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, accounting for 46.5% (2,493 people). This share was higher than Banyule (C) (43%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 520 people and 8.7 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Watsonia - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Watsonia in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Banyule (C) and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Watsonia, with comparison markers for Banyule (C).
No Religion, so described
2021 count
2,493
% of total
46.5%
Change from 2016
+8.7pp
2,493
46.5%
+8.7pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
1,228
% of total
22.9%
Change from 2016
-3.7pp
1,228
22.9%
-3.7pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
347
% of total
6.5%
Change from 2016
-3.3pp
347
6.5%
-3.3pp
Not stated
2021 count
281
% of total
5.2%
Change from 2016
-1.9pp
281
5.2%
-1.9pp
Hinduism
2021 count
123
% of total
2.3%
Change from 2016
+1.2pp
123
2.3%
+1.2pp
Uniting Church
2021 count
115
% of total
2.1%
Change from 2016
-0.4pp
115
2.1%
-0.4pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
110
% of total
2.1%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
110
2.1%
0.0pp
Greek Orthodox
2021 count
102
% of total
1.9%
Change from 2016
-0.1pp
102
1.9%
-0.1pp
Islam
2021 count
91
% of total
1.7%
Change from 2016
+0.5pp
91
1.7%
+0.5pp
Buddhism
2021 count
81
% of total
1.5%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
81
1.5%
0.0pp
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+520
+8.7pp
Western Catholic
-158
-3.7pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-162
-3.3pp
Not stated
-91
-1.9pp
Hinduism
+66
+1.2pp
Uniting Church
-13
-0.4pp
Christianity, nfd
+1
0.0pp
Greek Orthodox
-2
-0.1pp
Islam
+30
+0.5pp
Buddhism
+1
0.0pp
Data table
Religion for Watsonia. 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 | 2,493 | 46.5% | 43.0% | 1,973 | 37.8% | 34.6% | +520 | +8.7pp |
| Western Catholic | 1,228 | 22.9% | 24.5% | 1,386 | 26.6% | 27.0% | -158 | -3.7pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 347 | 6.5% | 6.6% | 509 | 9.8% | 8.9% | -162 | -3.3pp |
| Not stated | 281 | 5.2% | 4.5% | 372 | 7.1% | 7.7% | -91 | -1.9pp |
| Hinduism | 123 | 2.3% | 1.8% | 57 | 1.1% | 1.4% | +66 | +1.2pp |
| Uniting Church | 115 | 2.1% | 2.2% | 128 | 2.5% | 2.8% | -13 | -0.4pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 110 | 2.1% | 2.1% | 109 | 2.1% | 2.0% | +1 | 0.0pp |
| Greek Orthodox | 102 | 1.9% | 3.5% | 104 | 2.0% | 3.4% | -2 | -0.1pp |
| Islam | 91 | 1.7% | 2.4% | 61 | 1.2% | 2.2% | +30 | +0.5pp |
| Buddhism | 81 | 1.5% | 1.9% | 80 | 1.5% | 1.7% | +1 | 0.0pp |
| Total | 5,359 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 5,214 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +145 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.