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, Western Catholic was the most common religious affiliation among residents in Blacktown, accounting for 21% (10,679 people). This share was lower than Blacktown (C) (24%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Western Catholic, which increased by 10,311 people and 0.9 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Blacktown - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Blacktown in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Blacktown (C) and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Blacktown, with comparison markers for Blacktown (C).
Western Catholic
2021 count
10,679
% of total
21.0%
Change from 2016
+0.9pp
10,679
21.0%
+0.9pp
No Religion, so described
2021 count
8,543
% of total
16.8%
Change from 2016
-15.1pp
8,543
16.8%
-15.1pp
Hinduism
2021 count
7,367
% of total
14.5%
Change from 2016
-
7,367
14.5%
-
Sikhism
2021 count
4,446
% of total
8.7%
Change from 2016
-
4,446
8.7%
-
Islam
2021 count
3,847
% of total
7.5%
Change from 2016
-
3,847
7.5%
-
Not stated
2021 count
3,834
% of total
7.5%
Change from 2016
+1.8pp
3,834
7.5%
+1.8pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
3,073
% of total
6.0%
Change from 2016
-17.3pp
3,073
6.0%
-17.3pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
1,703
% of total
3.3%
Change from 2016
+1.9pp
1,703
3.3%
+1.9pp
Buddhism
2021 count
954
% of total
1.9%
Change from 2016
+0.4pp
954
1.9%
+0.4pp
Greek Orthodox
2021 count
734
% of total
1.4%
Change from 2016
+1.1pp
734
1.4%
+1.1pp
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Western Catholic
+10,311
+0.9pp
No Religion, so described
+7,959
-15.1pp
Not stated
+3,729
+1.8pp
Anglican Church of Australia
+2,645
-17.3pp
Christianity, nfd
+1,678
+1.9pp
Buddhism
+926
+0.4pp
Greek Orthodox
+728
+1.1pp
Uniting Church
+585
-5.1pp
Presbyterian
+554
-2.9pp
Baptist
+590
-0.7pp
Data table
Religion for Blacktown. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Blacktown (C).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Blacktown (C)% | Count | % | Blacktown (C)% | Count | pp | |
| Western Catholic | 10,679 | 21.0% | 24.0% | 368 | 20.1% | 28.5% | +10,311 | +0.9pp |
| No Religion, so described | 8,543 | 16.8% | 18.1% | 584 | 31.9% | 15.0% | +7,959 | -15.1pp |
| Hinduism | 7,367 | 14.5% | 13.1% | - | - | 8.5% | - | - |
| Sikhism | 4,446 | 8.7% | 4.6% | - | - | 3.4% | - | - |
| Islam | 3,847 | 7.5% | 8.0% | - | - | 6.7% | - | - |
| Not stated | 3,834 | 7.5% | 6.7% | 105 | 5.7% | 7.3% | +3,729 | +1.8pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 3,073 | 6.0% | 7.3% | 428 | 23.3% | 10.6% | +2,645 | -17.3pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 1,703 | 3.3% | 3.4% | 25 | 1.4% | 3.2% | +1,678 | +1.9pp |
| Buddhism | 954 | 1.9% | 1.9% | 28 | 1.5% | 1.7% | +926 | +0.4pp |
| Greek Orthodox | 734 | 1.4% | 1.0% | 6 | 0.3% | 1.2% | +728 | +1.1pp |
| Total | 50,957 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 1,833 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +49,124 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.