Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201416%16%69%264
200718%15%66%411
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: Democrat/lean Dem.

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among Buddhists by political party

% of Buddhists who are ages…

Party affiliation18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Democrat/lean Dem.30%31%24%15%181
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 Buddhists by political party

% of Buddhists who are…

Party affiliationYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Democrat/lean Dem.21%17%23%31%7%< 1%181
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 Buddhists by political party

% of Buddhists who are…

Party affiliationMenWomenSample size
Democrat/lean Dem.44%56%184
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 Buddhists by political party

% of Buddhists who identify as…

Party affiliationWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Democrat/lean Dem.48%4%31%14%4%183
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 Buddhists by political party

% of Buddhists who are…

Party affiliationImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Democrat/lean Dem.23%24%52%184
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 Buddhists by political party

% of Buddhists who have a household income of…

Party affiliationLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Democrat/lean Dem.33%20%36%11%163
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 Buddhists by political party

% of Buddhists who have completed…

Party affiliationHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Democrat/lean Dem.19%31%27%23%183
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 Buddhists by political party

% of Buddhists who are…

Party affiliationMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Democrat/lean Dem.37%13%12%2%35%184
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 Buddhists by political party

% of Buddhists who are…

Party affiliationParentsNon-parentsSample size
Democrat/lean Dem.19%81%184
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 Buddhists by political party

% of Buddhists who say they…

Party affiliationBelieve 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
Democrat/lean Dem.26%29%8%1%32%5%184
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 Buddhists by political party

% of Buddhists who say religion is…

Party affiliationVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Democrat/lean Dem.33%39%14%11%3%184
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 Buddhists by political party

% of Buddhists who attend religious services…

Party affiliationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Democrat/lean Dem.20%50%29%1%184
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 Buddhists by political party

% of Buddhists who pray…

Party affiliationAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Democrat/lean Dem.44%19%7%29%1%184
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 Buddhists by political party

% of Buddhists who attend prayer group…

Party affiliationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Democrat/lean Dem.17%15%13%55%1%184
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 Buddhists by political party

% of Buddhists who meditate…

Party affiliationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Democrat/lean Dem.72%6%7%13%1%184
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 Buddhists by political party

% of Buddhists who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Party affiliationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Democrat/lean Dem.65%17%9%8%< 1%184
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 Buddhists by political party

% of Buddhists who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Party affiliationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Democrat/lean Dem.59%14%14%12%1%184
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 Buddhists by political party

% of Buddhists who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Party affiliationReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Democrat/lean Dem.8%29%48%10%5%184
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 Buddhists by political party

% of Buddhists who say…

Party affiliationThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Democrat/lean Dem.18%79%4%< 1%184
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 Buddhists by political party

% of Buddhists who read scripture…

Party affiliationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Democrat/lean Dem.29%12%13%46%1%184
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 Buddhists by political party

% of Buddhists who say the holy scripture is…

Party affiliationWord 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
Democrat/lean Dem.7%8%1%72%13%184
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 Buddhists by political party

% of Buddhists who …in heaven

Party affiliationBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Democrat/lean Dem.41%52%7%184
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 Buddhists by political party

% of Buddhists who …in hell

Party affiliationBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Democrat/lean Dem.29%68%4%184
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

Political ideology among Buddhists by political party

% of Buddhists who are…

Party affiliationConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Democrat/lean Dem.12%32%54%2%184
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 Buddhists by political party

% of Buddhists who would rather have…

Party affiliationSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Democrat/lean Dem.30%62%3%5%184
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 Buddhists by political party

% of Buddhists who say government aid to the poor…

Party affiliationDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Democrat/lean Dem.16%79%5%1%184
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 Buddhists by political party

% of Buddhists who say abortion should be…

Party affiliationLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Democrat/lean Dem.87%12%1%184
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 Buddhists by political party

% of Buddhists who say homosexuality…

Party affiliationShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Democrat/lean Dem.91%8%1%< 1%184
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 Buddhists by political party

% of Buddhists who …same-sex marriage

Party affiliationStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Democrat/lean Dem.89%9%2%184
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 Buddhists by political party

% of Buddhists who say…

Party affiliationStricter 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
Democrat/lean Dem.13%85%1%2%184
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 Buddhists by political party

% of Buddhists who say humans…

Party affiliationEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Democrat/lean Dem.72%13%4%9%2%184
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.