DemographicInformation

Age distribution among the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who do not believe in Heaven

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who do not believe in Heaven who are ages…

Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201439%37%17%7%649
200728%41%20%11%438
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who do not believe in Heaven

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who do not believe in Heaven who are…

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
201423%26%27%20%4%1%649
2007< 1%23%33%30%12%1%438
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who do not believe in Heaven

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who do not believe in Heaven who are…

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201466%34%672
200766%34%452
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who do not believe in Heaven

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who do not believe in Heaven who identify as…

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201466%5%9%16%4%651
200769%7%6%11%7%437
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who do not believe in Heaven

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who do not believe in Heaven who are…

Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
201419%11%69%654
200717%9%75%438
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who do not believe in Heaven

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who do not believe in Heaven who have a household income of…

Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201440%17%25%17%560
200732%25%25%18%369
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who do not believe in Heaven

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who do not believe in Heaven who have completed…

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201444%31%16%9%669
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who do not believe in Heaven

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who do not believe in Heaven who are…

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201433%11%12%2%42%668
200747%10%14%3%27%446
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who do not believe in Heaven

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who do not believe in Heaven who are…

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201426%74%669
200733%67%449
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who do not believe in Heaven

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who do not believe in Heaven who say they…

Survey yearBelieve 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
201416%13%8%< 1%56%6%672
200723%15%12%1%40%8%452
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who do not believe in Heaven

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who do not believe in Heaven who say religion is…

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
20145%13%22%58%1%672
20077%16%21%54%1%452
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who do not believe in Heaven

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who do not believe in Heaven who attend religious services…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20141%15%83%< 1%672
20074%11%85%< 1%452
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who do not believe in Heaven

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who do not believe in Heaven who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20149%4%4%82%< 1%672
200711%6%6%75%1%452
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who do not believe in Heaven

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who do not believe in Heaven who attend prayer group…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20143%2%3%93%< 1%672
20072%3%1%92%2%452
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who do not believe in Heaven

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who do not believe in Heaven who meditate…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201426%9%6%57%1%672
200727%7%6%56%3%452
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who do not believe in Heaven

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who do not believe in Heaven who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201437%12%8%39%3%672
200733%9%7%47%4%452
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who do not believe in Heaven

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who do not believe in Heaven who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201448%13%11%28%1%672
200737%12%11%37%3%452
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who do not believe in Heaven

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who do not believe in Heaven who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
20143%18%56%21%2%672
20074%14%67%12%4%452
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who do not believe in Heaven

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who do not believe in Heaven who say…

Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201420%78%1%1%672
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who do not believe in Heaven

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who do not believe in Heaven who read scripture…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20145%4%6%85%< 1%672
20076%5%4%84%1%452
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who do not believe in Heaven

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who do not believe in Heaven who say the holy scripture is…

Survey yearWord 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
20142%4%1%86%7%672
20075%4%< 1%79%11%452
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who do not believe in Heaven

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who do not believe in Heaven who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
20144%96%1%672
20076%92%2%452
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who do not believe in Heaven

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who do not believe in Heaven who are…

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201413%38%28%20%672
200716%36%29%19%452
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who do not believe in Heaven

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have…

Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201459%31%5%5%672
200751%35%5%9%452
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who do not believe in Heaven

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who do not believe in Heaven who say government aid to the poor…

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201444%47%6%3%672
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who do not believe in Heaven

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who do not believe in Heaven who say abortion should be…

Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201473%21%6%672
200773%21%6%452
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who do not believe in Heaven

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who do not believe in Heaven who say homosexuality…

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201481%11%5%2%672
200770%19%6%5%452
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who do not believe in Heaven

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who do not believe in Heaven who …same-sex marriage

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201480%12%8%672
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who do not believe in Heaven

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who do not believe in Heaven who say…

Survey yearStricter 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
201430%62%4%5%672
200723%68%3%6%452
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who do not believe in Heaven

% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who do not believe in Heaven who say humans…

Survey yearEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
201470%10%5%13%2%672
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.