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 Highett (part), accounting for 46.2% (5,543 people). This share was higher than Bayside (C) (44%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 1,616 people and 8.7 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Highett (part) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Highett (part) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Bayside (C) and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Highett (part), with comparison markers for Bayside (C).
No Religion, so described
2021 count
5,543
% of total
46.2%
Change from 2016
+8.7pp
5,543
46.2%
+8.7pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
2,585
% of total
21.5%
Change from 2016
-1.7pp
2,585
21.5%
-1.7pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
924
% of total
7.7%
Change from 2016
-1.6pp
924
7.7%
-1.6pp
Not stated
2021 count
594
% of total
4.9%
Change from 2016
-3.5pp
594
4.9%
-3.5pp
Greek Orthodox
2021 count
467
% of total
3.9%
Change from 2016
-0.8pp
467
3.9%
-0.8pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
244
% of total
2.0%
Change from 2016
+0.6pp
244
2.0%
+0.6pp
Uniting Church
2021 count
233
% of total
1.9%
Change from 2016
-0.9pp
233
1.9%
-0.9pp
Judaism
2021 count
224
% of total
1.9%
Change from 2016
+0.2pp
224
1.9%
+0.2pp
Buddhism
2021 count
203
% of total
1.7%
Change from 2016
+0.3pp
203
1.7%
+0.3pp
Hinduism
2021 count
199
% of total
1.7%
Change from 2016
+0.3pp
199
1.7%
+0.3pp
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+1,616
+8.7pp
Western Catholic
+158
-1.7pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-44
-1.6pp
Not stated
-283
-3.5pp
Greek Orthodox
-23
-0.8pp
Christianity, nfd
+101
+0.6pp
Uniting Church
-62
-0.9pp
Judaism
+46
+0.2pp
Buddhism
+60
+0.3pp
Hinduism
+53
+0.3pp
Data table
Religion for Highett (part). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Bayside (C).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Bayside (C)% | Count | % | Bayside (C)% | Count | pp | |
| No Religion, so described | 5,543 | 46.2% | 44.0% | 3,927 | 37.5% | 35.8% | +1,616 | +8.7pp |
| Western Catholic | 2,585 | 21.5% | 21.3% | 2,427 | 23.2% | 22.7% | +158 | -1.7pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 924 | 7.7% | 11.8% | 968 | 9.3% | 14.4% | -44 | -1.6pp |
| Not stated | 594 | 4.9% | 4.8% | 877 | 8.4% | 8.6% | -283 | -3.5pp |
| Greek Orthodox | 467 | 3.9% | 3.5% | 490 | 4.7% | 3.4% | -23 | -0.8pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 244 | 2.0% | 1.3% | 143 | 1.4% | 1.3% | +101 | +0.6pp |
| Uniting Church | 233 | 1.9% | 2.7% | 295 | 2.8% | 3.4% | -62 | -0.9pp |
| Judaism | 224 | 1.9% | 2.9% | 178 | 1.7% | 2.7% | +46 | +0.2pp |
| Buddhism | 203 | 1.7% | 1.2% | 143 | 1.4% | 1.2% | +60 | +0.3pp |
| Hinduism | 199 | 1.7% | 0.8% | 146 | 1.4% | 0.6% | +53 | +0.3pp |
| Total | 12,005 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 10,459 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +1,546 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.