Generational cohort among adults who pray weekly by religious group

% of adults who pray weekly who are…

Religious traditionYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Catholic13%14%28%36%9%< 1%1,406
Evangelical Protestant15%15%27%32%11%< 1%1,096
Historically Black Protestant21%18%27%28%6%< 1%218
Jewish19%13%20%32%14%2%133
Mainline Protestant14%10%27%33%13%2%1,301
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")19%21%32%24%3%< 1%743
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: Younger Millennial, Older Millennial, Generation X, Baby Boomer, Silent

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who pray weekly by generational group

% of adults who pray weekly who are ages…

Generational cohort18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Younger Millennial100%< 1%< 1%< 1%584
Older Millennial58%42%< 1%< 1%646
Generation X< 1%100%< 1%< 1%1,169
Baby Boomer< 1%< 1%85%15%2,021
Silent< 1%< 1%< 1%100%747
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Gender composition among adults who pray weekly by generational group

% of adults who pray weekly who are…

Generational cohortMenWomenSample size
Younger Millennial46%54%584
Older Millennial48%52%646
Generation X49%51%1,169
Baby Boomer52%48%2,021
Silent50%50%747
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Racial and ethnic composition among adults who pray weekly by generational group

% of adults who pray weekly who identify as…

Generational cohortWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Younger Millennial50%15%5%24%6%578
Older Millennial54%13%5%25%4%641
Generation X68%9%3%17%3%1,159
Baby Boomer77%8%2%10%2%1,991
Silent88%5%1%5%2%739
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Immigrant status among adults who pray weekly by generational group

% of adults who pray weekly who are…

Generational cohortImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Younger Millennial13%21%66%579
Older Millennial21%9%70%639
Generation X19%8%74%1,157
Baby Boomer10%7%83%2,008
Silent6%10%83%742
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Income distribution among adults who pray weekly by generational group

% of adults who pray weekly who have a household income of…

Generational cohortLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Younger Millennial44%16%26%14%493
Older Millennial42%24%25%9%603
Generation X27%20%27%26%1,086
Baby Boomer29%19%29%23%1,818
Silent40%25%23%12%614
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Educational distribution among adults who pray weekly by generational group

% of adults who pray weekly who have completed…

Generational cohortHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Younger Millennial48%43%8%< 1%582
Older Millennial35%36%18%11%645
Generation X38%27%20%15%1,167
Baby Boomer44%29%16%11%2,015
Silent53%24%12%11%747
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Marital status among adults who pray weekly by generational group

% of adults who pray weekly who are…

Generational cohortMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Younger Millennial5%9%1%< 1%85%582
Older Millennial36%16%6%< 1%41%646
Generation X58%7%17%2%17%1,167
Baby Boomer60%6%19%6%10%2,013
Silent58%2%12%26%3%745
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Parent of children under 18 among adults who pray weekly by generational group

% of adults who pray weekly who are…

Generational cohortParentsNon-parentsSample size
Younger Millennial14%86%583
Older Millennial49%51%644
Generation X60%40%1,165
Baby Boomer13%87%2,018
Silent2%98%747
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among adults who pray weekly by generational group

% of adults who pray weekly who say they…

Generational cohortBelieve 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
Younger Millennial61%30%6%< 1%1%2%584
Older Millennial59%33%5%1%1%1%646
Generation X60%33%4%< 1%1%1%1,169
Baby Boomer65%29%4%1%1%1%2,021
Silent65%30%4%1%1%< 1%747
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 adults who pray weekly by generational group

% of adults who pray weekly who say religion is…

Generational cohortVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial37%48%12%3%< 1%584
Older Millennial41%45%9%4%1%646
Generation X42%45%9%3%1%1,169
Baby Boomer44%45%7%3%< 1%2,021
Silent53%39%5%2%1%747
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Attendance at religious services among adults who pray weekly by generational group

% of adults who pray weekly who attend religious services…

Generational cohortAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial27%53%19%< 1%584
Older Millennial22%50%27%1%646
Generation X23%50%28%< 1%1,169
Baby Boomer29%44%27%< 1%2,021
Silent39%39%21%1%747
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among adults who pray weekly by generational group

% of adults who pray weekly who attend prayer group…

Generational cohortAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial15%15%12%58%< 1%584
Older Millennial12%10%12%65%< 1%646
Generation X12%11%9%67%< 1%1,169
Baby Boomer13%8%9%70%< 1%2,021
Silent18%8%10%64%< 1%747
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of meditation among adults who pray weekly by generational group

% of adults who pray weekly who meditate…

Generational cohortAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial25%11%5%59%< 1%584
Older Millennial29%11%5%54%1%646
Generation X30%10%5%54%1%1,169
Baby Boomer33%11%6%49%1%2,021
Silent39%16%7%36%2%747
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among adults who pray weekly by generational group

% of adults who pray weekly who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Generational cohortAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial44%28%15%12%1%584
Older Millennial49%21%14%15%< 1%646
Generation X48%23%15%13%1%1,169
Baby Boomer52%20%14%13%1%2,021
Silent54%18%12%13%2%747
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among adults who pray weekly by generational group

% of adults who pray weekly who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Generational cohortAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial45%21%13%21%1%584
Older Millennial41%19%16%23%< 1%646
Generation X38%19%16%27%1%1,169
Baby Boomer39%17%16%27%1%2,021
Silent32%14%15%36%3%747
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among adults who pray weekly by generational group

% of adults who pray weekly who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Generational cohortReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial21%18%49%10%2%584
Older Millennial20%14%55%9%2%646
Generation X22%13%51%12%2%1,169
Baby Boomer26%10%54%7%2%2,021
Silent25%9%55%7%4%747
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among adults who pray weekly by generational group

% of adults who pray weekly who say…

Generational cohortThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial19%79%1%1%584
Older Millennial27%72%1%1%646
Generation X29%68%1%2%1,169
Baby Boomer34%64%2%1%2,021
Silent33%64%1%1%747
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of reading scripture among adults who pray weekly by generational group

% of adults who pray weekly who read scripture…

Generational cohortAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial19%20%15%46%< 1%584
Older Millennial20%15%14%51%1%646
Generation X18%15%14%54%1%1,169
Baby Boomer18%13%14%55%< 1%2,021
Silent23%14%15%47%1%747
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Interpreting scripture among adults who pray weekly by generational group

% of adults who pray weekly who say the holy scripture is…

Generational cohortWord 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
Younger Millennial21%43%1%30%5%584
Older Millennial23%36%1%33%7%646
Generation X24%34%2%33%7%1,169
Baby Boomer25%34%2%31%8%2,021
Silent26%37%3%23%11%747
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Heaven among adults who pray weekly by generational group

% of adults who pray weekly who …in heaven

Generational cohortBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Younger Millennial87%9%3%584
Older Millennial82%13%5%646
Generation X81%13%6%1,169
Baby Boomer79%13%8%2,021
Silent78%12%10%747
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Hell among adults who pray weekly by generational group

% of adults who pray weekly who …in hell

Generational cohortBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Younger Millennial68%28%4%584
Older Millennial66%26%7%646
Generation X63%29%8%1,169
Baby Boomer59%32%9%2,021
Silent54%34%12%747
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among adults who pray weekly by generational group

% of adults who pray weekly who identify as…

Generational cohortRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Younger Millennial34%17%49%584
Older Millennial34%24%42%646
Generation X39%18%43%1,169
Baby Boomer39%14%47%2,021
Silent49%8%43%747
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Political ideology among adults who pray weekly by generational group

% of adults who pray weekly who are…

Generational cohortConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial27%34%32%7%584
Older Millennial24%40%28%8%646
Generation X33%39%23%5%1,169
Baby Boomer38%37%21%3%2,021
Silent42%32%23%3%747
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about size of government among adults who pray weekly by generational group

% of adults who pray weekly who would rather have…

Generational cohortSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial38%59%1%2%584
Older Millennial46%50%2%3%646
Generation X54%41%3%3%1,169
Baby Boomer56%36%4%4%2,021
Silent64%30%3%4%747
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about government aid to the poor among adults who pray weekly by generational group

% of adults who pray weekly who say government aid to the poor…

Generational cohortDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial40%54%3%2%584
Older Millennial43%52%3%3%646
Generation X47%49%4%1%1,169
Baby Boomer47%48%3%2%2,021
Silent55%40%2%3%747
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about abortion among adults who pray weekly by generational group

% of adults who pray weekly who say abortion should be…

Generational cohortLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial53%45%2%584
Older Millennial53%44%3%646
Generation X60%36%3%1,169
Baby Boomer60%36%4%2,021
Silent53%41%6%747
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about homosexuality among adults who pray weekly by generational group

% of adults who pray weekly who say homosexuality…

Generational cohortShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial81%16%2%2%584
Older Millennial75%20%3%2%646
Generation X73%21%3%3%1,169
Baby Boomer65%27%4%4%2,021
Silent53%40%4%3%747
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about same-sex marriage among adults who pray weekly by generational group

% of adults who pray weekly who …same-sex marriage

Generational cohortStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial75%20%5%584
Older Millennial67%27%6%646
Generation X61%31%8%1,169
Baby Boomer56%37%8%2,021
Silent39%50%11%747
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about environmental regulation among adults who pray weekly by generational group

% of adults who pray weekly who say…

Generational cohortStricter 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
Younger Millennial38%60%1%2%584
Older Millennial37%60%1%2%646
Generation X37%61%1%1%1,169
Baby Boomer40%55%2%2%2,021
Silent45%48%3%4%747
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about human evolution among adults who pray weekly by generational group

% of adults who pray weekly who say humans…

Generational cohortEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial38%32%2%26%2%584
Older Millennial34%29%4%29%3%646
Generation X34%33%4%26%3%1,169
Baby Boomer29%33%4%31%3%2,021
Silent25%30%5%30%10%747
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.