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 once or twice a month

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

Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201439%41%14%6%191
200732%41%20%6%174
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 once or twice a month

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

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
201426%18%36%16%4%< 1%191
2007< 1%24%35%33%7%< 1%174
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 once or twice a month

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

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201451%49%192
200748%52%178
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 once or twice a month

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

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201455%20%3%17%5%189
200758%17%1%19%5%175
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 once or twice a month

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

Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
20149%16%75%190
200718%5%77%177
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 once or twice a month

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

Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201449%23%22%7%170
200743%23%24%10%151
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 once or twice a month

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

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201451%38%7%4%192
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 once or twice a month

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

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201429%18%14%2%37%192
200743%10%13%5%30%176
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 once or twice a month

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

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201433%67%192
200739%61%177
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 once or twice a month

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture once or twice a month 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
201455%27%8%< 1%9%1%192
200757%24%6%< 1%9%3%178
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 once or twice a month

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

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201427%41%20%11%1%192
200723%50%13%13%1%178
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 once or twice a month

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

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20146%53%40%1%192
20077%43%51%< 1%178
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 once or twice a month

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

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201446%21%10%22%< 1%192
200741%30%8%21%< 1%178
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 once or twice a month

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

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20144%19%11%65%< 1%192
20079%12%7%73%< 1%178
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 once or twice a month

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

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201435%9%5%49%1%192
200738%10%3%45%3%178
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 once or twice a month

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture once or twice a month 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
201447%23%12%16%2%192
200738%26%8%25%3%178
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 once or twice a month

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture once or twice a month 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
201449%20%7%23%< 1%192
200740%15%12%29%3%178
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 once or twice a month

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

Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201423%74%1%2%192
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 once or twice a month

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture once or twice a month 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
201421%34%< 1%35%9%192
200725%26%3%38%8%178
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 once or twice a month

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

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201468%26%6%192
200766%25%9%178
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 once or twice a month

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

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201451%47%2%192
200750%40%10%178
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 once or twice a month

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

Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201421%21%58%192
200727%20%53%178
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 once or twice a month

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

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201423%45%27%5%192
200723%40%25%11%178
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 once or twice a month

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

Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201443%48%2%7%192
200732%59%1%7%178
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 once or twice a month

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

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201432%65%2%1%192
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 once or twice a month

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

Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201459%38%3%192
200758%37%6%178
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 once or twice a month

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

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201476%19%3%2%192
200769%21%4%6%178
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 once or twice a month

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

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201468%29%3%192
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 once or twice a month

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture once or twice a month 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
201435%62%2%2%192
200732%59%3%6%178
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 once or twice a month

% of the Unaffiliated who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture once or twice a month 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
201442%20%5%30%4%192
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.