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 religious group
% of adults in the West who …in hell
Chart
Table
Share
Religious tradition
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Buddhist
40%
55%
5%
113
Catholic
65%
28%
7%
1,660
Evangelical Protestant
77%
14%
9%
1,819
Historically Black Protestant
82%
15%
3%
143
Jewish
16%
79%
5%
181
Mainline Protestant
53%
35%
12%
1,141
Mormon
60%
31%
9%
480
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")
21%
70%
9%
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 hell
% of adults in the West who are ages…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
Believe
23%
37%
25%
15%
3,866
Don't believe
24%
34%
24%
17%
3,719
Other/don't know
16%
30%
33%
21%
741
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 hell
% of adults in the West who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
Believe
15%
15%
30%
29%
10%
1%
3,866
Don't believe
15%
16%
28%
29%
11%
1%
3,719
Other/don't know
9%
12%
25%
39%
14%
1%
741
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 hell
% of adults in the West who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Men
Women
Sample size
Believe
49%
51%
3,940
Don't believe
50%
50%
3,788
Other/don't know
47%
53%
770
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 hell
% of adults in the West who identify as…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
Believe
50%
6%
8%
31%
5%
3,890
Don't believe
63%
3%
10%
20%
5%
3,724
Other/don't know
59%
3%
9%
23%
6%
742
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 hell
% of adults in the West who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
Believe
25%
13%
62%
3,878
Don't believe
21%
15%
64%
3,759
Other/don't know
20%
12%
68%
750
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 hell
% of adults in the West who have a household income of…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
Believe
38%
20%
25%
16%
3,449
Don't believe
28%
21%
26%
25%
3,404
Other/don't know
38%
19%
20%
23%
618
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 hell
% of adults in the West who have completed…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
Believe
44%
35%
14%
7%
3,920
Don't believe
30%
33%
22%
16%
3,769
Other/don't know
38%
33%
19%
11%
760
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 hell
% of adults in the West who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
Believe
49%
8%
13%
6%
25%
3,928
Don't believe
46%
11%
13%
5%
25%
3,770
Other/don't know
47%
8%
14%
8%
24%
758
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 hell
% of adults in the West who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
Believe
34%
66%
3,923
Don't believe
25%
75%
3,774
Other/don't know
24%
76%
763
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 hell
% of adults in the West who say they…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
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
74%
20%
4%
1%
1%
1%
3,940
Don't believe
35%
23%
11%
1%
26%
3%
3,788
Other/don't know
55%
25%
7%
1%
5%
7%
770
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 hell
% of adults in the West who say religion is…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
64%
26%
7%
2%
1%
3,940
Don't believe
27%
24%
20%
29%
1%
3,788
Other/don't know
47%
27%
15%
8%
2%
770
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 hell
% of adults in the West who attend religious services…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
At least once a week
Once or twice a month/a few times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
43%
36%
20%
< 1%
3,940
Don't believe
19%
30%
51%
< 1%
3,788
Other/don't know
30%
31%
38%
1%
770
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 hell
% of adults in the West who pray…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
66%
16%
6%
12%
< 1%
3,940
Don't believe
34%
12%
7%
48%
< 1%
3,788
Other/don't know
49%
18%
5%
24%
3%
770
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 hell
% of adults in the West who attend prayer group…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
30%
13%
10%
47%
< 1%
3,940
Don't believe
14%
5%
6%
75%
< 1%
3,788
Other/don't know
21%
6%
8%
64%
2%
770
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 hell
% of adults in the West who meditate…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
45%
9%
4%
41%
2%
3,940
Don't believe
37%
11%
5%
47%
1%
3,788
Other/don't know
37%
9%
7%
42%
5%
770
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 hell
% of adults in the West who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
65%
15%
9%
11%
1%
3,940
Don't believe
50%
15%
11%
22%
2%
3,788
Other/don't know
55%
12%
11%
18%
3%
770
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 hell
% of adults in the West who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
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%
3,940
Don't believe
51%
16%
14%
19%
1%
3,788
Other/don't know
47%
15%
11%
22%
4%
770
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 hell
% of adults in the West who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
44%
7%
40%
7%
2%
3,940
Don't believe
13%
19%
49%
16%
2%
3,788
Other/don't know
27%
13%
46%
8%
7%
770
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 hell
% of adults in the West who say…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
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
40%
56%
2%
2%
3,940
Don't believe
23%
75%
1%
1%
3,788
Other/don't know
29%
63%
4%
3%
770
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 hell
% of adults in the West who read scripture…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
44%
12%
9%
35%
1%
3,940
Don't believe
18%
7%
7%
67%
1%
3,788
Other/don't know
30%
8%
9%
50%
2%
770
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 hell
% of adults in the West who say the holy scripture is…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
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
39%
34%
3%
17%
6%
3,940
Don't believe
10%
16%
1%
66%
7%
3,788
Other/don't know
18%
21%
6%
34%
21%
770
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 belief in hell
% of adults in the West who …in heaven
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Believe
95%
3%
3%
3,940
Don't believe
34%
61%
5%
3,788
Other/don't know
45%
4%
52%
770
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 hell
% of adults in the West who identify as…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
Believe
43%
20%
37%
3,940
Don't believe
24%
19%
57%
3,788
Other/don't know
34%
27%
40%
770
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 hell
% of adults in the West who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
44%
33%
18%
5%
3,940
Don't believe
20%
34%
40%
6%
3,788
Other/don't know
31%
35%
22%
12%
770
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 hell
% of adults in the West who would rather have…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
52%
43%
2%
3%
3,940
Don't believe
47%
46%
4%
3%
3,788
Other/don't know
50%
36%
7%
6%
770
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 hell
% of adults in the West who say government aid to the poor…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
50%
45%
3%
2%
3,940
Don't believe
32%
63%
4%
2%
3,788
Other/don't know
40%
47%
7%
7%
770
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 hell
% of adults in the West who say abortion should be…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
43%
53%
4%
3,940
Don't believe
74%
22%
4%
3,788
Other/don't know
51%
38%
11%
770
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 hell
% of adults in the West who say homosexuality…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
56%
36%
4%
4%
3,940
Don't believe
81%
14%
3%
2%
3,788
Other/don't know
62%
22%
7%
9%
770
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 hell
% of adults in the West who …same-sex marriage
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
46%
47%
7%
3,940
Don't believe
77%
18%
5%
3,788
Other/don't know
52%
33%
15%
770
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 hell
% of adults in the West who say…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
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
44%
50%
2%
3%
3,940
Don't believe
25%
69%
2%
3%
3,788
Other/don't know
36%
51%
6%
7%
770
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 hell
% of adults in the West who say humans…
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Belief in Hell
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
22%
29%
3%
42%
4%
3,940
Don't believe
59%
16%
5%
17%
3%
3,788
Other/don't know
32%
19%
10%
28%
11%
770
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.