Generational Divide: Older Americans More Likely to Believe in UFOs

Apr 8, 2025

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Image credit: Polina Kuzovkova via unsplash

In a recent survey conducted by CivicScience, 1,665 U.S. users were asked about their belief in UFOs, revealing intriguing insights into public opinion. The survey, conducted over two days in April 2025, found that 33% of respondents affirmed their belief in UFOs, while 31% dismissed the notion entirely. The remaining participants were either unsure or held no opinion.

Income levels played a significant role in shaping beliefs. Respondents with lower incomes, particularly those earning less than $50,000 annually, were more inclined to believe in UFOs. In contrast, skepticism increased among those with higher incomes, especially those earning between $100,000 and $199,999. This trend suggests that financial status may influence openness to unconventional ideas.

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Gender differences were evident, with 54% of male respondents affirming their belief in UFOs compared to 46% of females. This disparity suggests that men may be more open to the possibility of extraterrestrial life. However, when it came to outright disbelief, women lead slightly, with 54% expressing skepticism compared to 46% of men.

Parental status also influences beliefs. Non-parents were more likely to believe in UFOs, with 44% affirming their belief, compared to 32% of parents and 24% of grandparents. This trend may reflect differing priorities or openness to new ideas among those without children.

Urbanicity plays a role in shaping opinions as well. Suburban residents were the most likely to believe in UFOs, with 50% affirming their belief. In contrast, urban and rural residents were more evenly split in their opinions. This suggests that suburban environments may foster a unique blend of curiosity and skepticism.

Age differences were notable, with older respondents, particularly those aged 65 and older, more likely to believe in UFOs. This age group accounted for 21% of believers, while younger respondents, especially those under 30, were less convinced. This trend may reflect generational differences in exposure to UFO-related media and cultural influences.

Overall, the survey highlights the complex interplay of demographics in shaping beliefs about UFOs. While income, gender, parental status, urbanicity, and age all contribute to varying degrees of belief and skepticism, the data underscores the diversity of opinions on this enigmatic topic. As society continues to grapple with the possibility of extraterrestrial life, these insights offer a glimpse into the factors that shape public perception.

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This article’s data comes solely from CivicScience’s database, which contains nearly 700,000 poll questions and 5 billion consumer insights. Our AI content creation tool, DataScribe, supported the article.

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