DemographicInformation

Age distribution among atheists by generational group

% of atheists who are ages…

Generational cohort18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Younger Millennial100%< 1%< 1%< 1%200
Older Millennial55%45%< 1%< 1%230
Generation X< 1%100%< 1%< 1%263
Baby Boomer< 1%< 1%81%19%277
Silent< 1%< 1%< 1%100%100
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 atheists by generational group

% of atheists who are…

Generational cohortMenWomenSample size
Younger Millennial68%32%200
Older Millennial69%31%230
Generation X65%35%263
Baby Boomer67%33%277
Silent80%20%100
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 atheists by generational group

% of atheists who identify as…

Generational cohortWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Younger Millennial66%5%13%15%2%199
Older Millennial79%1%5%13%2%230
Generation X81%2%6%7%4%260
Baby Boomer91%2%2%5%1%273
Silent87%9%< 1%3%1%100
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 atheists by generational group

% of atheists who are…

Generational cohortImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Younger Millennial16%21%63%200
Older Millennial10%11%80%227
Generation X13%10%77%260
Baby Boomer11%9%80%274
Silent10%13%77%100
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 atheists by generational group

% of atheists 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 Millennial31%23%26%19%174
Older Millennial32%22%26%20%220
Generation X15%13%30%42%250
Baby Boomer19%9%29%42%261
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 atheists by generational group

% of atheists who have completed…

Generational cohortHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Younger Millennial41%42%16%1%200
Older Millennial14%36%32%18%230
Generation X23%25%32%20%263
Baby Boomer23%25%26%26%277
Silent22%22%24%32%100
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 atheists by generational group

% of atheists who are…

Generational cohortMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Younger Millennial4%12%1%< 1%83%199
Older Millennial22%22%9%< 1%47%230
Generation X55%11%12%2%21%262
Baby Boomer63%8%18%4%8%276
Silent70%5%17%7%2%100
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 atheists by generational group

% of atheists who are…

Generational cohortParentsNon-parentsSample size
Younger Millennial4%96%200
Older Millennial19%81%230
Generation X50%50%263
Baby Boomer15%85%277
Silent7%93%100
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 atheists by generational group

% of atheists 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 Millennial< 1%4%1%< 1%95%< 1%200
Older Millennial2%3%1%< 1%93%< 1%230
Generation X3%1%3%< 1%91%1%263
Baby Boomer3%5%1%< 1%89%2%277
Silent3%< 1%1%5%87%3%100
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 atheists by generational group

% of atheists who say religion is…

Generational cohortVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial1%7%14%77%1%200
Older Millennial3%5%11%82%< 1%230
Generation X1%4%9%85%< 1%263
Baby Boomer2%4%9%86%< 1%277
Silent6%2%3%88%1%100
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 atheists by generational group

% of atheists who attend religious services…

Generational cohortAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial1%15%84%< 1%200
Older Millennial1%10%89%< 1%230
Generation X1%7%92%< 1%263
Baby Boomer1%7%92%< 1%277
Silent< 1%8%92%< 1%100
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 atheists by generational group

% of atheists who pray…

Generational cohortAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial< 1%< 1%< 1%100%< 1%200
Older Millennial1%1%1%96%< 1%230
Generation X1%< 1%1%98%< 1%263
Baby Boomer3%1%1%94%< 1%277
Silent6%< 1%< 1%94%< 1%100
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 atheists by generational group

% of atheists who attend prayer group…

Generational cohortAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial< 1%1%3%96%< 1%200
Older Millennial1%< 1%1%98%< 1%230
Generation X1%< 1%< 1%99%< 1%263
Baby Boomer< 1%< 1%2%98%< 1%277
Silent5%< 1%1%93%1%100
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 atheists by generational group

% of atheists who meditate…

Generational cohortAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial13%9%5%72%< 1%200
Older Millennial17%10%5%67%< 1%230
Generation X21%8%4%67%< 1%263
Baby Boomer22%6%6%65%< 1%277
Silent29%4%2%65%< 1%100
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 atheists by generational group

% of atheists 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 Millennial28%15%8%47%2%200
Older Millennial32%19%6%41%2%230
Generation X35%10%12%42%1%263
Baby Boomer31%12%7%47%3%277
Silent34%10%4%48%5%100
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 atheists by generational group

% of atheists 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 Millennial57%16%10%17%1%200
Older Millennial60%16%8%15%1%230
Generation X48%18%14%19%1%263
Baby Boomer52%16%13%19%< 1%277
Silent46%14%11%27%2%100
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 atheists by generational group

% of atheists who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Generational cohortReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial< 1%27%40%32%1%200
Older Millennial1%20%40%38%1%230
Generation X< 1%18%49%31%2%263
Baby Boomer1%20%47%30%2%277
Silent6%20%47%25%2%100
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 atheists by generational group

% of atheists 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 Millennial11%89%< 1%< 1%200
Older Millennial16%82%1%2%230
Generation X17%81%1%< 1%263
Baby Boomer20%79%< 1%1%277
Silent13%87%< 1%< 1%100
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 atheists by generational group

% of atheists who read scripture…

Generational cohortAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial3%3%4%90%< 1%200
Older Millennial1%3%6%89%< 1%230
Generation X2%5%5%88%< 1%263
Baby Boomer2%2%6%90%< 1%277
Silent6%3%1%90%1%100
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 atheists by generational group

% of atheists 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 Millennial< 1%< 1%< 1%100%< 1%200
Older Millennial1%2%< 1%94%3%230
Generation X< 1%1%< 1%97%2%263
Baby Boomer1%3%< 1%95%1%277
Silent5%< 1%< 1%92%3%100
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 atheists by generational group

% of atheists who …in heaven

Generational cohortBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Younger Millennial7%92%1%200
Older Millennial4%95%1%230
Generation X3%96%1%263
Baby Boomer4%94%2%277
Silent< 1%93%7%100
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 atheists by generational group

% of atheists who …in hell

Generational cohortBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Younger Millennial5%95%< 1%200
Older Millennial4%95%1%230
Generation X2%96%2%263
Baby Boomer4%95%1%277
Silent< 1%93%7%100
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 atheists by generational group

% of atheists who identify as…

Generational cohortRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Younger Millennial15%18%67%200
Older Millennial11%20%69%230
Generation X17%17%66%263
Baby Boomer16%13%71%277
Silent11%8%81%100
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 atheists by generational group

% of atheists who are…

Generational cohortConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial10%31%54%4%200
Older Millennial8%26%59%7%230
Generation X13%30%53%4%263
Baby Boomer8%30%60%2%277
Silent9%28%62%1%100
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 atheists by generational group

% of atheists who would rather have…

Generational cohortSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial39%58%1%2%200
Older Millennial42%52%4%2%230
Generation X45%47%5%3%263
Baby Boomer39%53%5%3%277
Silent26%59%10%6%100
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 atheists by generational group

% of atheists who say government aid to the poor…

Generational cohortDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial23%75%1%1%200
Older Millennial23%74%2%1%230
Generation X23%72%5%< 1%263
Baby Boomer23%74%2%1%277
Silent16%81%3%1%100
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 atheists by generational group

% of atheists who say abortion should be…

Generational cohortLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial83%15%2%200
Older Millennial87%11%2%230
Generation X87%9%4%263
Baby Boomer93%5%2%277
Silent91%9%< 1%100
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 atheists by generational group

% of atheists who say homosexuality…

Generational cohortShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial98%1%< 1%1%200
Older Millennial95%4%1%< 1%230
Generation X92%4%2%1%263
Baby Boomer93%6%1%1%277
Silent89%10%2%< 1%100
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 atheists by generational group

% of atheists who …same-sex marriage

Generational cohortStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial97%1%2%200
Older Millennial95%4%2%230
Generation X93%5%2%263
Baby Boomer88%7%5%277
Silent81%7%12%100
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 atheists by generational group

% of atheists 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 Millennial20%75%4%1%200
Older Millennial12%84%< 1%4%230
Generation X17%79%2%2%263
Baby Boomer21%76%2%1%277
Silent18%80%2%< 1%100
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 atheists by generational group

% of atheists 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 Millennial92%3%2%3%< 1%200
Older Millennial88%3%1%8%< 1%230
Generation X93%< 1%< 1%6%1%263
Baby Boomer90%5%< 1%4%1%277
Silent92%1%5%2%< 1%100
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.