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 Rock Forest, accounting for 33.1% (48 people). This share was higher than Bathurst Regional (A) (32.4%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Western Catholic, which decreased by 22 people and 4.4 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Rock Forest - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Rock Forest in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Bathurst Regional (A) and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Rock Forest, with comparison markers for Bathurst Regional (A).
No Religion, so described
2021 count
48
% of total
33.1%
Change from 2016
+18.8pp
48
33.1%
+18.8pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
38
% of total
26.2%
Change from 2016
-4.4pp
38
26.2%
-4.4pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
37
% of total
25.5%
Change from 2016
+5.6pp
37
25.5%
+5.6pp
Uniting Church
2021 count
11
% of total
7.6%
Change from 2016
+1.5pp
11
7.6%
+1.5pp
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+20
+18.8pp
Western Catholic
-22
-4.4pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-2
+5.6pp
Uniting Church
-1
+1.5pp
Data table
Religion for Rock Forest. 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 | |
| No Religion, so described | 48 | 33.1% | 32.4% | 28 | 14.3% | 22.4% | +20 | +18.8pp |
| Western Catholic | 38 | 26.2% | 28.4% | 60 | 30.6% | 31.1% | -22 | -4.4pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 37 | 25.5% | 15.7% | 39 | 19.9% | 19.1% | -2 | +5.6pp |
| Uniting Church | 11 | 7.6% | 2.9% | 12 | 6.1% | 3.7% | -1 | +1.5pp |
| Total | 145 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 196 | 100.0% | 100.0% | -51 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.