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 Boroondara (C), accounting for 44.6% (74,927 people). This share was higher than Greater Melbourne (36.9%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 13,586 people and 7.9 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Boroondara (C) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Boroondara (C) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Greater Melbourne and change since 2016.
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Boroondara (C), with comparison markers for Greater Melbourne.
No Religion, so described
2021 count
74,927
% of total
44.6%
Change from 2016
+7.9pp
74,927
44.6%
+7.9pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
33,419
% of total
19.9%
Change from 2016
-1.7pp
33,419
19.9%
-1.7pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
13,329
% of total
7.9%
Change from 2016
-1.8pp
13,329
7.9%
-1.8pp
Not stated
2021 count
7,496
% of total
4.5%
Change from 2016
-3.8pp
7,496
4.5%
-3.8pp
Greek Orthodox
2021 count
6,803
% of total
4.1%
Change from 2016
+0.1pp
6,803
4.1%
+0.1pp
Buddhism
2021 count
5,568
% of total
3.3%
Change from 2016
+0.1pp
5,568
3.3%
+0.1pp
Uniting Church
2021 count
4,514
% of total
2.7%
Change from 2016
-0.7pp
4,514
2.7%
-0.7pp
Hinduism
2021 count
4,295
% of total
2.6%
Change from 2016
+0.2pp
4,295
2.6%
+0.2pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
3,132
% of total
1.9%
Change from 2016
+0.2pp
3,132
1.9%
+0.2pp
Baptist
2021 count
2,472
% of total
1.5%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
2,472
1.5%
0.0pp
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+13,586
+7.9pp
Western Catholic
-2,744
-1.7pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-2,906
-1.8pp
Not stated
-6,315
-3.8pp
Greek Orthodox
+113
+0.1pp
Buddhism
+184
+0.1pp
Uniting Church
-1,162
-0.7pp
Hinduism
+204
+0.2pp
Christianity, nfd
+247
+0.2pp
Baptist
+3
0.0pp
Data table
Religion for Boroondara (C). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Greater Melbourne.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Greater Melbourne% | Count | % | Greater Melbourne% | Count | pp | |
| No Religion, so described | 74,927 | 44.6% | 36.9% | 61,341 | 36.7% | 31.0% | +13,586 | +7.9pp |
| Western Catholic | 33,419 | 19.9% | 20.5% | 36,163 | 21.6% | 23.2% | -2,744 | -1.7pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 13,329 | 7.9% | 5.5% | 16,235 | 9.7% | 7.6% | -2,906 | -1.8pp |
| Not stated | 7,496 | 4.5% | 5.8% | 13,811 | 8.3% | 8.6% | -6,315 | -3.8pp |
| Greek Orthodox | 6,803 | 4.1% | 3.3% | 6,690 | 4.0% | 3.5% | +113 | +0.1pp |
| Buddhism | 5,568 | 3.3% | 3.9% | 5,384 | 3.2% | 3.8% | +184 | +0.1pp |
| Uniting Church | 4,514 | 2.7% | 1.7% | 5,676 | 3.4% | 2.3% | -1,162 | -0.7pp |
| Hinduism | 4,295 | 2.6% | 4.1% | 4,091 | 2.4% | 2.9% | +204 | +0.2pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 3,132 | 1.9% | 2.7% | 2,885 | 1.7% | 2.6% | +247 | +0.2pp |
| Baptist | 2,472 | 1.5% | 1.3% | 2,469 | 1.5% | 1.3% | +3 | 0.0pp |
| Total | 167,914 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 167,254 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +660 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.