Cultural diversity
Religion
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.
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 Forest Grove (NSW), accounting for 38.1% (45 people). This share was higher than Bathurst Regional (A) (28.4%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Uniting Church, which decreased by 7 people and 6.7 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Forest Grove (NSW) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Forest Grove (NSW) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Bathurst Regional (A) and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Forest Grove (NSW), with comparison markers for Bathurst Regional (A).
Western Catholic
Anglican Church of Australia
No Religion, so described
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Western Catholic
+2
-1.3pp
Anglican Church of Australia
+3
+1.0pp
No Religion, so described
+5
+3.0pp
Data table
Religion for Forest Grove (NSW). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Bathurst Regional (A).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Bathurst Regional (A)% | Count | % | Bathurst Regional (A)% | Count | pp | |
| Western Catholic | 45 | 38.1% | 28.4% | 43 | 39.4% | 31.1% | +2 | -1.3pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 25 | 21.2% | 15.7% | 22 | 20.2% | 19.1% | +3 | +1.0pp |
| No Religion, so described | 22 | 18.6% | 32.4% | 17 | 15.6% | 22.4% | +5 | +3.0pp |
| Total | 118 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 109 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +9 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.