate49%7%12%6%26%2,479
Liberal38%10%13%6%33%1,670
Don't know38%5%15%7%35%390
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 Midwest by political ideology

% of adults in the Midwest who are…

Political ideologyParentsNon-parentsSample size
Conservative30%70%2,919
Moderate28%72%2,478
Liberal29%71%1,674
Don't know31%69%398
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 adults in the Midwest by political ideology

% of adults in the Midwest who say they…

Political ideologyBelieve 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
Conservative79%15%2%< 1%3%1%2,929
Moderate59%24%6%1%8%2%2,485
Liberal46%26%7%1%17%3%1,675
Don't know60%21%5%2%7%5%402
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 Midwest by political ideology

% of adults in the Midwest who say religion is…

Political ideologyVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Conservative68%21%7%4%1%2,929
Moderate44%32%14%10%< 1%2,485
Liberal36%28%16%19%< 1%1,675
Don't know48%27%9%13%3%402
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 Midwest by political ideology

% of adults in the Midwest who attend religious services…

Political ideologyAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Conservative50%30%20%< 1%2,929
Moderate30%38%32%< 1%2,485
Liberal20%37%43%< 1%1,675
Don't know28%31%38%3%402
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 Midwest by political ideology

% of adults in the Midwest who pray…

Political ideologyAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Conservative66%17%4%12%1%2,929
Moderate46%21%8%25%1%2,485
Liberal41%18%7%34%< 1%1,675
Don't know50%13%8%25%4%402
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 Midwest by political ideology

% of adults in the Midwest who attend prayer group…

Political ideologyAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Conservative32%11%9%47%< 1%2,929
Moderate17%8%8%67%1%2,485
Liberal13%7%7%73%< 1%1,675
Don't know20%7%7%62%4%402
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 Midwest by political ideology

% of adults in the Midwest who meditate…

Political ideologyAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Conservative42%7%3%46%1%2,929
Moderate32%8%5%53%1%2,485
Liberal35%9%5%50%1%1,675
Don't know33%5%3%53%6%402
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 Midwest by political ideology

% of adults in the Midwest who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Political ideologyAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Conservative65%14%8%12%1%2,929
Moderate52%17%12%19%1%2,485
Liberal50%19%10%20%1%1,675
Don't know49%14%7%24%7%402
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 Midwest by political ideology

% of adults in the Midwest who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Political ideologyAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Conservative44%16%12%26%2%2,929
Moderate39%18%16%25%1%2,485
Liberal46%18%12%23%1%1,675
Don't know35%13%7%38%6%402
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 Midwest by political ideology

% of adults in the Midwest who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Political ideologyReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Conservative47%6%39%5%2%2,929
Moderate24%10%53%10%3%2,485
Liberal18%17%50%13%2%1,675
Don't know34%8%49%4%5%402
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 Midwest by political ideology

% of adults in the Midwest who say…

Political ideologyThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Conservative48%50%1%1%2,929
Moderate28%71%1%< 1%2,485
Liberal18%81%1%1%1,675
Don't know31%64%3%2%402
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 Midwest by political ideology

% of adults in the Midwest who read scripture…

Political ideologyAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Conservative46%11%8%34%< 1%2,929
Moderate25%10%10%55%< 1%2,485
Liberal20%10%9%61%< 1%1,675
Don't know30%9%7%50%4%402
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 Midwest by political ideology

% of adults in the Midwest who say the holy scripture is…

Political ideologyWord of God; should be taken literallyWord of God; not everything taken literallyWord of God; other/don't knowNot the word of GodOther/don't knowSample size
Conservative42%33%4%16%5%2,929
Moderate21%34%2%35%7%2,485
Liberal17%24%1%50%7%1,675
Don't know31%22%7%26%14%402
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 Midwest by political ideology

% of adults in the Midwest who …in heaven

Political ideologyBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Conservative83%10%7%2,929
Moderate74%19%7%2,485
Liberal62%32%6%1,675
Don't know71%18%11%402
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 Midwest by political ideology

% of adults in the Midwest who …in hell

Political ideologyBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Conservative73%19%8%2,929
Moderate57%35%9%2,485
Liberal45%48%7%1,675
Don't know56%33%11%402
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 adults in the Midwest by political ideology

% of adults in the Midwest who identify as…

Political ideologyRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Conservative67%12%21%2,929
Moderate33%19%48%2,485
Liberal11%14%75%1,675
Don't know12%65%24%402
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 Midwest by political ideology

% of adults in the Midwest who would rather have…

Political ideologySmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Conservative76%20%1%2%2,929
Moderate56%36%4%4%2,485
Liberal33%60%3%4%1,675
Don't know40%42%7%11%402
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 Midwest by political ideology

% of adults in the Midwest who say government aid to the poor…

Political ideologyDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Conservative67%29%3%1%2,929
Moderate40%55%4%1%2,485
Liberal25%70%3%2%1,675
Don't know42%44%7%6%402
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 Midwest by political ideology

% of adults in the Midwest who say abortion should be…

Political ideologyLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Conservative32%65%3%2,929
Moderate60%36%4%2,485
Liberal70%27%3%1,675
Don't know42%45%12%402
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 Midwest by political ideology

% of adults in the Midwest who say homosexuality…

Political ideologyShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Conservative40%51%5%4%2,929
Moderate72%22%4%3%2,485
Liberal80%17%2%2%1,675
Don't know55%31%8%7%402
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 Midwest by political ideology

% of adults in the Midwest who …same-sex marriage

Political ideologyStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Conservative30%63%7%2,929
Moderate64%29%7%2,485
Liberal77%19%4%1,675
Don't know42%36%21%402
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 Midwest by political ideology

% of adults in the Midwest who say…

Political ideologyStricter 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
Conservative58%37%2%3%2,929
Moderate32%63%3%2%2,485
Liberal21%75%1%2%1,675
Don't know35%49%5%10%402
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 Midwest by political ideology

% of adults in the Midwest who say humans…

Political ideologyEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Conservative18%25%3%49%4%2,929
Moderate35%29%4%29%3%2,485
Liberal51%24%4%19%3%1,675
Don't know24%23%7%32%15%402
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.