DemographicInformation

Age distribution among the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is not too important

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is not too important who are ages…

Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201436%38%19%7%930
200724%47%22%7%567
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 adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is not too important

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is not too important who are…

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
201423%23%28%21%4%< 1%930
2007< 1%18%37%35%9%1%567
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 adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is not too important

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is not too important who are…

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201465%35%948
200767%33%572
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 adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is not too important

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is not too important who identify as…

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201477%4%6%9%4%935
200786%3%5%3%2%564
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 adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is not too important

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is not too important who are…

Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
20149%13%78%933
20077%7%85%567
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 adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is not too important

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is not too important who have a household income of…

Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201424%22%30%24%866
200718%23%32%26%505
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 adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is not too important

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is not too important who have completed…

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201431%41%19%9%946
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 adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is not too important

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is not too important who are…

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201441%8%10%3%38%944
200755%9%10%2%23%569
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 adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is not too important

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is not too important who are…

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201426%74%943
200731%69%571
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 adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is not too important

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is not too important 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
201415%34%18%< 1%24%8%948
200720%35%17%< 1%16%12%572
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 adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is not too important

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is not too important who attend religious services…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20141%26%73%< 1%948
20071%21%78%< 1%572
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 adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is not too important

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is not too important who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20149%9%7%76%< 1%948
200710%10%8%70%2%572
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 adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is not too important

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is not too important who attend prayer group…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20141%2%3%94%< 1%948
20071%1%1%95%2%572
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 adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is not too important

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is not too important who meditate…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201421%12%6%61%1%948
200719%8%5%66%1%572
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 adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is not too important

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is not too important 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
201431%18%13%38%1%948
200725%14%13%44%4%572
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 adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is not too important

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is not too important 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
201444%17%15%24%< 1%948
200734%19%16%30%1%572
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is not too important

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is not too important who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
20141%18%66%13%1%948
20071%16%72%8%3%572
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 adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is not too important

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is not too important who say…

Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201421%77%1%< 1%948
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of reading scripture among the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is not too important

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is not too important who read scripture…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20144%4%5%87%< 1%948
20072%1%5%90%1%572
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 adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is not too important

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is…

Survey yearWord of God; should be taken literallyWord of God; not everything taken literallyWord of God; other/don't knowNot the word of GodOther/don't knowSample size
20142%10%< 1%81%6%948
20073%9%< 1%78%11%572
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 adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is not too important

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is not too important who …in heaven

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201434%54%12%948
200733%51%16%572
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 adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is not too important

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is not too important who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201421%70%9%948
200725%61%13%572
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 adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is not too important

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is not too important who identify as…

Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201442%21%37%948
200735%19%46%572
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 adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is not too important

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is not too important who are…

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201425%48%23%5%948
200722%47%24%6%572
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 adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is not too important

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is not too important who say government aid to the poor…

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201451%44%4%1%948
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 adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is not too important

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is not too important who say abortion should be…

Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201477%20%3%948
200776%19%5%572
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 adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is not too important

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is not too important who say homosexuality…

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201483%13%2%2%948
200772%18%6%3%572
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 adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is not too important

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is not too important who …same-sex marriage

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201478%17%5%948
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 adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is not too important

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is not too important 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
201434%63%2%1%948
200729%66%4%1%572
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 adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is not too important

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is not too important 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
201469%12%6%10%2%948
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.