DemographicInformation

Age distribution among the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who are ages…

Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201443%36%16%5%282
200739%44%14%3%284
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 bigger government with more services who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who are…

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
201429%23%28%17%4%< 1%282
2007< 1%28%45%22%4%< 1%284
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 bigger government with more services who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who are…

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201448%52%285
200747%53%290
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 bigger government with more services who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who identify as…

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201450%19%3%24%5%280
200760%13%3%19%5%286
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 bigger government with more services who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who are…

Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
201415%14%71%275
200716%5%79%288
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 bigger government with more services who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who have a household income of…

Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201459%13%19%9%247
200746%24%20%10%254
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 bigger government with more services who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who have completed…

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201463%25%8%4%284
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 bigger government with more services who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who are…

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201430%7%14%3%46%285
200746%10%14%1%28%288
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 bigger government with more services who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who are…

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201433%67%285
200749%51%290
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 bigger government with more services who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally 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
201454%32%8%< 1%4%2%285
200766%24%3%< 1%4%2%290
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 adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who say religion is…

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201428%40%22%9%1%285
200725%44%19%10%2%290
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 bigger government with more services who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who attend religious services…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20147%43%50%< 1%285
20079%31%59%1%290
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 bigger government with more services who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201440%19%11%31%< 1%285
200735%25%10%29%1%290
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 bigger government with more services who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who attend prayer group…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20147%9%9%75%< 1%285
20078%7%5%79%1%290
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 bigger government with more services who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who meditate…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201426%7%2%65%< 1%285
200724%6%3%66%< 1%290
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 bigger government with more services who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally 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
201442%15%13%30%1%285
200732%19%12%34%2%290
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 bigger government with more services who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally 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
201437%14%12%37%< 1%285
200730%14%15%39%3%290
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 bigger government with more services who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201411%12%62%11%3%285
20077%8%77%7%1%290
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 bigger government with more services who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who say…

Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201424%76%< 1%< 1%285
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 bigger government with more services who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who read scripture…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201416%18%8%59%< 1%285
200719%10%11%59%1%290
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 bigger government with more services who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who …in heaven

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201474%19%7%285
200779%14%7%290
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 bigger government with more services who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201459%37%4%285
200761%34%6%290
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 bigger government with more services who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who identify as…

Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201420%26%54%285
200723%28%50%290
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 bigger government with more services who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who are…

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201419%40%29%12%285
200725%48%20%7%290
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 bigger government with more services who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who say government aid to the poor…

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201431%65%3%1%285
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 bigger government with more services who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who say abortion should be…

Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201451%47%2%285
200761%36%4%290
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 bigger government with more services who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who say homosexuality…

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201477%17%5%1%285
200771%22%3%4%290
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 bigger government with more services who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who …same-sex marriage

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201469%26%5%285
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 bigger government with more services who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally 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
201429%66%3%2%285
200731%65%2%3%290
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 bigger government with more services who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of the Unaffiliated adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally 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
201435%33%3%27%2%285
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.