That's in contrast with voters south of the border, who are more than four to one in favour of unity.
However majorities in both jurisdictions believe referendums on the issue should be held.
The findings are contained in twin surveys carried out north and south of the border for the Irish Times and the ARINS project.
Ulster Unionist Party Leader Doug Beattie isn't surprised:
"I think we've continuously seen polls, which show that the vast majority in Northern Ireland would want to stay part of the United Kingdom. Of course, wanting a united Ireland is a fair aspiration and people should be able to pursue that. But as it stands now, the vast majority of people in Northern Ireland do wish to stay part of the United Kingdom. And as per the Belfast Agreement, that should be respected."
