Cultural diversity
Religion
About this topic
Religion records a person's stated religious affiliation, including no religion and not stated responses. It is a measure of cultural identity and belief rather than practice or participation.
This topic helps show the religious diversity of an area and can support planning for community facilities, faith-based services, and inclusive engagement. It is best interpreted with ancestry, birthplace, and language, which together provide a broader picture of cultural composition.
Interpretation notes
- This records stated religious affiliation, not attendance or level of religious practice.
- No religion and not stated are part of the overall picture, so interpretation should consider both affiliation and non-response.
Key insight
In 2021, No religion was the most common religious affiliation among residents in Adelaide, accounting for 52.9% (9,622 people). This share was higher than Adelaide (C) (50.8%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 2,416 people and 5.1 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Adelaide - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Adelaide in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Adelaide (C) and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Adelaide, with comparison markers for Adelaide (C).
No Religion, so described
2021 count
9,622
% of total
52.9%
Change from 2016
+5.1pp
9,622
52.9%
+5.1pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
1,915
% of total
10.5%
Change from 2016
-0.5pp
1,915
10.5%
-0.5pp
Not stated
2021 count
1,875
% of total
10.3%
Change from 2016
-4.4pp
1,875
10.3%
-4.4pp
Buddhism
2021 count
893
% of total
4.9%
Change from 2016
-0.2pp
893
4.9%
-0.2pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
711
% of total
3.9%
Change from 2016
-0.7pp
711
3.9%
-0.7pp
Hinduism
2021 count
583
% of total
3.2%
Change from 2016
+1.3pp
583
3.2%
+1.3pp
Islam
2021 count
519
% of total
2.9%
Change from 2016
-0.3pp
519
2.9%
-0.3pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
394
% of total
2.2%
Change from 2016
+0.3pp
394
2.2%
+0.3pp
Uniting Church
2021 count
341
% of total
1.9%
Change from 2016
-0.4pp
341
1.9%
-0.4pp
Greek Orthodox
2021 count
253
% of total
1.4%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
253
1.4%
0.0pp
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+2,416
+5.1pp
Western Catholic
+257
-0.5pp
Not stated
-341
-4.4pp
Buddhism
+131
-0.2pp
Anglican Church of Australia
+15
-0.7pp
Hinduism
+296
+1.3pp
Islam
+31
-0.3pp
Christianity, nfd
+115
+0.3pp
Uniting Church
+1
-0.4pp
Greek Orthodox
+46
0.0pp
Data table
Religion for Adelaide. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Adelaide (C).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Adelaide (C)% | Count | % | Adelaide (C)% | Count | pp | |
| No Religion, so described | 9,622 | 52.9% | 50.8% | 7,206 | 47.8% | 44.3% | +2,416 | +5.1pp |
| Western Catholic | 1,915 | 10.5% | 12.0% | 1,658 | 11.0% | 12.6% | +257 | -0.5pp |
| Not stated | 1,875 | 10.3% | 9.9% | 2,216 | 14.7% | 14.1% | -341 | -4.4pp |
| Buddhism | 893 | 4.9% | 4.1% | 762 | 5.1% | 4.1% | +131 | -0.2pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 711 | 3.9% | 5.6% | 696 | 4.6% | 7.1% | +15 | -0.7pp |
| Hinduism | 583 | 3.2% | 2.8% | 287 | 1.9% | 2.1% | +296 | +1.3pp |
| Islam | 519 | 2.9% | 2.6% | 488 | 3.2% | 2.7% | +31 | -0.3pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 394 | 2.2% | 1.9% | 279 | 1.9% | 1.8% | +115 | +0.3pp |
| Uniting Church | 341 | 1.9% | 2.3% | 340 | 2.3% | 2.8% | +1 | -0.4pp |
| Greek Orthodox | 253 | 1.4% | 1.7% | 207 | 1.4% | 1.7% | +46 | 0.0pp |
| Total | 18,177 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 15,076 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +3,101 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.