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 Bayside (NSW), accounting for 26% (45,506 people). This share was lower than Greater Sydney (30.3%).
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Bayside (NSW) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Bayside (NSW) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Greater Sydney and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Bayside (NSW), with comparison markers for Greater Sydney.
No Religion, so described
2021 count
45,506
% of total
26.0%
Change from 2016
-
45,506
26.0%
-
Western Catholic
2021 count
39,032
% of total
22.3%
Change from 2016
-
39,032
22.3%
-
Islam
2021 count
15,275
% of total
8.7%
Change from 2016
-
15,275
8.7%
-
Greek Orthodox
2021 count
14,939
% of total
8.5%
Change from 2016
-
14,939
8.5%
-
Not stated
2021 count
12,234
% of total
7.0%
Change from 2016
-
12,234
7.0%
-
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
8,329
% of total
4.8%
Change from 2016
-
8,329
4.8%
-
Buddhism
2021 count
7,766
% of total
4.4%
Change from 2016
-
7,766
4.4%
-
Hinduism
2021 count
7,664
% of total
4.4%
Change from 2016
-
7,664
4.4%
-
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
5,262
% of total
3.0%
Change from 2016
-
5,262
3.0%
-
Macedonian Orthodox
2021 count
3,927
% of total
2.2%
Change from 2016
-
3,927
2.2%
-
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Data table
Religion for Bayside (NSW). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Greater Sydney.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Greater Sydney% | Count | % | Greater Sydney% | Count | pp | |
| No Religion, so described | 45,506 | 26.0% | 30.3% | - | - | 24.6% | - | - |
| Western Catholic | 39,032 | 22.3% | 22.1% | - | - | 24.2% | - | - |
| Islam | 15,275 | 8.7% | 6.3% | - | - | 5.3% | - | - |
| Greek Orthodox | 14,939 | 8.5% | 2.3% | - | - | 2.4% | - | - |
| Not stated | 12,234 | 7.0% | 6.2% | - | - | 8.5% | - | - |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 8,329 | 4.8% | 9.2% | - | - | 12.0% | - | - |
| Buddhism | 7,766 | 4.4% | 3.8% | - | - | 3.9% | - | - |
| Hinduism | 7,664 | 4.4% | 4.8% | - | - | 3.5% | - | - |
| Christianity, nfd | 5,262 | 3.0% | 2.5% | - | - | 2.2% | - | - |
| Macedonian Orthodox | 3,927 | 2.2% | 0.3% | - | - | 0.3% | - | - |
| Total | 175,168 | 100.0% | 100.0% | - | - | 100.0% | - | - |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.