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, Western Catholic was the most common religious affiliation among residents in Balranald (A), accounting for 30.1% (666 people). This share was higher than Regional NSW (21%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 163 people and 8 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Balranald (A) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Balranald (A) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Regional NSW and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Balranald (A), with comparison markers for Regional NSW.
Western Catholic
2021 count
666
% of total
30.1%
Change from 2016
-5.6pp
666
30.1%
-5.6pp
No Religion, so described
2021 count
636
% of total
28.8%
Change from 2016
+8.0pp
636
28.8%
+8.0pp
Not stated
2021 count
325
% of total
14.7%
Change from 2016
+2.1pp
325
14.7%
+2.1pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
239
% of total
10.8%
Change from 2016
-4.2pp
239
10.8%
-4.2pp
Presbyterian
2021 count
101
% of total
4.6%
Change from 2016
-2.2pp
101
4.6%
-2.2pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
69
% of total
3.1%
Change from 2016
+0.5pp
69
3.1%
+0.5pp
Uniting Church
2021 count
61
% of total
2.8%
Change from 2016
-0.3pp
61
2.8%
-0.3pp
Buddhism
2021 count
33
% of total
1.5%
Change from 2016
+0.8pp
33
1.5%
+0.8pp
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Western Catholic
-146
-5.6pp
No Religion, so described
+163
+8.0pp
Not stated
+38
+2.1pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-103
-4.2pp
Presbyterian
-53
-2.2pp
Christianity, nfd
+11
+0.5pp
Uniting Church
-9
-0.3pp
Buddhism
+18
+0.8pp
Data table
Religion for Balranald (A). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional NSW.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Regional NSW% | Count | % | Regional NSW% | Count | pp | |
| Western Catholic | 666 | 30.1% | 21.0% | 812 | 35.7% | 23.8% | -146 | -5.6pp |
| No Religion, so described | 636 | 28.8% | 37.4% | 473 | 20.8% | 26.0% | +163 | +8.0pp |
| Not stated | 325 | 14.7% | 7.7% | 287 | 12.6% | 9.3% | +38 | +2.1pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 239 | 10.8% | 17.0% | 342 | 15.0% | 21.9% | -103 | -4.2pp |
| Presbyterian | 101 | 4.6% | 2.6% | 154 | 6.8% | 3.5% | -53 | -2.2pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 69 | 3.1% | 2.2% | 58 | 2.6% | 2.2% | +11 | +0.5pp |
| Uniting Church | 61 | 2.8% | 3.3% | 70 | 3.1% | 4.5% | -9 | -0.3pp |
| Buddhism | 33 | 1.5% | 0.8% | 15 | 0.7% | 0.8% | +18 | +0.8pp |
| Total | 2,209 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 2,273 | 100.0% | 100.0% | -64 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.