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.
Age distribution among atheists by political ideology
% of atheists who are ages…
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Political ideology
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
Moderate
38%
39%
16%
7%
289
Liberal
40%
35%
14%
10%
665
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 atheists by political ideology
% of atheists who are…
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Political ideology
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
Moderate
30%
19%
29%
18%
5%
1%
289
Liberal
27%
22%
26%
19%
5%
1%
665
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 political ideology
% of atheists who are…
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Political ideology
Men
Women
Sample size
Moderate
74%
26%
292
Liberal
61%
39%
671
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 political ideology
% of atheists who identify as…
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Political ideology
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
Moderate
78%
3%
7%
11%
< 1%
288
Liberal
81%
3%
5%
8%
3%
668
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 political ideology
% of atheists who are…
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Political ideology
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
Moderate
14%
13%
73%
285
Liberal
10%
13%
77%
667
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 political ideology
% of atheists who have a household income of…
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Political ideology
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
Moderate
24%
23%
27%
27%
268
Liberal
22%
15%
29%
34%
628
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 political ideology
% of atheists who have completed…
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Political ideology
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
Moderate
34%
33%
22%
11%
292
Liberal
17%
31%
30%
21%
671
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 political ideology
% of atheists who are…
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Political ideology
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
Moderate
35%
11%
10%
2%
41%
291
Liberal
39%
15%
7%
2%
37%
669
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 political ideology
% of atheists who are…
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Table
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Political ideology
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
Moderate
23%
77%
292
Liberal
20%
80%
671
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 God among atheists by political ideology
% of atheists who say they…
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Political ideology
Believe in God; absolutely certain
Believe in God; fairly certain
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain
Believe in God; don't know
Do not believe in God
Other/don't know if they believe in God
Sample size
Moderate
3%
5%
2%
1%
88%
1%
292
Liberal
2%
2%
1%
< 1%
95%
< 1%
671
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 political ideology
% of atheists who say religion is…
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Political ideology
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
Moderate
2%
7%
11%
80%
< 1%
292
Liberal
1%
4%
10%
85%
1%
671
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 political ideology
% of atheists who attend religious services…
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Political ideology
At least once a week
Once or twice a month/a few times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Moderate
1%
13%
86%
< 1%
292
Liberal
1%
9%
90%
< 1%
671
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 political ideology
% of atheists who pray…
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Political ideology
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Moderate
2%
1%
< 1%
97%
< 1%
292
Liberal
1%
1%
1%
98%
< 1%
671
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 political ideology
% of atheists who attend prayer group…
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Political ideology
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Moderate
1%
< 1%
2%
97%
< 1%
292
Liberal
< 1%
< 1%
1%
98%
< 1%
671
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 political ideology
% of atheists who meditate…
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Political ideology
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Moderate
20%
8%
5%
68%
< 1%
292
Liberal
19%
9%
6%
66%
< 1%
671
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 political ideology
% of atheists who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
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Table
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Political ideology
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Moderate
35%
12%
9%
42%
2%
292
Liberal
29%
16%
8%
45%
1%
671
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 political ideology
% of atheists who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
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Political ideology
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Moderate
51%
19%
9%
20%
< 1%
292
Liberal
57%
16%
12%
14%
1%
671
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 political ideology
% of atheists who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
Chart
Table
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Political ideology
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
Moderate
1%
19%
45%
33%
1%
292
Liberal
< 1%
25%
39%
35%
1%
671
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 political ideology
% of atheists who say…
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Political ideology
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
Right or wrong depends on the situation
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Moderate
19%
79%
1%
1%
292
Liberal
12%
87%
< 1%
1%
671
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 political ideology
% of atheists who read scripture…
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Table
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Political ideology
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Moderate
3%
6%
4%
87%
< 1%
292
Liberal
2%
2%
6%
90%
< 1%
671
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 political ideology
% of atheists who say the holy scripture is…
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Political ideology
Word of God; should be taken literally
Word of God; not everything taken literally
Word of God; other/don't know
Not the word of God
Other/don't know
Sample size
Moderate
1%
1%
< 1%
94%
3%
292
Liberal
< 1%
1%
< 1%
98%
1%
671
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 political ideology
% of atheists who …in heaven
Chart
Table
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Political ideology
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Moderate
7%
91%
2%
292
Liberal
3%
97%
< 1%
671
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 political ideology
% of atheists who …in hell
Chart
Table
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Political ideology
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Moderate
6%
92%
2%
292
Liberal
2%
98%
< 1%
671
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.
Party affiliation among atheists by political ideology
% of atheists who identify as…
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Political ideology
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
Moderate
21%
25%
53%
292
Liberal
3%
8%
89%
671
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 political ideology
% of atheists who would rather have…
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Political ideology
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
Moderate
63%
31%
3%
3%
292
Liberal
20%
73%
4%
3%
671
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 political ideology
% of atheists who say government aid to the poor…
Chart
Table
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Political ideology
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Moderate
35%
61%
3%
< 1%
292
Liberal
9%
88%
1%
1%
671
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 political ideology
% of atheists who say abortion should be…
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Political ideology
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
Moderate
83%
16%
1%
292
Liberal
94%
4%
2%
671
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 political ideology
% of atheists who say homosexuality…
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Political ideology
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Moderate
93%
4%
2%
< 1%
292
Liberal
97%
2%
1%
< 1%
671
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 political ideology
% of atheists who …same-sex marriage
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Table
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Political ideology
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
Moderate
93%
5%
3%
292
Liberal
96%
2%
2%
671
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 political ideology
% of atheists who say…
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Table
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Political ideology
Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy
Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Moderate
24%
69%
4%
4%
292
Liberal
7%
92%
1%
< 1%
671
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 political ideology
% of atheists who say humans…
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Political ideology
Evolved; due to natural processes
Evolved; due to God's design
Evolved; don't know how
Always existed in present form
Don't know
Sample size
Moderate
87%
4%
2%
6%
< 1%
292
Liberal
95%
2%
1%
2%
< 1%
671
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.