State among independents and those who don't lean to either party

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are in…

Survey yearAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingSample size
20141%< 1%2%1%13%2%1%< 1%< 1%7%3%1%< 1%4%2%1%1%1%1%< 1%1%2%3%1%1%2%< 1%1%1%< 1%3%1%7%3%< 1%4%1%1%3%< 1%2%< 1%2%9%1%< 1%3%3%1%2%< 1%5,658
20071%< 1%2%1%13%2%1%< 1%< 1%5%3%< 1%1%4%2%1%1%1%1%1%2%2%3%2%1%2%< 1%1%1%< 1%4%1%6%3%< 1%4%1%1%4%1%1%< 1%2%8%1%< 1%3%2%1%2%< 1%5,770
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: Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Washington

State among independents and those who don't lean to either party by religious group

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are in…

Religious traditionAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingSample size
Catholic< 1%< 1%2%< 1%19%1%1%< 1%< 1%7%1%1%< 1%5%2%< 1%1%< 1%1%< 1%1%3%2%1%< 1%1%< 1%1%1%< 1%4%1%11%1%< 1%3%< 1%< 1%3%1%1%< 1%< 1%12%< 1%< 1%1%3%< 1%2%< 1%1,158
Evangelical Protestant3%< 1%3%1%11%2%1%< 1%< 1%6%5%< 1%< 1%2%3%1%1%2%2%< 1%2%1%3%2%1%3%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%2%< 1%3%4%< 1%4%2%2%3%< 1%3%< 1%3%10%< 1%< 1%4%2%< 1%1%< 1%1,230
Historically Black Protestant2%< 1%< 1%2%5%< 1%1%< 1%1%10%11%< 1%< 1%5%1%< 1%< 1%1%5%< 1%3%1%3%1%2%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%2%< 1%5%5%< 1%6%1%< 1%1%< 1%2%< 1%2%11%< 1%< 1%5%1%< 1%2%< 1%184
Jehovah's Witness1%< 1%5%< 1%17%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%8%5%1%< 1%4%1%< 1%1%1%1%< 1%< 1%2%3%1%< 1%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%1%1%7%2%< 1%4%< 1%1%5%1%2%< 1%2%12%< 1%< 1%< 1%5%< 1%1%1%188
Mainline Protestant1%< 1%2%1%9%1%2%< 1%< 1%5%3%1%< 1%5%2%3%2%1%< 1%1%1%2%5%2%1%2%< 1%1%1%< 1%3%< 1%4%4%< 1%4%2%1%6%< 1%1%< 1%1%6%1%< 1%3%2%1%2%< 1%822
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")< 1%< 1%2%1%13%2%1%< 1%< 1%7%2%1%1%5%3%1%1%1%1%< 1%2%3%4%1%< 1%2%< 1%1%1%1%2%< 1%6%2%< 1%4%1%2%3%< 1%1%< 1%2%8%1%< 1%2%4%1%1%< 1%1,474
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: Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Washington

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among independents and those who don't lean to either party by state

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are ages…

State18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Arizona25%40%23%12%117
California28%42%21%10%606
Florida23%35%25%17%320
Georgia30%43%16%11%149
Illinois24%40%21%15%225
Indiana28%38%20%14%112
Michigan26%33%23%19%165
Missouri27%39%24%10%100
New Jersey22%35%31%12%133
New York21%44%19%16%321
North Carolina19%44%22%15%147
Ohio27%34%28%11%164
Pennsylvania33%33%18%16%172
Texas26%44%21%10%450
Virginia24%37%28%11%125
Washington25%38%24%13%134
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by state

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are…

StateYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Arizona16%18%30%27%8%1%117
California15%19%35%25%6%< 1%606
Florida15%14%29%30%10%2%320
Georgia21%16%36%18%8%1%149
Illinois16%18%30%26%9%1%225
Indiana18%21%26%24%8%2%112
Michigan16%18%24%29%12%1%165
Missouri14%21%30%29%5%< 1%100
New Jersey13%17%27%33%8%1%133
New York12%16%36%23%11%1%321
North Carolina9%26%28%29%8%< 1%147
Ohio17%18%26%31%8%< 1%164
Pennsylvania23%14%29%26%7%< 1%172
Texas17%18%35%23%7%< 1%450
Virginia16%21%24%32%6%< 1%125
Washington10%22%31%29%9%< 1%134
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by state

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are…

StateMenWomenSample size
Arizona44%56%119
California49%51%638
Florida49%51%336
Georgia56%44%156
Illinois47%53%234
Indiana54%46%114
Massachusetts40%60%103
Michigan48%52%176
Missouri53%47%105
New Jersey48%52%145
New York46%54%337
North Carolina48%52%152
Ohio49%51%175
Pennsylvania47%53%179
Texas49%51%476
Virginia48%52%136
Washington55%45%140
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by state

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who identify as…

StateWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Arizona51%5%3%36%5%113
California29%5%14%49%3%614
Florida47%11%2%33%7%328
Georgia54%24%< 1%16%6%150
Illinois57%8%6%24%5%223
Indiana81%6%< 1%10%3%110
Michigan83%8%1%5%3%173
Missouri81%6%1%7%5%104
New Jersey56%8%6%22%9%140
New York55%11%6%23%5%328
North Carolina68%14%5%7%6%149
Ohio80%8%4%6%2%170
Pennsylvania80%6%2%8%4%174
Texas32%9%4%52%4%458
Virginia64%16%5%11%4%128
Washington64%1%8%16%11%135
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by state

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are…

StateImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Arizona18%11%70%117
California50%13%37%614
Florida34%12%54%321
Georgia14%6%80%151
Illinois24%10%66%224
Indiana11%5%84%114
Massachusetts16%9%75%103
Michigan7%6%88%174
Missouri8%4%88%102
New Jersey31%18%51%139
New York33%14%53%323
North Carolina13%4%83%150
Ohio8%7%85%174
Pennsylvania8%6%86%170
Texas39%11%50%455
Virginia15%6%79%125
Washington18%8%75%137
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by state

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who have a household income of…

StateLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Arizona52%14%24%10%100
California53%18%14%15%481
Florida48%21%22%9%253
Georgia48%20%18%14%116
Illinois47%17%26%10%170
Michigan51%22%18%10%130
New York45%18%22%14%239
North Carolina52%17%23%8%126
Ohio53%21%18%8%143
Pennsylvania46%20%23%11%136
Texas51%17%20%11%367
Virginia51%18%20%12%102
Washington48%24%16%12%118
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by state

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who have completed…

StateHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Arizona52%32%10%7%119
California56%25%12%6%621
Florida53%29%12%5%327
Georgia49%34%10%7%153
Illinois46%29%14%11%231
Indiana60%29%8%3%113
Massachusetts42%29%16%13%103
Michigan42%42%10%6%171
Missouri50%35%8%7%104
New Jersey45%35%13%7%143
New York52%28%13%7%331
North Carolina48%36%10%6%151
Ohio50%33%12%5%172
Pennsylvania58%31%7%4%175
Texas56%25%11%8%467
Virginia48%28%14%10%135
Washington45%40%11%4%138
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by state

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are…

StateMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Arizona41%9%20%5%26%119
California44%12%12%4%28%629
Florida40%8%16%6%30%331
Georgia37%6%15%8%35%153
Illinois49%6%13%5%27%226
Indiana39%3%18%13%27%114
Massachusetts48%11%8%11%22%100
Michigan42%10%14%8%26%171
Missouri49%11%21%2%18%104
New Jersey50%7%13%7%24%141
New York48%10%12%5%25%333
North Carolina44%8%16%7%24%152
Ohio44%7%14%7%29%174
Pennsylvania38%9%12%7%33%177
Texas47%10%16%5%22%470
Virginia48%8%13%9%23%134
Washington51%13%13%2%20%139
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by state

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are…

StateParentsNon-parentsSample size
Arizona27%73%119
California40%60%633
Florida27%73%333
Georgia29%71%155
Illinois30%70%234
Indiana32%68%113
Massachusetts33%67%102
Michigan27%73%175
Missouri39%61%105
New Jersey36%64%144
New York28%72%334
North Carolina27%73%150
Ohio32%68%173
Pennsylvania32%68%177
Texas38%62%469
Virginia32%68%135
Washington32%68%138
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by state

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they…

StateBelieve 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
Arizona62%23%3%< 1%10%1%119
California55%24%7%2%10%3%638
Florida62%17%6%1%10%4%336
Georgia74%10%7%< 1%5%3%156
Illinois59%22%3%1%9%6%234
Indiana58%18%6%2%13%3%114
Massachusetts43%19%12%5%18%4%103
Michigan56%27%5%2%6%3%176
Missouri64%24%3%1%8%1%105
New Jersey64%20%9%< 1%4%3%145
New York59%21%6%1%11%3%337
North Carolina70%14%2%2%12%< 1%152
Ohio65%18%6%1%8%3%175
Pennsylvania57%25%5%2%10%2%179
Texas69%19%4%1%6%2%476
Virginia72%9%4%1%10%3%136
Washington58%24%6%2%9%1%140
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by state

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is…

StateVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Arizona54%24%8%13%1%119
California49%26%12%11%2%638
Florida53%23%8%14%1%336
Georgia62%21%5%9%2%156
Illinois47%27%13%12%1%234
Indiana45%23%13%17%2%114
Massachusetts38%30%12%20%1%103
Michigan46%28%11%14%1%176
Missouri54%26%7%10%2%105
New Jersey52%25%12%8%2%145
New York47%27%12%13%2%337
North Carolina59%19%6%13%2%152
Ohio49%27%9%14%1%175
Pennsylvania45%25%14%14%2%179
Texas64%22%5%8%1%476
Virginia58%23%7%11%< 1%136
Washington45%26%16%12%1%140
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by state

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services…

StateAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Arizona37%27%35%1%119
California35%32%32%1%638
Florida33%29%36%2%336
Georgia36%32%31%2%156
Illinois30%28%41%2%234
Indiana24%28%46%2%114
Massachusetts19%36%44%1%103
Michigan26%32%42%1%176
Missouri32%32%35%< 1%105
New Jersey36%34%28%1%145
New York32%26%40%1%337
North Carolina34%38%23%4%152
Ohio30%33%36%2%175
Pennsylvania29%30%39%2%179
Texas43%29%27%1%476
Virginia44%32%23%1%136
Washington30%26%44%< 1%140
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by state

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray…

StateAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Arizona64%11%3%22%< 1%119
California54%13%8%23%1%638
Florida54%14%6%23%3%336
Georgia58%15%6%18%3%156
Illinois50%13%10%25%2%234
Indiana47%18%4%29%2%114
Massachusetts42%11%4%42%1%103
Michigan47%12%6%31%3%176
Missouri56%11%7%25%2%105
New Jersey48%20%7%24%2%145
New York50%14%9%25%2%337
North Carolina60%15%3%19%3%152
Ohio57%12%8%22%1%175
Pennsylvania45%17%5%30%2%179
Texas65%12%4%18%1%476
Virginia64%9%4%22%1%136
Washington49%10%8%32%< 1%140
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by state

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend prayer group…

StateAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Arizona36%2%11%50%1%119
California25%10%9%55%1%638
Florida27%6%6%58%2%336
Georgia30%9%10%49%2%156
Illinois20%8%7%63%1%234
Indiana24%8%3%62%2%114
Massachusetts10%8%1%78%3%103
Michigan14%9%7%67%4%176
Missouri20%12%11%56%1%105
New Jersey20%10%10%57%3%145
New York19%8%6%66%1%337
North Carolina29%9%13%49%< 1%152
Ohio29%6%7%59%< 1%175
Pennsylvania21%4%7%67%1%179
Texas36%10%6%48%< 1%476
Virginia28%9%6%55%2%136
Washington23%8%3%63%2%140
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by state

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who meditate…

StateAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Arizona49%6%3%40%1%119
California42%9%4%43%2%638
Florida45%6%3%42%4%336
Georgia47%9%5%31%7%156
Illinois44%9%4%39%4%234
Indiana41%11%3%43%2%114
Massachusetts38%8%3%51%1%103
Michigan38%6%2%51%3%176
Missouri46%7%5%38%4%105
New Jersey28%6%5%56%5%145
New York41%7%3%46%2%337
North Carolina44%5%4%45%2%152
Ohio44%6%4%45%1%175
Pennsylvania39%6%5%48%1%179
Texas50%8%3%34%4%476
Virginia47%12%4%35%2%136
Washington40%7%3%48%1%140
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by state

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

StateAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Arizona66%8%7%18%1%119
California57%14%8%17%4%638
Florida64%11%7%15%3%336
Georgia66%15%3%11%5%156
Illinois54%12%5%25%5%234
Indiana54%16%9%20%2%114
Massachusetts45%17%12%22%4%103
Michigan53%11%13%19%4%176
Missouri51%15%14%18%2%105
New Jersey54%14%7%23%2%145
New York53%15%9%22%2%337
North Carolina65%8%10%15%1%152
Ohio58%17%7%17%2%175
Pennsylvania55%12%12%18%3%179
Texas66%12%7%11%4%476
Virginia66%10%7%13%3%136
Washington57%9%13%20%< 1%140
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by state

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

StateAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Arizona58%10%9%21%2%119
California48%12%13%23%3%638
Florida49%11%11%25%5%336
Georgia42%14%7%34%3%156
Illinois45%10%15%27%3%234
Indiana43%16%17%23%1%114
Massachusetts44%14%11%27%4%103
Michigan40%18%10%31%1%176
Missouri45%14%9%30%2%105
New Jersey44%11%15%26%4%145
New York49%12%13%24%2%337
North Carolina40%13%10%36%1%152
Ohio43%17%13%24%2%175
Pennsylvania46%17%10%25%1%179
Texas54%12%9%22%3%476
Virginia53%8%11%23%4%136
Washington52%10%7%31%1%140
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by state

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

StateReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Arizona41%10%34%8%7%119
California32%11%42%11%4%638
Florida32%13%45%5%5%336
Georgia41%8%41%6%4%156
Illinois33%10%41%13%4%234
Indiana33%10%43%7%7%114
Massachusetts11%5%64%16%4%103
Michigan30%6%54%6%4%176
Missouri31%7%48%10%4%105
New Jersey29%6%54%9%3%145
New York25%12%51%8%4%337
North Carolina40%8%40%6%5%152
Ohio31%13%48%6%3%175
Pennsylvania33%5%49%10%3%179
Texas37%9%38%12%4%476
Virginia43%10%38%5%4%136
Washington27%9%53%8%3%140
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by state

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say…

StateThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Arizona33%58%8%< 1%119
California28%66%3%3%638
Florida28%67%3%2%336
Georgia31%65%2%1%156
Illinois26%70%2%2%234
Indiana26%71%3%< 1%114
Massachusetts24%72%1%3%103
Michigan38%57%4%1%176
Missouri34%65%1%< 1%105
New Jersey27%72%< 1%1%145
New York25%70%2%3%337
North Carolina28%67%2%3%152
Ohio28%71%< 1%1%175
Pennsylvania37%62%< 1%1%179
Texas28%68%2%3%476
Virginia29%65%3%3%136
Washington31%68%< 1%1%140
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by state

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture…

StateAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Arizona42%10%5%42%1%119
California33%11%7%47%1%638
Florida35%11%7%45%2%336
Georgia50%8%7%34%1%156
Illinois24%11%11%50%3%234
Indiana34%7%10%49%< 1%114
Massachusetts16%3%9%72%< 1%103
Michigan23%7%6%59%5%176
Missouri39%8%8%44%< 1%105
New Jersey34%10%7%47%3%145
New York28%7%8%56%1%337
North Carolina43%12%8%34%2%152
Ohio34%9%6%50%< 1%175
Pennsylvania31%6%9%53%1%179
Texas48%7%8%36%2%476
Virginia45%9%5%40%< 1%136
Washington32%9%7%52%< 1%140
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by state

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is…

StateWord 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
Arizona30%25%2%28%15%119
California34%20%3%31%12%638
Florida33%18%8%32%9%336
Georgia33%27%3%27%9%156
Illinois26%26%2%34%11%234
Indiana35%25%8%28%4%114
Massachusetts13%17%2%54%14%103
Michigan25%26%5%30%14%176
Missouri23%30%3%33%11%105
New Jersey29%27%2%29%12%145
New York23%23%3%38%13%337
North Carolina29%23%9%29%11%152
Ohio26%28%4%30%12%175
Pennsylvania30%20%2%36%12%179
Texas40%19%4%28%9%476
Virginia43%15%3%30%9%136
Washington22%25%6%34%14%140
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by state

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who …in heaven

StateBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Arizona73%17%9%119
California64%26%10%638
Florida67%22%10%336
Georgia74%17%10%156
Illinois65%20%15%234
Indiana75%19%6%114
Massachusetts56%29%15%103
Michigan73%17%10%176
Missouri76%19%6%105
New Jersey68%18%14%145
New York66%25%10%337
North Carolina65%26%10%152
Ohio70%21%9%175
Pennsylvania65%25%9%179
Texas72%18%10%476
Virginia76%14%11%136
Washington66%21%13%140
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by state

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who …in hell

StateBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Arizona52%36%12%119
California53%36%11%638
Florida53%35%12%336
Georgia60%32%8%156
Illinois44%42%14%234
Indiana63%31%6%114
Massachusetts28%52%19%103
Michigan54%38%8%176
Missouri61%31%8%105
New Jersey48%38%14%145
New York48%40%12%337
North Carolina60%28%12%152
Ohio55%33%12%175
Pennsylvania50%44%7%179
Texas57%33%10%476
Virginia57%30%13%136
Washington42%46%12%140
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

Political ideology among independents and those who don't lean to either party by state

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are…

StateConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Arizona26%36%14%24%119
California25%34%23%18%638
Florida25%30%20%24%336
Georgia22%38%16%24%156
Illinois25%35%18%22%234
Indiana24%33%20%23%114
Massachusetts19%42%21%18%103
Michigan20%36%13%31%176
Missouri27%35%17%21%105
New Jersey23%32%23%22%145
New York28%29%25%19%337
North Carolina32%31%23%15%152
Ohio20%36%18%27%175
Pennsylvania23%26%24%27%179
Texas26%29%23%22%476
Virginia24%40%18%19%136
Washington23%31%20%25%140
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by state

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who would rather have…

StateSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Arizona50%42%2%6%119
California39%54%4%4%638
Florida41%43%8%8%336
Georgia45%42%4%9%156
Illinois47%40%5%8%234
Indiana47%35%8%10%114
Massachusetts51%34%5%10%103
Michigan53%36%7%4%176
Missouri54%35%2%9%105
New Jersey38%50%5%7%145
New York38%50%6%5%337
North Carolina55%28%5%12%152
Ohio56%32%3%8%175
Pennsylvania48%38%6%9%179
Texas35%55%5%5%476
Virginia51%38%5%6%136
Washington47%40%5%7%140
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by state

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say government aid to the poor…

StateDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Arizona38%47%10%6%119
California35%56%5%4%638
Florida42%49%6%4%336
Georgia33%48%12%6%156
Illinois41%47%4%8%234
Indiana49%39%10%2%114
Massachusetts43%45%6%6%103
Michigan40%49%7%4%176
Missouri46%46%6%2%105
New Jersey39%53%5%3%145
New York38%51%8%3%337
North Carolina49%40%6%5%152
Ohio47%40%7%6%175
Pennsylvania46%48%4%2%179
Texas41%48%5%5%476
Virginia43%45%5%7%136
Washington45%48%5%2%140
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by state

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say abortion should be…

StateLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Arizona43%46%11%119
California45%47%8%638
Florida47%43%10%336
Georgia43%50%8%156
Illinois53%40%7%234
Indiana42%49%9%114
Massachusetts71%23%6%103
Michigan48%46%6%176
Missouri42%51%6%105
New Jersey52%41%7%145
New York55%38%7%337
North Carolina43%48%9%152
Ohio39%51%9%175
Pennsylvania43%48%9%179
Texas39%56%6%476
Virginia52%45%3%136
Washington54%38%8%140
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by state

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say homosexuality…

StateShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Arizona58%26%7%9%119
California62%27%5%5%638
Florida57%28%8%8%336
Georgia51%30%9%9%156
Illinois64%22%7%7%234
Indiana59%26%7%7%114
Massachusetts82%10%1%6%103
Michigan68%25%4%3%176
Missouri53%39%2%6%105
New Jersey65%27%4%5%145
New York59%27%6%9%337
North Carolina42%41%9%8%152
Ohio57%28%6%9%175
Pennsylvania59%29%6%6%179
Texas53%33%8%6%476
Virginia65%27%6%2%136
Washington66%25%5%5%140
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by state

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who …same-sex marriage

StateStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Arizona58%29%13%119
California54%34%12%638
Florida48%36%16%336
Georgia44%40%16%156
Illinois55%28%18%234
Indiana46%38%16%114
Massachusetts75%15%10%103
Michigan55%30%15%176
Missouri50%42%8%105
New Jersey60%29%11%145
New York50%33%17%337
North Carolina37%47%15%152
Ohio50%35%15%175
Pennsylvania49%36%15%179
Texas42%44%14%476
Virginia48%40%12%136
Washington54%32%14%140
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by state

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say…

StateStricter 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
Arizona30%55%7%7%119
California32%56%4%8%638
Florida37%53%3%7%336
Georgia31%60%6%3%156
Illinois39%52%3%6%234
Indiana45%53%1%1%114
Massachusetts42%42%3%13%103
Michigan30%52%6%11%176
Missouri46%49%2%4%105
New Jersey28%64%3%5%145
New York34%56%4%7%337
North Carolina41%51%5%4%152
Ohio34%58%4%4%175
Pennsylvania40%52%5%3%179
Texas34%54%4%7%476
Virginia29%65%3%2%136
Washington28%59%5%8%140
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by state

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say humans…

StateEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Arizona25%24%4%32%14%119
California33%21%5%33%8%638
Florida31%22%6%32%9%336
Georgia22%25%4%41%8%156
Illinois37%25%3%28%7%234
Indiana29%26%5%31%10%114
Massachusetts40%17%11%23%9%103
Michigan32%20%4%35%8%176
Missouri26%20%7%42%5%105
New Jersey28%19%10%37%6%145
New York34%24%6%30%6%337
North Carolina27%22%8%36%7%152
Ohio25%25%8%35%8%175
Pennsylvania39%20%7%29%5%179
Texas25%24%5%39%8%476
Virginia23%33%5%34%5%136
Washington38%19%10%27%6%140
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.