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 Watsonia North, accounting for 38% (1,438 people). This share was lower than Banyule (C) (43%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 1,431 people and 20.5 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Watsonia North - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Watsonia North in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Banyule (C) and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Watsonia North, with comparison markers for Banyule (C).
No Religion, so described
2021 count
1,438
% of total
38.0%
Change from 2016
+20.5pp
1,438
38.0%
+20.5pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
1,243
% of total
32.8%
Change from 2016
+2.8pp
1,243
32.8%
+2.8pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
258
% of total
6.8%
Change from 2016
-15.7pp
258
6.8%
-15.7pp
Greek Orthodox
2021 count
199
% of total
5.3%
Change from 2016
-
199
5.3%
-
Not stated
2021 count
106
% of total
2.8%
Change from 2016
-4.7pp
106
2.8%
-4.7pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
91
% of total
2.4%
Change from 2016
-
91
2.4%
-
Uniting Church
2021 count
69
% of total
1.8%
Change from 2016
-20.7pp
69
1.8%
-20.7pp
Hinduism
2021 count
61
% of total
1.6%
Change from 2016
-
61
1.6%
-
Buddhism
2021 count
60
% of total
1.6%
Change from 2016
-
60
1.6%
-
Pentecostal, nfd
2021 count
48
% of total
1.3%
Change from 2016
-
48
1.3%
-
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+1,431
+20.5pp
Western Catholic
+1,231
+2.8pp
Anglican Church of Australia
+249
-15.7pp
Not stated
+103
-4.7pp
Uniting Church
+60
-20.7pp
Data table
Religion for Watsonia North. 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 | 1,438 | 38.0% | 43.0% | 7 | 17.5% | 34.6% | +1,431 | +20.5pp |
| Western Catholic | 1,243 | 32.8% | 24.5% | 12 | 30.0% | 27.0% | +1,231 | +2.8pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 258 | 6.8% | 6.6% | 9 | 22.5% | 8.9% | +249 | -15.7pp |
| Greek Orthodox | 199 | 5.3% | 3.5% | - | - | 3.4% | - | - |
| Not stated | 106 | 2.8% | 4.5% | 3 | 7.5% | 7.7% | +103 | -4.7pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 91 | 2.4% | 2.1% | - | - | 2.0% | - | - |
| Uniting Church | 69 | 1.8% | 2.2% | 9 | 22.5% | 2.8% | +60 | -20.7pp |
| Hinduism | 61 | 1.6% | 1.8% | - | - | 1.4% | - | - |
| Buddhism | 60 | 1.6% | 1.9% | - | - | 1.7% | - | - |
| Pentecostal, nfd | 48 | 1.3% | 0.5% | - | - | 0.7% | - | - |
| Total | 3,789 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 40 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +3,749 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.