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 Whalan, accounting for 27% (1,602 people). This share was higher than Blacktown (C) (18.1%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 337 people and 5.8 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Whalan - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Whalan in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Blacktown (C) and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Whalan, with comparison markers for Blacktown (C).
No Religion, so described
2021 count
1,602
% of total
27.0%
Change from 2016
+5.8pp
1,602
27.0%
+5.8pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
1,255
% of total
21.2%
Change from 2016
-3.5pp
1,255
21.2%
-3.5pp
Not stated
2021 count
701
% of total
11.8%
Change from 2016
+1.3pp
701
11.8%
+1.3pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
622
% of total
10.5%
Change from 2016
-4.5pp
622
10.5%
-4.5pp
Islam
2021 count
479
% of total
8.1%
Change from 2016
+2.1pp
479
8.1%
+2.1pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
227
% of total
3.8%
Change from 2016
+0.6pp
227
3.8%
+0.6pp
Hinduism
2021 count
123
% of total
2.1%
Change from 2016
-0.1pp
123
2.1%
-0.1pp
Presbyterian
2021 count
119
% of total
2.0%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
119
2.0%
0.0pp
Uniting Church
2021 count
100
% of total
1.7%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
100
1.7%
0.0pp
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
2021 count
73
% of total
1.2%
Change from 2016
-0.7pp
73
1.2%
-0.7pp
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+337
+5.8pp
Western Catholic
-222
-3.5pp
Not stated
+73
+1.3pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-273
-4.5pp
Islam
+123
+2.1pp
Christianity, nfd
+37
+0.6pp
Hinduism
-7
-0.1pp
Presbyterian
-1
0.0pp
Uniting Church
-2
0.0pp
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
-40
-0.7pp
Data table
Religion for Whalan. 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 | 1,602 | 27.0% | 18.1% | 1,265 | 21.2% | 15.0% | +337 | +5.8pp |
| Western Catholic | 1,255 | 21.2% | 24.0% | 1,477 | 24.7% | 28.5% | -222 | -3.5pp |
| Not stated | 701 | 11.8% | 6.7% | 628 | 10.5% | 7.3% | +73 | +1.3pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 622 | 10.5% | 7.3% | 895 | 15.0% | 10.6% | -273 | -4.5pp |
| Islam | 479 | 8.1% | 8.0% | 356 | 6.0% | 6.7% | +123 | +2.1pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 227 | 3.8% | 3.4% | 190 | 3.2% | 3.2% | +37 | +0.6pp |
| Hinduism | 123 | 2.1% | 13.1% | 130 | 2.2% | 8.5% | -7 | -0.1pp |
| Presbyterian | 119 | 2.0% | 1.3% | 120 | 2.0% | 1.7% | -1 | 0.0pp |
| Uniting Church | 100 | 1.7% | 1.3% | 102 | 1.7% | 1.9% | -2 | 0.0pp |
| The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints | 73 | 1.2% | 0.6% | 113 | 1.9% | 0.7% | -40 | -0.7pp |
| Total | 5,929 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 5,969 | 100.0% | 100.0% | -40 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.