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 Heidelberg West, accounting for 39.2% (2,057 people). This share was lower than Banyule (C) (43%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 2,003 people, while its share fell by 1.1 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Heidelberg West - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Heidelberg West in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Banyule (C) and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Heidelberg West, with comparison markers for Banyule (C).
No Religion, so described
2021 count
2,057
% of total
39.2%
Change from 2016
-1.1pp
2,057
39.2%
-1.1pp
Islam
2021 count
835
% of total
15.9%
Change from 2016
-
835
15.9%
-
Western Catholic
2021 count
777
% of total
14.8%
Change from 2016
+0.6pp
777
14.8%
+0.6pp
Not stated
2021 count
415
% of total
7.9%
Change from 2016
-11.5pp
415
7.9%
-11.5pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
225
% of total
4.3%
Change from 2016
-15.1pp
225
4.3%
-15.1pp
Buddhism
2021 count
154
% of total
2.9%
Change from 2016
-
154
2.9%
-
Greek Orthodox
2021 count
133
% of total
2.5%
Change from 2016
-
133
2.5%
-
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
126
% of total
2.4%
Change from 2016
-
126
2.4%
-
Hinduism
2021 count
91
% of total
1.7%
Change from 2016
-
91
1.7%
-
Uniting Church
2021 count
69
% of total
1.3%
Change from 2016
-3.2pp
69
1.3%
-3.2pp
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+2,003
-1.1pp
Western Catholic
+758
+0.6pp
Not stated
+389
-11.5pp
Anglican Church of Australia
+199
-15.1pp
Uniting Church
+63
-3.2pp
Presbyterian
+42
-1.3pp
Data table
Religion for Heidelberg West. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Banyule (C).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Banyule (C)% | Count | % | Banyule (C)% | Count | pp | |
| No Religion, so described | 2,057 | 39.2% | 43.0% | 54 | 40.3% | 34.6% | +2,003 | -1.1pp |
| Islam | 835 | 15.9% | 2.4% | - | - | 2.2% | - | - |
| Western Catholic | 777 | 14.8% | 24.5% | 19 | 14.2% | 27.0% | +758 | +0.6pp |
| Not stated | 415 | 7.9% | 4.5% | 26 | 19.4% | 7.7% | +389 | -11.5pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 225 | 4.3% | 6.6% | 26 | 19.4% | 8.9% | +199 | -15.1pp |
| Buddhism | 154 | 2.9% | 1.9% | - | - | 1.7% | - | - |
| Greek Orthodox | 133 | 2.5% | 3.5% | - | - | 3.4% | - | - |
| Christianity, nfd | 126 | 2.4% | 2.1% | - | - | 2.0% | - | - |
| Hinduism | 91 | 1.7% | 1.8% | - | - | 1.4% | - | - |
| Uniting Church | 69 | 1.3% | 2.2% | 6 | 4.5% | 2.8% | +63 | -3.2pp |
| Total | 5,253 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 134 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +5,119 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.