Age distribution among Buddhists by generational group
% of Buddhists who are ages…
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Generational cohort
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
Baby Boomer
< 1%
< 1%
76%
24%
107
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 Buddhists by generational group
% of Buddhists who are…
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Generational cohort
Men
Women
Sample size
Baby Boomer
54%
46%
107
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 Buddhists by generational group
% of Buddhists who identify as…
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Generational cohort
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
Baby Boomer
56%
3%
31%
5%
5%
106
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 Buddhists by generational group
% of Buddhists who are…
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Generational cohort
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
Baby Boomer
22%
7%
71%
106
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 Buddhists by generational group
% of Buddhists who have a household income of…
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Generational cohort
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
Baby Boomer
18%
14%
47%
20%
101
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 Buddhists by generational group
% of Buddhists who have completed…
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Generational cohort
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
Baby Boomer
18%
33%
20%
29%
107
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 Buddhists by generational group
% of Buddhists who are…
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Generational cohort
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
Baby Boomer
61%
13%
19%
1%
6%
106
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 Buddhists by generational group
% of Buddhists who are…
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Generational cohort
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
Baby Boomer
21%
79%
107
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 Buddhists by generational group
% of Buddhists who say they…
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Generational cohort
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
Baby Boomer
38%
27%
8%
4%
21%
2%
107
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 Buddhists by generational group
% of Buddhists who say religion is…
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Generational cohort
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
Baby Boomer
37%
34%
19%
9%
1%
107
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 Buddhists by generational group
% of Buddhists who attend religious services…
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Generational cohort
At least once a week
Once or twice a month/a few times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Baby Boomer
25%
47%
28%
< 1%
107
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 Buddhists by generational group
% of Buddhists who pray…
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Generational cohort
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Baby Boomer
45%
16%
13%
24%
2%
107
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 Buddhists by generational group
% of Buddhists who attend prayer group…
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Generational cohort
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Baby Boomer
18%
17%
11%
53%
1%
107
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 Buddhists by generational group
% of Buddhists who meditate…
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Generational cohort
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Baby Boomer
70%
5%
6%
18%
1%
107
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 Buddhists by generational group
% of Buddhists who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
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Generational cohort
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Baby Boomer
59%
15%
12%
14%
< 1%
107
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 Buddhists by generational group
% of Buddhists who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
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Generational cohort
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Baby Boomer
57%
16%
14%
10%
2%
107
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 Buddhists by generational group
% of Buddhists who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
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Generational cohort
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
Baby Boomer
13%
32%
35%
13%
7%
107
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 Buddhists by generational group
% of Buddhists who say…
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Generational cohort
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
Baby Boomer
24%
72%
4%
< 1%
107
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 Buddhists by generational group
% of Buddhists who read scripture…
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Generational cohort
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Baby Boomer
25%
8%
10%
57%
< 1%
107
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 Buddhists by generational group
% of Buddhists who say the holy scripture is…
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Generational cohort
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
Baby Boomer
8%
8%
3%
71%
11%
107
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 Buddhists by generational group
% of Buddhists who …in heaven
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Generational cohort
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Baby Boomer
43%
49%
7%
107
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 Buddhists by generational group
% of Buddhists who …in hell
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Generational cohort
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Baby Boomer
32%
65%
3%
107
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 Buddhists by generational group
% of Buddhists who identify as…
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Generational cohort
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
Baby Boomer
16%
12%
72%
107
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 Buddhists by generational group
% of Buddhists who are…
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Generational cohort
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
Baby Boomer
13%
34%
52%
< 1%
107
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 Buddhists by generational group
% of Buddhists who would rather have…
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Generational cohort
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
Baby Boomer
38%
52%
8%
2%
107
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 Buddhists by generational group
% of Buddhists who say government aid to the poor…
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Generational cohort
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Baby Boomer
22%
69%
8%
1%
107
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 Buddhists by generational group
% of Buddhists who say abortion should be…
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Generational cohort
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
Baby Boomer
85%
15%
< 1%
107
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 Buddhists by generational group
% of Buddhists who say homosexuality…
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Generational cohort
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Baby Boomer
79%
18%
2%
2%
107
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 Buddhists by generational group
% of Buddhists who …same-sex marriage
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Generational cohort
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
Baby Boomer
82%
17%
1%
107
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 Buddhists by generational group
% of Buddhists who say…
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Generational cohort
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
Baby Boomer
20%
78%
1%
1%
107
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 Buddhists by generational group
% of Buddhists who say humans…
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Generational cohort
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
Baby Boomer
69%
12%
2%
17%
< 1%
107
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.