Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201418%24%24%33%1%10,023
200721%27%22%27%2%7,277
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: Very important, Somewhat important, Not too important, Not at all important

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among Non-Christians by importance of religion

% of Non-Christians who are ages…

Importance of religion in one's life18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Very important28%37%23%11%1,619
Somewhat important34%37%20%8%2,254
Not too important38%36%18%8%2,329
Not at all important33%37%18%12%3,506
Don't know25%29%28%18%117
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 Non-Christians by importance of religion

% of Non-Christians who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Very important16%20%31%27%7%1%1,619
Somewhat important20%22%28%23%5%< 1%2,254
Not too important25%23%27%21%4%1%2,329
Not at all important22%21%28%22%7%1%3,506
Don't know14%18%22%32%13%1%117
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 Non-Christians by importance of religion

% of Non-Christians who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeMenWomenSample size
Very important52%48%1,672
Somewhat important54%46%2,295
Not too important54%46%2,364
Not at all important62%38%3,556
Don't know65%35%136
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 Non-Christians by importance of religion

% of Non-Christians who identify as…

Importance of religion in one's lifeWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Very important49%19%10%17%6%1,620
Somewhat important62%9%11%12%6%2,246
Not too important72%6%9%10%4%2,336
Not at all important77%4%5%10%4%3,497
Don't know65%8%5%15%7%113
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 Non-Christians by importance of religion

% of Non-Christians who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Very important26%11%64%1,626
Somewhat important17%13%69%2,250
Not too important14%14%73%2,330
Not at all important12%13%75%3,514
Don't know10%21%69%124
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 Non-Christians by importance of religion

% of Non-Christians who have a household income of…

Importance of religion in one's lifeLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Very important46%19%19%16%1,410
Somewhat important36%19%26%19%2,027
Not too important27%21%28%24%2,129
Not at all important25%19%29%27%3,221
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 Non-Christians by importance of religion

% of Non-Christians who have completed…

Importance of religion in one's lifeHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Very important47%27%14%12%1,659
Somewhat important40%30%18%13%2,284
Not too important29%35%21%14%2,357
Not at all important31%31%22%16%3,545
Don't know29%42%22%8%125
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 Non-Christians by importance of religion

% of Non-Christians who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Very important43%8%14%4%32%1,655
Somewhat important39%13%11%3%33%2,282
Not too important38%10%10%2%40%2,352
Not at all important38%12%11%3%37%3,542
Don't know39%6%13%9%32%122
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 Non-Christians by importance of religion

% of Non-Christians who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeParentsNon-parentsSample size
Very important34%66%1,666
Somewhat important29%71%2,286
Not too important25%75%2,358
Not at all important23%77%3,543
Don't know17%83%129
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 Non-Christians by importance of religion

% of Non-Christians who say they…

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieve 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
Very important75%15%4%1%4%2%1,672
Somewhat important40%36%11%1%9%4%2,295
Not too important16%30%19%< 1%27%8%2,364
Not at all important11%12%9%1%60%7%3,556
Don't know43%14%6%5%14%17%136
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 Non-Christians by importance of religion

% of Non-Christians who attend religious services…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important33%36%30%1%1,672
Somewhat important5%46%48%1%2,295
Not too important2%29%68%< 1%2,364
Not at all important1%9%90%< 1%3,556
Don't know5%18%60%17%136
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 Non-Christians by importance of religion

% of Non-Christians who pray…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important68%14%5%11%2%1,672
Somewhat important29%22%13%35%1%2,295
Not too important10%10%9%71%< 1%2,364
Not at all important7%3%3%86%< 1%3,556
Don't know35%11%4%33%17%136
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 Non-Christians by importance of religion

% of Non-Christians who attend prayer group…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important29%12%11%47%1%1,672
Somewhat important5%7%9%79%< 1%2,295
Not too important1%2%3%93%< 1%2,364
Not at all important1%< 1%1%97%< 1%3,556
Don't know9%8%4%61%19%136
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 Non-Christians by importance of religion

% of Non-Christians who meditate…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important50%8%4%35%4%1,672
Somewhat important31%11%6%51%1%2,295
Not too important22%11%6%60%1%2,364
Not at all important23%8%5%63%1%3,556
Don't know44%11%2%29%14%136
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 Non-Christians by importance of religion

% of Non-Christians who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important66%12%8%11%3%1,672
Somewhat important42%19%14%24%1%2,295
Not too important33%18%14%34%1%2,364
Not at all important35%14%9%39%2%3,556
Don't know67%3%4%14%13%136
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 Non-Christians by importance of religion

% of Non-Christians who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important55%13%8%22%2%1,672
Somewhat important46%15%13%24%1%2,295
Not too important43%19%15%22%1%2,364
Not at all important48%15%13%24%1%3,556
Don't know53%16%4%11%16%136
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 Non-Christians by importance of religion

% of Non-Christians who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Importance of religion in one's lifeReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Very important33%13%41%8%5%1,672
Somewhat important7%18%60%13%3%2,295
Not too important2%20%60%16%1%2,364
Not at all important1%19%54%24%2%3,556
Don't know12%15%45%10%18%136
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 Non-Christians by importance of religion

% of Non-Christians who say…

Importance of religion in one's lifeThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important27%68%3%2%1,672
Somewhat important22%76%1%1%2,295
Not too important18%81%1%< 1%2,364
Not at all important17%81%1%1%3,556
Don't know21%68%2%8%136
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 Non-Christians by importance of religion

% of Non-Christians who read scripture…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important43%14%8%33%2%1,672
Somewhat important9%9%11%70%1%2,295
Not too important3%4%6%87%< 1%2,364
Not at all important3%2%3%91%< 1%3,556
Don't know19%8%7%53%13%136
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 Non-Christians by importance of religion

% of Non-Christians who say the holy scripture is…

Importance of religion in one's lifeWord 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
Very important33%24%4%28%11%1,672
Somewhat important11%19%1%58%10%2,295
Not too important4%9%< 1%79%8%2,364
Not at all important2%3%< 1%91%4%3,556
Don't know12%9%2%48%28%136
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 Non-Christians by importance of religion

% of Non-Christians who …in heaven

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Very important72%20%8%1,672
Somewhat important57%32%11%2,295
Not too important33%54%13%2,364
Not at all important13%80%7%3,556
Don't know29%35%36%136
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 Non-Christians by importance of religion

% of Non-Christians who …in hell

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Very important55%37%8%1,672
Somewhat important40%50%9%2,295
Not too important22%68%9%2,364
Not at all important9%85%6%3,556
Don't know20%46%34%136
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 Non-Christians by importance of religion

% of Non-Christians who identify as…

Importance of religion in one's lifeRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Very important23%27%49%1,672
Somewhat important25%23%52%2,295
Not too important25%19%55%2,364
Not at all important19%20%61%3,556
Don't know20%44%36%136
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 Non-Christians by importance of religion

% of Non-Christians who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Very important28%32%30%11%1,672
Somewhat important19%39%35%7%2,295
Not too important16%39%39%6%2,364
Not at all important12%32%48%7%3,556
Don't know23%21%34%22%136
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 Non-Christians by importance of religion

% of Non-Christians who would rather have…

Importance of religion in one's lifeSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Very important38%54%4%4%1,672
Somewhat important47%46%3%4%2,295
Not too important47%45%3%4%2,364
Not at all important46%47%4%4%3,556
Don't know44%31%10%16%136
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 Non-Christians by importance of religion

% of Non-Christians who say government aid to the poor…

Importance of religion in one's lifeDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important35%57%4%4%1,672
Somewhat important38%56%4%2%2,295
Not too important34%61%4%2%2,364
Not at all important32%63%3%2%3,556
Don't know23%46%15%16%136
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 Non-Christians by importance of religion

% of Non-Christians who say abortion should be…

Importance of religion in one's lifeLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Very important51%41%7%1,672
Somewhat important70%26%4%2,295
Not too important80%17%3%2,364
Not at all important83%14%3%3,556
Don't know55%24%21%136
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 Non-Christians by importance of religion

% of Non-Christians who say homosexuality…

Importance of religion in one's lifeShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important59%33%4%4%1,672
Somewhat important82%12%3%3%2,295
Not too important86%9%2%2%2,364
Not at all important90%7%2%2%3,556
Don't know61%15%12%12%136
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 Non-Christians by importance of religion

% of Non-Christians who …same-sex marriage

Importance of religion in one's lifeStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Very important51%39%10%1,672
Somewhat important75%18%7%2,295
Not too important83%12%4%2,364
Not at all important87%8%5%3,556
Don't know57%18%25%136
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 Non-Christians by importance of religion

% of Non-Christians who say…

Importance of religion in one's lifeStricter 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
Very important34%58%3%5%1,672
Somewhat important29%66%2%3%2,295
Not too important25%71%2%2%2,364
Not at all important21%74%2%2%3,556
Don't know26%47%9%18%136
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 Non-Christians by importance of religion

% of Non-Christians who say humans…

Importance of religion in one's lifeEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Very important27%28%6%34%6%1,672
Somewhat important51%21%6%19%3%2,295
Not too important71%12%5%10%2%2,364
Not at all important80%7%3%8%2%3,556
Don't know39%13%16%15%17%136
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.