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 Bowen Hills, accounting for 51.7% (2,518 people). This share was higher than Brisbane (C) (40.8%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 1,284 people and 13.4 percentage points.

Section overview

Religion - Ranked by size

Bowen Hills - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises religion for Bowen Hills in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Brisbane (C) and change since 2016.

Religion - Ranked by size snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Bowen Hills, with comparison markers for Brisbane (C).

Bowen Hills
Brisbane (C)

No Religion, so described

2021 count

2,518

% of total

51.7%

Change from 2016

+13.4pp

Western Catholic

2021 count

844

% of total

17.3%

Change from 2016

-0.4pp

Not stated

2021 count

470

% of total

9.6%

Change from 2016

-7.1pp

Anglican Church of Australia

2021 count

220

% of total

4.5%

Change from 2016

-2.7pp

Hinduism

2021 count

140

% of total

2.9%

Change from 2016

+0.2pp

Buddhism

2021 count

109

% of total

2.2%

Change from 2016

+0.2pp

Christianity, nfd

2021 count

109

% of total

2.2%

Change from 2016

+0.1pp

Islam

2021 count

89

% of total

1.8%

Change from 2016

-0.3pp

Uniting Church

2021 count

53

% of total

1.1%

Change from 2016

-0.3pp

Presbyterian

2021 count

52

% of total

1.1%

Change from 2016

-0.5pp

Data table

Religion for Bowen Hills. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Brisbane (C).

Religion for Bowen Hills. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Brisbane (C).
Religion for Bowen Hills. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Brisbane (C).
Category20212016Change
Count%Brisbane (C)%Count%Brisbane (C)%Countpp
No Religion, so described2,51851.7%40.8%1,23438.3%31.6%+1,284+13.4pp
Western Catholic84417.3%20.6%56917.7%23.0%+275-0.4pp
Not stated4709.6%5.6%53816.7%8.7%-68-7.1pp
Anglican Church of Australia2204.5%8.5%2327.2%11.0%-12-2.7pp
Hinduism1402.9%2.9%862.7%2.2%+54+0.2pp
Buddhism1092.2%2.7%662.0%2.8%+43+0.2pp
Christianity, nfd1092.2%2.6%682.1%2.5%+41+0.1pp
Islam891.8%2.3%672.1%2.0%+22-0.3pp
Uniting Church531.1%2.9%441.4%4.0%+9-0.3pp
Presbyterian521.1%1.7%501.6%2.3%+2-0.5pp
Total4,875100.0%100.0%3,220100.0%100.0%+1,6550.0pp

Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.