DemographicInformation

Age distribution among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by educational group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who are ages…

Educational distribution18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
High school or less12%15%30%43%139
Some college16%31%27%27%175
College11%34%29%26%184
Post-graduate degree4%35%36%25%127
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 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by educational group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who are…

Educational distributionYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
High school or less12%2%14%36%32%5%139
Some college14%3%29%34%16%4%175
College7%8%30%37%16%2%184
Post-graduate degree< 1%8%31%43%17%1%127
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 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by educational group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who are…

Educational distributionMenWomenSample size
High school or less44%56%143
Some college44%56%179
College43%57%186
Post-graduate degree44%56%128
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 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by educational group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who identify as…

Educational distributionWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
High school or less93%1%< 1%3%3%140
Some college98%2%< 1%< 1%< 1%178
College97%2%< 1%< 1%< 1%186
Post-graduate degree93%1%4%1%1%127
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 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by educational group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who are…

Educational distributionImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
High school or less4%9%87%142
Some college1%9%91%178
College< 1%6%93%186
Post-graduate degree7%5%88%128
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 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by educational group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who have a household income of…

Educational distributionLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
High school or less39%30%17%15%112
Some college14%27%43%16%155
College7%14%38%41%163
Post-graduate degree8%13%29%50%116
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 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by educational group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who are…

Educational distributionMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
High school or less51%4%11%16%18%142
Some college58%5%9%10%18%179
College74%1%6%5%15%185
Post-graduate degree75%5%7%3%10%128
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 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by educational group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who are…

Educational distributionParentsNon-parentsSample size
High school or less13%87%143
Some college25%75%179
College32%68%186
Post-graduate degree28%72%128
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 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by educational group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who say they…

Educational distributionBelieve 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
High school or less67%26%5%< 1%1%1%143
Some college70%26%< 1%1%1%2%179
College65%32%1%< 1%1%< 1%186
Post-graduate degree60%33%6%< 1%< 1%1%128
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 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by educational group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who say religion is…

Educational distributionVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
High school or less62%28%6%3%< 1%143
Some college60%33%7%< 1%< 1%179
College47%45%7%< 1%< 1%186
Post-graduate degree57%31%12%< 1%< 1%128
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 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by educational group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who attend religious services…

Educational distributionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
High school or less35%46%19%< 1%143
Some college34%51%15%< 1%179
College32%60%8%< 1%186
Post-graduate degree44%44%12%< 1%128
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 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by educational group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who pray…

Educational distributionAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
High school or less57%25%5%11%1%143
Some college54%31%7%7%< 1%179
College56%23%7%14%1%186
Post-graduate degree56%26%7%10%1%128
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 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by educational group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who attend prayer group…

Educational distributionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
High school or less15%13%9%62%1%143
Some college19%7%12%62%< 1%179
College13%5%15%67%< 1%186
Post-graduate degree16%12%13%58%1%128
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 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by educational group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who meditate…

Educational distributionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
High school or less37%12%2%48%1%143
Some college31%8%5%55%1%179
College28%14%7%51%< 1%186
Post-graduate degree32%10%5%51%2%128
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 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by educational group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Educational distributionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
High school or less57%24%10%8%2%143
Some college57%21%11%11%1%179
College55%20%14%10%< 1%186
Post-graduate degree61%15%9%15%< 1%128
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 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by educational group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Educational distributionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
High school or less43%12%9%34%2%143
Some college43%24%11%23%< 1%179
College43%29%15%12%< 1%186
Post-graduate degree47%23%12%17%1%128
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 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by educational group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Educational distributionReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
High school or less31%3%60%5%1%143
Some college33%8%51%4%3%179
College27%11%49%9%3%186
Post-graduate degree35%11%43%7%3%128
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 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by educational group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who say…

Educational distributionThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
High school or less25%74%2%< 1%143
Some college28%70%2%< 1%179
College38%61%< 1%< 1%186
Post-graduate degree25%72%2%2%128
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 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by educational group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who read scripture…

Educational distributionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
High school or less31%17%14%38%1%143
Some college26%11%13%50%< 1%179
College22%17%17%44%< 1%186
Post-graduate degree22%16%19%44%< 1%128
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 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by educational group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who say the holy scripture is…

Educational distributionWord 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
High school or less34%40%1%19%5%143
Some college20%47%2%22%8%179
College5%43%2%44%7%186
Post-graduate degree11%40%1%39%9%128
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 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by educational group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who …in heaven

Educational distributionBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
High school or less88%7%4%143
Some college87%6%7%179
College85%7%8%186
Post-graduate degree73%15%12%128
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 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by educational group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who …in hell

Educational distributionBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
High school or less62%25%13%143
Some college64%29%6%179
College57%33%10%186
Post-graduate degree45%40%15%128
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 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by educational group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who identify as…

Educational distributionRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
High school or less44%15%41%143
Some college46%10%44%179
College43%7%50%186
Post-graduate degree32%6%62%128
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 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by educational group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who are…

Educational distributionConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
High school or less43%32%20%5%143
Some college35%42%22%2%179
College26%48%26%1%186
Post-graduate degree17%46%36%1%128
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 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by educational group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who would rather have…

Educational distributionSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
High school or less72%21%4%3%143
Some college65%30%3%2%179
College56%38%3%3%186
Post-graduate degree47%46%7%1%128
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 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by educational group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who say government aid to the poor…

Educational distributionDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
High school or less60%32%5%3%143
Some college48%47%4%1%179
College42%54%3%1%186
Post-graduate degree25%70%5%< 1%128
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 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by educational group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who say abortion should be…

Educational distributionLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
High school or less56%41%3%143
Some college64%33%3%179
College70%27%3%186
Post-graduate degree77%22%< 1%128
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 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by educational group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who say homosexuality…

Educational distributionShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
High school or less58%38%3%1%143
Some college72%22%5%1%179
College89%7%2%2%186
Post-graduate degree85%13%2%1%128
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 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by educational group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who …same-sex marriage

Educational distributionStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
High school or less45%45%10%143
Some college68%28%4%179
College77%17%5%186
Post-graduate degree83%15%2%128
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 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by educational group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who say…

Educational distributionStricter 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
High school or less40%57%1%2%143
Some college34%62%3%1%179
College27%71%1%1%186
Post-graduate degree26%72%1%1%128
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 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by educational group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who say humans…

Educational distributionEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
High school or less13%31%5%44%7%143
Some college20%41%2%35%2%179
College29%46%5%18%2%186
Post-graduate degree37%45%5%11%1%128
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.