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, Hinduism was the most common religious affiliation among residents in The Ponds, accounting for 25.1% (4,087 people). This share was higher than Blacktown (C) (13.1%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Hinduism, which increased by 2,354 people and 10.3 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
The Ponds - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for The Ponds in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Blacktown (C) and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for The Ponds, with comparison markers for Blacktown (C).
Hinduism
2021 count
4,087
% of total
25.1%
Change from 2016
+10.3pp
4,087
25.1%
+10.3pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
3,077
% of total
18.9%
Change from 2016
-5.7pp
3,077
18.9%
-5.7pp
No Religion, so described
2021 count
2,415
% of total
14.8%
Change from 2016
+0.8pp
2,415
14.8%
+0.8pp
Islam
2021 count
1,611
% of total
9.9%
Change from 2016
+1.6pp
1,611
9.9%
+1.6pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
1,043
% of total
6.4%
Change from 2016
-2.7pp
1,043
6.4%
-2.7pp
Sikhism
2021 count
1,041
% of total
6.4%
Change from 2016
+0.4pp
1,041
6.4%
+0.4pp
Not stated
2021 count
596
% of total
3.7%
Change from 2016
-2.6pp
596
3.7%
-2.6pp
Buddhism
2021 count
435
% of total
2.7%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
435
2.7%
0.0pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
373
% of total
2.3%
Change from 2016
-0.1pp
373
2.3%
-0.1pp
Pentecostal, nfd
2021 count
280
% of total
1.7%
Change from 2016
-0.8pp
280
1.7%
-0.8pp
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Hinduism
+2,354
+10.3pp
Western Catholic
+194
-5.7pp
No Religion, so described
+776
+0.8pp
Islam
+642
+1.6pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-21
-2.7pp
Sikhism
+335
+0.4pp
Not stated
-147
-2.6pp
Buddhism
+118
0.0pp
Christianity, nfd
+91
-0.1pp
Pentecostal, nfd
-17
-0.8pp
Data table
Religion for The Ponds. 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 | |
| Hinduism | 4,087 | 25.1% | 13.1% | 1,733 | 14.8% | 8.5% | +2,354 | +10.3pp |
| Western Catholic | 3,077 | 18.9% | 24.0% | 2,883 | 24.6% | 28.5% | +194 | -5.7pp |
| No Religion, so described | 2,415 | 14.8% | 18.1% | 1,639 | 14.0% | 15.0% | +776 | +0.8pp |
| Islam | 1,611 | 9.9% | 8.0% | 969 | 8.3% | 6.7% | +642 | +1.6pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 1,043 | 6.4% | 7.3% | 1,064 | 9.1% | 10.6% | -21 | -2.7pp |
| Sikhism | 1,041 | 6.4% | 4.6% | 706 | 6.0% | 3.4% | +335 | +0.4pp |
| Not stated | 596 | 3.7% | 6.7% | 743 | 6.3% | 7.3% | -147 | -2.6pp |
| Buddhism | 435 | 2.7% | 1.9% | 317 | 2.7% | 1.7% | +118 | 0.0pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 373 | 2.3% | 3.4% | 282 | 2.4% | 3.2% | +91 | -0.1pp |
| Pentecostal, nfd | 280 | 1.7% | 1.6% | 297 | 2.5% | 1.9% | -17 | -0.8pp |
| Total | 16,283 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 11,708 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +4,575 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.