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 Riverstone, accounting for 27.1% (2,334 people). This share was higher than Blacktown (C) (18.1%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 1,114 people and 6.4 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Riverstone - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Riverstone in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Blacktown (C) and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Riverstone, with comparison markers for Blacktown (C).
No Religion, so described
2021 count
2,334
% of total
27.1%
Change from 2016
+6.4pp
2,334
27.1%
+6.4pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
1,873
% of total
21.7%
Change from 2016
-7.6pp
1,873
21.7%
-7.6pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
1,066
% of total
12.4%
Change from 2016
-6.3pp
1,066
12.4%
-6.3pp
Hinduism
2021 count
715
% of total
8.3%
Change from 2016
+6.8pp
715
8.3%
+6.8pp
Not stated
2021 count
559
% of total
6.5%
Change from 2016
-2.9pp
559
6.5%
-2.9pp
Islam
2021 count
484
% of total
5.6%
Change from 2016
+3.8pp
484
5.6%
+3.8pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
261
% of total
3.0%
Change from 2016
+0.1pp
261
3.0%
+0.1pp
Sikhism
2021 count
204
% of total
2.4%
Change from 2016
+1.3pp
204
2.4%
+1.3pp
Baptist
2021 count
175
% of total
2.0%
Change from 2016
-0.6pp
175
2.0%
-0.6pp
Pentecostal, nfd
2021 count
124
% of total
1.4%
Change from 2016
-0.5pp
124
1.4%
-0.5pp
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+1,114
+6.4pp
Western Catholic
+147
-7.6pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-37
-6.3pp
Hinduism
+627
+6.8pp
Not stated
+7
-2.9pp
Islam
+379
+3.8pp
Christianity, nfd
+90
+0.1pp
Sikhism
+142
+1.3pp
Baptist
+23
-0.6pp
Pentecostal, nfd
+10
-0.5pp
Data table
Religion for Riverstone. 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 | |
| No Religion, so described | 2,334 | 27.1% | 18.1% | 1,220 | 20.7% | 15.0% | +1,114 | +6.4pp |
| Western Catholic | 1,873 | 21.7% | 24.0% | 1,726 | 29.3% | 28.5% | +147 | -7.6pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 1,066 | 12.4% | 7.3% | 1,103 | 18.7% | 10.6% | -37 | -6.3pp |
| Hinduism | 715 | 8.3% | 13.1% | 88 | 1.5% | 8.5% | +627 | +6.8pp |
| Not stated | 559 | 6.5% | 6.7% | 552 | 9.4% | 7.3% | +7 | -2.9pp |
| Islam | 484 | 5.6% | 8.0% | 105 | 1.8% | 6.7% | +379 | +3.8pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 261 | 3.0% | 3.4% | 171 | 2.9% | 3.2% | +90 | +0.1pp |
| Sikhism | 204 | 2.4% | 4.6% | 62 | 1.1% | 3.4% | +142 | +1.3pp |
| Baptist | 175 | 2.0% | 1.2% | 152 | 2.6% | 1.3% | +23 | -0.6pp |
| Pentecostal, nfd | 124 | 1.4% | 1.6% | 114 | 1.9% | 1.9% | +10 | -0.5pp |
| Total | 8,617 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 5,889 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +2,728 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.