70%
of U.S. adults say they are spiritual in some way
This includes adults who describe themselves as spiritual, believe in a spiritual realm, or say spirituality is important in their lives.
Source: Pew Research Center, 2023Reference Library
Spirituality in America:
statistics & trends.
A clear, citable look at how U.S. adults describe spiritual belief, identity, and experience.
These figures describe what adults reported in a national survey. They offer context for a changing cultural conversation, not a judgment about anyone’s personal path.
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22%
say they are spiritual but not religious
This estimate describes adults who identify with spirituality without describing themselves as religious.
Source: Pew Research Center, 202383%
say people have a soul or spirit beyond the physical body
The survey asked about belief in a soul or spirit that can exist apart from the body.
Source: Pew Research Center, 202381%
say there is something spiritual beyond the natural world
This figure describes adults who hold at least some belief in a spiritual reality beyond what can be observed in nature.
Source: Pew Research Center, 202374%
say some things cannot be explained by science
The figure reflects a broad openness to questions that people do not believe science can fully answer.
Source: Pew Research Center, 202345%
have felt a sudden connection with something beyond this world
This is a self-reported spiritual experience among U.S. adults.
Source: Pew Research Center, 202330%
say they have encountered a spirit or unseen force
This is a self-reported experience, not a scientific or medical finding.
Source: Pew Research Center, 2023Method & source
Built for a more
considered conversation.
All seven figures on this page come from Pew Research Center’s 2023 Religious Landscape Study report, “Spirituality Among Americans.” The report draws on a survey of 11,201 U.S. adults conducted July 31 through August 6, 2023.
Each statistic links directly to the original report so writers, researchers, and readers can check the wording and surrounding context for themselves.
Suggested citation
“Spirituality in America: Statistics & Trends.” The Golden Frequency by Kemi King, updated September 29, 2026.Explore private guidance →