DemographicInformation

Age distribution among the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular who are ages…

Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201425%45%22%8%531
200729%47%17%7%456
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Generational cohort among the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular who are…

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
201415%21%35%24%5%< 1%531
2007< 1%22%40%29%7%2%456
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Gender composition among the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular who are…

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201450%50%535
200748%52%465
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Racial and ethnic composition among the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular who identify as…

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201442%29%2%23%3%529
200749%25%< 1%21%6%459
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Immigrant status among the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular who are…

Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
201422%5%72%519
200717%6%77%462
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Income distribution among the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular who have a household income of…

Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201460%21%13%6%444
200756%21%16%6%384
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Educational distribution among the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular who have completed…

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201474%19%6%2%533
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Marital status among the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular who are…

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201430%11%16%5%38%533
200743%11%13%4%29%461
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Parent of children under 18 among the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular who are…

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201433%67%534
200742%58%465
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular who say they…

Survey yearBelieve in God; absolutely certainBelieve in God; fairly certainBelieve in God; not too/not at all certainBelieve in God; don't knowDo not believe in GodOther/don't know if they believe in GodSample size
201474%19%5%1%1%< 1%535
200781%14%2%< 1%1%1%465
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Importance of religion in one's life among the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular who say religion is…

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201451%30%10%7%1%535
200752%33%9%5%< 1%465
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Attendance at religious services among the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular who attend religious services…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201421%37%41%1%535
200718%33%49%1%465
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of prayer among the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201456%21%5%18%< 1%535
200752%19%7%20%2%465
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular who attend prayer group…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201425%11%7%56%< 1%535
200722%9%6%60%2%465
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of meditation among the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular who meditate…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201436%9%3%49%2%535
200731%8%4%53%4%465
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201453%13%10%21%3%535
200745%13%11%27%4%465
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201440%13%10%35%2%535
200732%11%12%39%6%465
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201437%7%46%8%2%535
200725%6%58%5%6%465
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular who say…

Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201430%65%2%2%535
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of reading scripture among the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular who read scripture…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201436%14%5%43%1%535
200731%14%7%45%2%465
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Heaven among the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular who …in heaven

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201487%9%4%535
200786%9%6%465
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Hell among the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201470%25%4%535
200772%20%8%465
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular who identify as…

Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201426%31%43%535
200727%29%45%465
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Political ideology among the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular who are…

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201433%27%26%14%535
200733%34%18%14%465
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular who would rather have…

Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201430%65%1%4%535
200727%66%3%4%465
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about government aid to the poor among the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular who say government aid to the poor…

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201440%53%4%3%535
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about abortion among the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular who say abortion should be…

Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201438%56%6%535
200740%53%7%465
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about homosexuality among the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular who say homosexuality…

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201451%39%3%6%535
200744%46%3%7%465
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about same-sex marriage among the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular who …same-sex marriage

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201439%51%10%535
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about environmental regulation among the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular who say…

Survey yearStricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economyStricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the costNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201443%48%1%7%535
200736%53%4%8%465
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about human evolution among the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are nothing in particular who say humans…

Survey yearEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
201421%25%3%44%7%535
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.