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 West by religious group
% of adults in the West who …in heaven
Chart
Table
Share
Religious tradition
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Buddhist
51%
43%
6%
113
Catholic
84%
11%
6%
1,660
Evangelical Protestant
87%
6%
7%
1,819
Historically Black Protestant
89%
7%
4%
143
Jewish
32%
61%
7%
181
Mainline Protestant
75%
16%
9%
1,141
Mormon
94%
3%
3%
480
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")
31%
59%
10%
2,388
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 West by belief in heaven
% of adults in the West who are ages…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
Believe
23%
35%
26%
17%
5,154
Don't believe
26%
36%
23%
15%
2,464
Other/don't know
18%
30%
30%
21%
708
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 West by belief in heaven
% of adults in the West who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
Believe
15%
14%
29%
30%
11%
1%
5,154
Don't believe
15%
19%
29%
27%
10%
1%
2,464
Other/don't know
10%
13%
25%
37%
14%
1%
708
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 West by belief in heaven
% of adults in the West who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Men
Women
Sample size
Believe
46%
54%
5,262
Don't believe
57%
43%
2,497
Other/don't know
50%
50%
739
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 West by belief in heaven
% of adults in the West who identify as…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
Believe
52%
5%
8%
30%
5%
5,190
Don't believe
64%
3%
12%
17%
4%
2,455
Other/don't know
61%
3%
7%
23%
6%
711
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 West by belief in heaven
% of adults in the West who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
Believe
24%
13%
62%
5,185
Don't believe
21%
15%
64%
2,480
Other/don't know
20%
12%
69%
722
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 West by belief in heaven
% of adults in the West who have a household income of…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
Believe
38%
21%
24%
17%
4,612
Don't believe
24%
20%
28%
28%
2,256
Other/don't know
36%
20%
22%
22%
603
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 West by belief in heaven
% of adults in the West who have completed…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
Believe
42%
35%
15%
8%
5,239
Don't believe
27%
31%
24%
17%
2,483
Other/don't know
37%
35%
18%
10%
727
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 West by belief in heaven
% of adults in the West who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
Believe
48%
8%
13%
6%
24%
5,242
Don't believe
45%
12%
12%
4%
27%
2,486
Other/don't know
48%
7%
13%
6%
26%
728
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 West by belief in heaven
% of adults in the West who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
Believe
32%
68%
5,240
Don't believe
24%
76%
2,490
Other/don't know
25%
75%
730
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 West by belief in heaven
% of adults in the West who say they…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
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
Believe
71%
22%
4%
1%
1%
1%
5,262
Don't believe
21%
20%
14%
1%
40%
5%
2,497
Other/don't know
48%
26%
9%
1%
5%
10%
739
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 West by belief in heaven
% of adults in the West who say religion is…
Chart
Table
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Belief in Heaven
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
61%
27%
8%
3%
1%
5,262
Don't believe
16%
18%
24%
41%
1%
2,497
Other/don't know
37%
29%
19%
12%
2%
739
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 West by belief in heaven
% of adults in the West who attend religious services…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
At least once a week
Once or twice a month/a few times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
41%
36%
22%
< 1%
5,262
Don't believe
10%
26%
63%
< 1%
2,497
Other/don't know
26%
27%
45%
1%
739
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 West by belief in heaven
% of adults in the West who pray…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
64%
16%
6%
13%
< 1%
5,262
Don't believe
20%
9%
6%
64%
1%
2,497
Other/don't know
45%
16%
7%
30%
3%
739
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 West by belief in heaven
% of adults in the West who attend prayer group…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
29%
11%
9%
50%
< 1%
5,262
Don't believe
8%
3%
5%
84%
< 1%
2,497
Other/don't know
19%
6%
6%
66%
3%
739
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 West by belief in heaven
% of adults in the West who meditate…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
44%
9%
4%
41%
2%
5,262
Don't believe
32%
11%
5%
51%
1%
2,497
Other/don't know
41%
8%
4%
43%
4%
739
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 West by belief in heaven
% of adults in the West who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
63%
15%
10%
11%
1%
5,262
Don't believe
44%
16%
10%
28%
1%
2,497
Other/don't know
56%
10%
11%
20%
3%
739
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 West by belief in heaven
% of adults in the West who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
47%
15%
13%
23%
1%
5,262
Don't believe
51%
17%
14%
17%
1%
2,497
Other/don't know
52%
14%
10%
21%
3%
739
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 West by belief in heaven
% of adults in the West who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
40%
9%
42%
7%
3%
5,262
Don't believe
8%
21%
49%
20%
2%
2,497
Other/don't know
21%
17%
48%
8%
6%
739
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 West by belief in heaven
% of adults in the West who say…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
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
Believe
37%
60%
2%
2%
5,262
Don't believe
22%
76%
1%
1%
2,497
Other/don't know
29%
64%
4%
3%
739
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 West by belief in heaven
% of adults in the West who read scripture…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
41%
11%
9%
38%
1%
5,262
Don't believe
11%
5%
6%
77%
< 1%
2,497
Other/don't know
23%
10%
8%
57%
2%
739
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 West by belief in heaven
% of adults in the West who say the holy scripture is…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
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
Believe
35%
35%
3%
21%
7%
5,262
Don't believe
5%
7%
1%
81%
6%
2,497
Other/don't know
16%
12%
4%
48%
20%
739
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 West by belief in heaven
% of adults in the West who …in hell
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Believe
73%
21%
6%
5,262
Don't believe
5%
94%
1%
2,497
Other/don't know
16%
28%
56%
739
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 West by belief in heaven
% of adults in the West who identify as…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
Believe
41%
20%
39%
5,262
Don't believe
21%
18%
61%
2,497
Other/don't know
29%
28%
43%
739
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 West by belief in heaven
% of adults in the West who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
40%
34%
20%
6%
5,262
Don't believe
16%
33%
46%
5%
2,497
Other/don't know
29%
34%
24%
13%
739
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 West by belief in heaven
% of adults in the West who would rather have…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
52%
43%
3%
3%
5,262
Don't believe
46%
47%
4%
3%
2,497
Other/don't know
48%
37%
7%
8%
739
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 West by belief in heaven
% of adults in the West who say government aid to the poor…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
47%
48%
4%
2%
5,262
Don't believe
30%
66%
3%
2%
2,497
Other/don't know
40%
47%
7%
6%
739
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 West by belief in heaven
% of adults in the West who say abortion should be…
Chart
Table
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Belief in Heaven
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
47%
49%
4%
5,262
Don't believe
80%
16%
4%
2,497
Other/don't know
58%
34%
8%
739
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 West by belief in heaven
% of adults in the West who say homosexuality…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
59%
33%
4%
3%
5,262
Don't believe
84%
12%
2%
2%
2,497
Other/don't know
67%
19%
5%
9%
739
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 West by belief in heaven
% of adults in the West who …same-sex marriage
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
50%
42%
7%
5,262
Don't believe
82%
14%
4%
2,497
Other/don't know
56%
30%
14%
739
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 West by belief in heaven
% of adults in the West who say…
Chart
Table
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Belief in Heaven
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
Believe
42%
52%
3%
4%
5,262
Don't believe
21%
75%
2%
2%
2,497
Other/don't know
36%
53%
5%
7%
739
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 West by belief in heaven
% of adults in the West who say humans…
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Belief in Heaven
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
Believe
24%
29%
4%
38%
5%
5,262
Don't believe
72%
10%
4%
13%
2%
2,497
Other/don't know
41%
16%
11%
24%
9%
739
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.