The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life recently conducted a “religious landscape survey”. Here are some interested facts about American Buddhists:
Percentage of Americans who identified themselves as Buddhists: 0.7%
The
Racial composition of American Buddhists: 53% White (non-Hispanic), 32% Asian, 6% Hispanic, 4% Black, 5% other/mixed.
It is tempting to think that most American Buddhists are Asian immigrants or their children. This survey result suggests otherwise.
Percentage of American Buddhists with tertiary education: 22% with college degrees, 26% with post-graduate degrees.
Only Hindus and Jews have higher percentage of postgraduates. National average is 11%
Marital status of American Buddhists: 45% married, 12% divorced or separated, 31% never married, 8% living with partners, 4% widowed.
Unlike many other religions, marriage is neither sacred nor a duty in Buddhism. No wonder only 45% of Buddhists are married. (National average is 54%.)
