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 Meerschaum Vale, accounting for 48.2% (173 people). This share was higher than Ballina (A) (42.4%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 54 people and 18.3 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Meerschaum Vale - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Meerschaum Vale in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Ballina (A) and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Meerschaum Vale, with comparison markers for Ballina (A).
No Religion, so described
2021 count
173
% of total
48.2%
Change from 2016
+18.3pp
173
48.2%
+18.3pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
65
% of total
18.1%
Change from 2016
+2.0pp
65
18.1%
+2.0pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
55
% of total
15.3%
Change from 2016
-4.3pp
55
15.3%
-4.3pp
Not stated
2021 count
12
% of total
3.3%
Change from 2016
-12.0pp
12
3.3%
-12.0pp
Presbyterian
2021 count
11
% of total
3.1%
Change from 2016
+0.3pp
11
3.1%
+0.3pp
Baptist
2021 count
10
% of total
2.8%
Change from 2016
-0.5pp
10
2.8%
-0.5pp
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+54
+18.3pp
Western Catholic
+1
+2.0pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-23
-4.3pp
Not stated
-49
-12.0pp
Presbyterian
0
+0.3pp
Baptist
-3
-0.5pp
Data table
Religion for Meerschaum Vale. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Ballina (A).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Ballina (A)% | Count | % | Ballina (A)% | Count | pp | |
| No Religion, so described | 173 | 48.2% | 42.4% | 119 | 29.9% | 30.2% | +54 | +18.3pp |
| Western Catholic | 65 | 18.1% | 19.7% | 64 | 16.1% | 21.9% | +1 | +2.0pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 55 | 15.3% | 15.0% | 78 | 19.6% | 19.1% | -23 | -4.3pp |
| Not stated | 12 | 3.3% | 6.8% | 61 | 15.3% | 9.7% | -49 | -12.0pp |
| Presbyterian | 11 | 3.1% | 3.2% | 11 | 2.8% | 4.2% | 0 | +0.3pp |
| Baptist | 10 | 2.8% | 1.1% | 13 | 3.3% | 1.2% | -3 | -0.5pp |
| Total | 359 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 398 | 100.0% | 100.0% | -39 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.