DemographicInformation

Age distribution among the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week who are ages…

Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201429%43%20%7%254
200729%45%20%6%225
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week who are…

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
201418%20%34%23%5%< 1%254
2007< 1%24%35%33%6%2%225
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week who are…

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201451%49%260
200742%58%229
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week who identify as…

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201445%25%4%19%8%253
200748%26%1%20%6%223
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week who are…

Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
201417%11%72%252
200714%11%75%226
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week who have a household income of…

Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201455%24%14%7%220
200744%21%27%8%196
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week who have completed…

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201454%30%8%8%260
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week who are…

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201431%7%15%5%41%259
200744%11%12%5%28%227
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week who are…

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201433%67%260
200748%52%228
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week 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
201472%14%4%1%5%4%260
200778%17%1%< 1%2%2%229
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week who say religion is…

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201448%28%12%11%1%260
200751%35%7%6%2%229
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week who attend religious services…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201419%33%47%< 1%260
200719%35%46%< 1%229
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201467%14%6%12%1%260
200769%15%3%13%< 1%229
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week who attend prayer group…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201424%9%8%59%1%260
200724%12%7%56%1%229
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week who meditate…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201457%6%2%33%2%260
200751%7%2%38%2%229
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week 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
201470%14%5%10%2%260
200763%14%9%11%2%229
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week 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
201460%14%5%19%2%260
200754%11%8%22%4%229
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week who say…

Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201425%70%2%3%260
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week 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
201430%24%3%34%10%260
200733%31%1%26%9%229
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 the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week who …in heaven

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201472%22%6%260
200777%19%4%229
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201453%37%9%260
200759%32%9%229
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 the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week who identify as…

Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201422%32%46%260
200726%23%51%229
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 the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week who are…

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201430%27%30%13%260
200726%42%22%10%229
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week who would rather have…

Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201447%47%4%3%260
200736%55%4%5%229
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week who say government aid to the poor…

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201438%55%4%3%260
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week who say abortion should be…

Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201445%46%8%260
200753%40%7%229
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week who say homosexuality…

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201471%22%3%4%260
200754%33%7%6%229
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week who …same-sex marriage

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201452%39%9%260
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week 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
201436%55%4%5%260
200740%54%2%4%229
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week 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
201422%31%7%37%3%260
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.