Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201488%7%6%18,725
200786%7%7%20,547
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: Believe, Don't believe

Belief in Heaven among adults who say religion is very important by religious group

% of adults who say religion is very important who …in heaven

Religious traditionBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Catholic91%5%4%4,220
Evangelical Protestant89%5%7%6,904
Historically Black Protestant95%3%3%1,641
Jehovah's Witness50%37%12%224
Jewish61%29%10%279
Mainline Protestant88%6%7%3,317
Mormon98%1%1%559
Muslim95%2%2%154
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")77%16%7%826
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: Believe, Don't believe

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who say religion is very important by belief in heaven

% of adults who say religion is very important who are ages…

Belief in Heaven18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Believe17%33%29%22%15,868
Don't believe17%32%33%19%1,274
Other/don't know9%35%32%24%1,130
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 adults who say religion is very important by belief in heaven

% of adults who say religion is very important who are…

Belief in HeavenYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Believe10%12%27%34%15%2%15,868
Don't believe9%13%27%37%12%2%1,274
Other/don't know5%9%30%38%16%2%1,130
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 say religion is very important by belief in heaven

% of adults who say religion is very important who are…

Belief in HeavenMenWomenSample size
Believe42%58%16,237
Don't believe46%54%1,305
Other/don't know44%56%1,183
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 say religion is very important by belief in heaven

% of adults who say religion is very important who identify as…

Belief in HeavenWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Believe61%17%2%16%4%16,019
Don't believe60%11%3%23%4%1,280
Other/don't know66%10%2%17%5%1,143
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 say religion is very important by belief in heaven

% of adults who say religion is very important who are…

Belief in HeavenImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Believe15%8%76%16,011
Don't believe24%8%68%1,290
Other/don't know16%7%77%1,164
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 say religion is very important by belief in heaven

% of adults who say religion is very important who have a household income of…

Belief in HeavenLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Believe39%21%25%15%13,902
Don't believe34%21%25%20%1,120
Other/don't know35%20%26%19%918
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 say religion is very important by belief in heaven

% of adults who say religion is very important who have completed…

Belief in HeavenHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Believe45%32%14%8%16,148
Don't believe38%28%18%16%1,292
Other/don't know40%28%19%13%1,171
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 say religion is very important by belief in heaven

% of adults who say religion is very important who are…

Belief in HeavenMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Believe52%5%14%9%20%16,162
Don't believe54%7%15%5%19%1,298
Other/don't know61%3%14%7%16%1,171
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 say religion is very important by belief in heaven

% of adults who say religion is very important who are…

Belief in HeavenParentsNon-parentsSample size
Believe31%69%16,174
Don't believe30%70%1,302
Other/don't know31%69%1,172
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 say religion is very important by belief in heaven

% of adults who say religion is very important who say they…

Belief in HeavenBelieve 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
Believe89%9%1%1%< 1%< 1%16,237
Don't believe69%20%4%1%5%2%1,305
Other/don't know83%11%2%2%< 1%2%1,183
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 say religion is very important by belief in heaven

% of adults who say religion is very important who attend religious services…

Belief in HeavenAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe60%29%11%1%16,237
Don't believe53%28%18%1%1,305
Other/don't know61%23%14%1%1,183
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 adults who say religion is very important by belief in heaven

% of adults who say religion is very important who pray…

Belief in HeavenAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe82%13%2%2%1%16,237
Don't believe71%13%4%11%1%1,305
Other/don't know83%9%2%3%3%1,183
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 say religion is very important by belief in heaven

% of adults who say religion is very important who attend prayer group…

Belief in HeavenAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe42%13%10%34%1%16,237
Don't believe41%11%10%37%1%1,305
Other/don't know46%10%9%33%2%1,183
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 say religion is very important by belief in heaven

% of adults who say religion is very important who meditate…

Belief in HeavenAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe53%8%3%34%2%16,237
Don't believe57%8%4%28%4%1,305
Other/don't know55%6%2%30%6%1,183
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 say religion is very important by belief in heaven

% of adults who say religion is very important who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Belief in HeavenAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe76%12%6%5%1%16,237
Don't believe73%12%6%9%1%1,305
Other/don't know78%8%6%5%3%1,183
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 say religion is very important by belief in heaven

% of adults who say religion is very important who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Belief in HeavenAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe48%16%11%23%2%16,237
Don't believe60%10%10%18%2%1,305
Other/don't know57%11%8%18%5%1,183
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 say religion is very important by belief in heaven

% of adults who say religion is very important who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Belief in HeavenReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Believe56%6%32%4%3%16,237
Don't believe43%11%33%9%3%1,305
Other/don't know54%9%27%3%7%1,183
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 say religion is very important by belief in heaven

% of adults who say religion is very important who say…

Belief in HeavenThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe42%55%2%1%16,237
Don't believe40%56%2%2%1,305
Other/don't know48%47%3%2%1,183
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 say religion is very important by belief in heaven

% of adults who say religion is very important who read scripture…

Belief in HeavenAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe59%13%8%20%1%16,237
Don't believe51%13%8%27%1%1,305
Other/don't know62%10%6%19%2%1,183
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 say religion is very important by belief in heaven

% of adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is…

Belief in HeavenWord 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
Believe51%32%4%8%5%16,237
Don't believe32%25%3%32%8%1,305
Other/don't know38%23%8%14%17%1,183
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 say religion is very important by belief in heaven

% of adults who say religion is very important who …in hell

Belief in HeavenBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Believe81%14%6%16,237
Don't believe23%73%4%1,305
Other/don't know36%18%46%1,183
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 say religion is very important by belief in heaven

% of adults who say religion is very important who identify as…

Belief in HeavenRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Believe44%17%39%16,237
Don't believe32%25%43%1,305
Other/don't know44%24%32%1,183
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 say religion is very important by belief in heaven

% of adults who say religion is very important who are…

Belief in HeavenConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Believe48%30%16%6%16,237
Don't believe36%28%28%8%1,305
Other/don't know51%23%14%12%1,183
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 say religion is very important by belief in heaven

% of adults who say religion is very important who would rather have…

Belief in HeavenSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Believe52%41%3%4%16,237
Don't believe48%46%3%3%1,305
Other/don't know55%30%6%9%1,183
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 say religion is very important by belief in heaven

% of adults who say religion is very important who say government aid to the poor…

Belief in HeavenDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe48%46%4%2%16,237
Don't believe41%55%3%1%1,305
Other/don't know48%40%8%5%1,183
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 say religion is very important by belief in heaven

% of adults who say religion is very important who say abortion should be…

Belief in HeavenLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Believe36%59%5%16,237
Don't believe47%49%5%1,305
Other/don't know32%61%7%1,183
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 say religion is very important by belief in heaven

% of adults who say religion is very important who say homosexuality…

Belief in HeavenShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe45%46%5%4%16,237
Don't believe58%36%3%4%1,305
Other/don't know41%46%7%7%1,183
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 say religion is very important by belief in heaven

% of adults who say religion is very important who …same-sex marriage

Belief in HeavenStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Believe35%57%8%16,237
Don't believe50%43%7%1,305
Other/don't know30%56%14%1,183
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 say religion is very important by belief in heaven

% of adults who say religion is very important who say…

Belief in HeavenStricter 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
Believe44%50%3%4%16,237
Don't believe33%62%3%2%1,305
Other/don't know46%42%5%8%1,183
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 say religion is very important by belief in heaven

% of adults who say religion is very important who say humans…

Belief in HeavenEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Believe13%30%3%49%5%16,237
Don't believe29%22%4%41%3%1,305
Other/don't know13%18%8%50%11%1,183
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.