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 Banyule (C), accounting for 43% (54,315 people). This share was higher than Greater Melbourne (36.9%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 12,100 people and 8.4 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Banyule (C) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Banyule (C) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Greater Melbourne and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Banyule (C), with comparison markers for Greater Melbourne.
No Religion, so described
2021 count
54,315
% of total
43.0%
Change from 2016
+8.4pp
54,315
43.0%
+8.4pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
30,977
% of total
24.5%
Change from 2016
-2.5pp
30,977
24.5%
-2.5pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
8,359
% of total
6.6%
Change from 2016
-2.3pp
8,359
6.6%
-2.3pp
Not stated
2021 count
5,647
% of total
4.5%
Change from 2016
-3.2pp
5,647
4.5%
-3.2pp
Greek Orthodox
2021 count
4,385
% of total
3.5%
Change from 2016
+0.1pp
4,385
3.5%
+0.1pp
Islam
2021 count
3,045
% of total
2.4%
Change from 2016
+0.2pp
3,045
2.4%
+0.2pp
Uniting Church
2021 count
2,814
% of total
2.2%
Change from 2016
-0.6pp
2,814
2.2%
-0.6pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
2,706
% of total
2.1%
Change from 2016
+0.1pp
2,706
2.1%
+0.1pp
Buddhism
2021 count
2,400
% of total
1.9%
Change from 2016
+0.2pp
2,400
1.9%
+0.2pp
Hinduism
2021 count
2,317
% of total
1.8%
Change from 2016
+0.4pp
2,317
1.8%
+0.4pp
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+12,100
+8.4pp
Western Catholic
-1,936
-2.5pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-2,449
-2.3pp
Not stated
-3,705
-3.2pp
Greek Orthodox
+290
+0.1pp
Islam
+328
+0.2pp
Uniting Church
-634
-0.6pp
Christianity, nfd
+230
+0.1pp
Buddhism
+280
+0.2pp
Hinduism
+662
+0.4pp
Data table
Religion for Banyule (C). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Greater Melbourne.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Greater Melbourne% | Count | % | Greater Melbourne% | Count | pp | |
| No Religion, so described | 54,315 | 43.0% | 36.9% | 42,215 | 34.6% | 31.0% | +12,100 | +8.4pp |
| Western Catholic | 30,977 | 24.5% | 20.5% | 32,913 | 27.0% | 23.2% | -1,936 | -2.5pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 8,359 | 6.6% | 5.5% | 10,808 | 8.9% | 7.6% | -2,449 | -2.3pp |
| Not stated | 5,647 | 4.5% | 5.8% | 9,352 | 7.7% | 8.6% | -3,705 | -3.2pp |
| Greek Orthodox | 4,385 | 3.5% | 3.3% | 4,095 | 3.4% | 3.5% | +290 | +0.1pp |
| Islam | 3,045 | 2.4% | 5.3% | 2,717 | 2.2% | 4.2% | +328 | +0.2pp |
| Uniting Church | 2,814 | 2.2% | 1.7% | 3,448 | 2.8% | 2.3% | -634 | -0.6pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 2,706 | 2.1% | 2.7% | 2,476 | 2.0% | 2.6% | +230 | +0.1pp |
| Buddhism | 2,400 | 1.9% | 3.9% | 2,120 | 1.7% | 3.8% | +280 | +0.2pp |
| Hinduism | 2,317 | 1.8% | 4.1% | 1,655 | 1.4% | 2.9% | +662 | +0.4pp |
| Total | 126,218 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 121,838 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +4,380 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.