Fifth of Americans Say Religion Isn't Important

One in five Americans says religion does not play an important role in their lives, according to a new NBC Wall Street Journal poll.

The total is the highest percentage since the poll began in 1997.

Less religious Americans are more likely to be men under the age of 35 with income of at least $75,000.

Twenty-one percent of respondents said that religion is "not that important" to their lives, compared to 16 percent who said the same in 1999.

More than half of Americans still emphasize their faith. Thirteen percent say it is the most important aspect of their lives and 41 percent say it is "very important."