A recent Gallup poll revealed a split among Americans on three distinct ideas about human origins. 

Since 1982, the survey has asked respondents to identify their beliefs. Their options included God guiding the development of human life over the course of millions of years, human life developing over millions of years from lower life forms without a God, and humans being created in their present form by God within the past 10,000 years.

Most Americans (37%) believe God created humans in their present form within the past 10,000 years. Slightly less (34%) believe humans developed throughout millions of years but with God’s guidance. Almost a quarter (24%) of respondents said humans have evolved from lower life forms over millions of years without any divine participation.

The fastest-growing group of people is those who believe there is no God involved in human development. In 1982, only 9% of those polled held that belief.

Household income is a key indicator for those who believe humans have developed without guidance from God. Only 16% of those with yearly incomes of $50,000 or under hold that belief. 

Around 27% of those who make between $50,000 and $100,000 hold this view. Those who make over $100,000 are slightly more likely (29%) to believe no God was involved in human development. In addition to income, the poll also measured education level, religious service attendance, and political ideology. 

More information on the survey, including a link to its methodology and topline results, can be found here.