Age distribution among adults who say religion is somewhat important by religious group

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who are ages…

Religious tradition18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Catholic22%34%30%14%2,188
Evangelical Protestant22%35%26%16%1,369
Historically Black Protestant34%37%22%7%227
Jewish21%26%26%28%306
Mainline Protestant20%33%26%21%1,948
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")36%37%21%7%1,482
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: 18-29, 30-49, 50-64, 65+

DemographicInformation

Generational cohort among adults who say religion is somewhat important by age group

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who are…

Age distributionYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
18-2964%36%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%1,542
30-49< 1%19%81%< 1%< 1%< 1%2,335
50-64< 1%< 1%< 1%100%< 1%< 1%2,446
65+< 1%< 1%< 1%34%61%5%1,851
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 who say religion is somewhat important by age group

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who are…

Age distributionMenWomenSample size
18-2949%51%1,542
30-4951%49%2,335
50-6453%47%2,446
65+52%48%1,851
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 who say religion is somewhat important by age group

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who identify as…

Age distributionWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
18-2953%11%7%23%5%1,530
30-4966%8%5%17%4%2,306
50-6478%5%2%11%4%2,416
65+88%3%2%5%2%1,834
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 who say religion is somewhat important by age group

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who are…

Age distributionImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
18-2914%20%66%1,517
30-4918%8%73%2,315
50-6412%7%81%2,429
65+8%12%80%1,830
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 who say religion is somewhat important by age group

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who have a household income of…

Age distributionLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
18-2941%22%23%13%1,358
30-4928%20%29%23%2,179
50-6429%18%28%24%2,222
65+37%23%24%15%1,570
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 who say religion is somewhat important by age group

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who have completed…

Age distributionHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
18-2944%39%14%4%1,540
30-4935%30%20%14%2,324
50-6443%29%17%11%2,441
65+47%26%15%12%1,847
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 who say religion is somewhat important by age group

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who are…

Age distributionMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
18-2912%16%3%< 1%70%1,539
30-4955%11%14%2%18%2,334
50-6459%6%20%5%10%2,435
65+56%4%14%23%4%1,847
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 who say religion is somewhat important by age group

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who are…

Age distributionParentsNon-parentsSample size
18-2921%79%1,540
30-4957%43%2,327
50-6415%85%2,441
65+2%98%1,850
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among adults who say religion is somewhat important by age group

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say they…

Age 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
18-2947%38%8%1%4%2%1,542
30-4952%36%7%< 1%3%1%2,335
50-6453%37%5%1%2%2%2,446
65+51%37%5%1%3%2%1,851
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 who say religion is somewhat important by age group

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who attend religious services…

Age distributionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
18-2913%59%28%< 1%1,542
30-4911%56%32%< 1%2,335
50-6413%52%35%< 1%2,446
65+19%46%34%1%1,851
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 who say religion is somewhat important by age group

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who pray…

Age distributionAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
18-2931%29%13%27%< 1%1,542
30-4939%28%13%19%< 1%2,335
50-6438%30%12%19%1%2,446
65+38%27%11%22%2%1,851
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 who say religion is somewhat important by age group

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who attend prayer group…

Age distributionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
18-297%11%10%71%< 1%1,542
30-497%8%10%75%< 1%2,335
50-646%6%7%81%< 1%2,446
65+7%5%8%80%1%1,851
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 who say religion is somewhat important by age group

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who meditate…

Age distributionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
18-2923%11%6%59%< 1%1,542
30-4927%9%6%58%1%2,335
50-6430%9%5%55%1%2,446
65+33%12%6%47%2%1,851
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 who say religion is somewhat important by age group

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Age distributionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
18-2941%24%15%19%1%1,542
30-4942%22%15%20%1%2,335
50-6443%20%16%20%1%2,446
65+41%18%14%24%3%1,851
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 who say religion is somewhat important by age group

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Age distributionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
18-2947%18%13%21%1%1,542
30-4936%17%17%30%< 1%2,335
50-6438%17%16%29%1%2,446
65+34%15%18%31%3%1,851
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 who say religion is somewhat important by age group

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Age distributionReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
18-2911%18%59%11%1%1,542
30-4912%14%61%11%2%2,335
50-6416%11%62%9%2%2,446
65+15%9%65%7%3%1,851
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 who say religion is somewhat important by age group

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say…

Age distributionThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
18-2919%80%1%< 1%1,542
30-4928%71%1%< 1%2,335
50-6430%67%2%1%2,446
65+27%70%1%2%1,851
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 who say religion is somewhat important by age group

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who read scripture…

Age distributionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
18-2913%14%12%60%1%1,542
30-4914%12%13%60%< 1%2,335
50-6412%10%13%65%< 1%2,446
65+11%10%13%65%1%1,851
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 who say religion is somewhat important by age group

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say the holy scripture is…

Age 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
18-2913%36%1%43%8%1,542
30-4916%32%1%42%9%2,335
50-6417%32%3%39%9%2,446
65+15%36%2%36%11%1,851
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 who say religion is somewhat important by age group

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who …in heaven

Age distributionBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
18-2978%16%6%1,542
30-4976%17%7%2,335
50-6476%15%9%2,446
65+68%20%12%1,851
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 who say religion is somewhat important by age group

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who …in hell

Age distributionBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
18-2961%32%6%1,542
30-4957%35%8%2,335
50-6455%35%10%2,446
65+44%44%12%1,851
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among adults who say religion is somewhat important by age group

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who identify as…

Age distributionRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
18-2931%20%49%1,542
30-4936%21%43%2,335
50-6437%16%47%2,446
65+42%14%45%1,851
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 who say religion is somewhat important by age group

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who are…

Age distributionConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
18-2922%40%31%8%1,542
30-4927%41%27%5%2,335
50-6435%38%23%4%2,446
65+37%38%22%3%1,851
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 who say religion is somewhat important by age group

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who would rather have…

Age distributionSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
18-2942%53%1%3%1,542
30-4953%42%3%3%2,335
50-6456%37%4%4%2,446
65+60%32%3%4%1,851
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 who say religion is somewhat important by age group

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say government aid to the poor…

Age distributionDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
18-2940%56%3%1%1,542
30-4946%48%4%1%2,335
50-6446%49%4%2%2,446
65+49%46%3%3%1,851
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 who say religion is somewhat important by age group

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say abortion should be…

Age distributionLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
18-2961%37%2%1,542
30-4966%30%3%2,335
50-6466%29%5%2,446
65+65%29%6%1,851
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 who say religion is somewhat important by age group

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say homosexuality…

Age distributionShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
18-2985%11%2%1%1,542
30-4977%17%4%3%2,335
50-6471%22%4%3%2,446
65+63%28%4%5%1,851
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 who say religion is somewhat important by age group

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who …same-sex marriage

Age distributionStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
18-2980%16%4%1,542
30-4968%24%8%2,335
50-6460%32%9%2,446
65+51%38%11%1,851
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 who say religion is somewhat important by age group

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say…

Age 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
18-2934%63%1%2%1,542
30-4933%63%2%2%2,335
50-6439%56%2%3%2,446
65+43%49%3%5%1,851
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 who say religion is somewhat important by age group

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say humans…

Age distributionEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
18-2945%30%5%18%2%1,542
30-4940%28%4%25%2%2,335
50-6434%32%5%26%4%2,446
65+33%27%6%27%7%1,851
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.