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 Burwood (A), accounting for 34.6% (13,909 people). This share was higher than Greater Sydney (30.3%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 1,882 people and 1.9 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Burwood (A) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Burwood (A) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Greater Sydney and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Burwood (A), with comparison markers for Greater Sydney.
No Religion, so described
2021 count
13,909
% of total
34.6%
Change from 2016
+1.9pp
13,909
34.6%
+1.9pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
7,815
% of total
19.4%
Change from 2016
-3.0pp
7,815
19.4%
-3.0pp
Hinduism
2021 count
4,038
% of total
10.0%
Change from 2016
+2.5pp
4,038
10.0%
+2.5pp
Buddhism
2021 count
3,150
% of total
7.8%
Change from 2016
+1.0pp
3,150
7.8%
+1.0pp
Not stated
2021 count
2,754
% of total
6.9%
Change from 2016
-1.0pp
2,754
6.9%
-1.0pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
1,415
% of total
3.5%
Change from 2016
-1.0pp
1,415
3.5%
-1.0pp
Greek Orthodox
2021 count
1,170
% of total
2.9%
Change from 2016
-0.5pp
1,170
2.9%
-0.5pp
Maronite Catholic
2021 count
996
% of total
2.5%
Change from 2016
+0.4pp
996
2.5%
+0.4pp
Presbyterian
2021 count
879
% of total
2.2%
Change from 2016
-0.6pp
879
2.2%
-0.6pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
856
% of total
2.1%
Change from 2016
+0.2pp
856
2.1%
+0.2pp
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+1,882
+1.9pp
Western Catholic
-437
-3.0pp
Hinduism
+1,267
+2.5pp
Buddhism
+660
+1.0pp
Not stated
-147
-1.0pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-236
-1.0pp
Greek Orthodox
-69
-0.5pp
Maronite Catholic
+210
+0.4pp
Presbyterian
-138
-0.6pp
Christianity, nfd
+157
+0.2pp
Data table
Religion for Burwood (A). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Greater Sydney.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Greater Sydney% | Count | % | Greater Sydney% | Count | pp | |
| No Religion, so described | 13,909 | 34.6% | 30.3% | 12,027 | 32.7% | 24.6% | +1,882 | +1.9pp |
| Western Catholic | 7,815 | 19.4% | 22.1% | 8,252 | 22.4% | 24.2% | -437 | -3.0pp |
| Hinduism | 4,038 | 10.0% | 4.8% | 2,771 | 7.5% | 3.5% | +1,267 | +2.5pp |
| Buddhism | 3,150 | 7.8% | 3.8% | 2,490 | 6.8% | 3.9% | +660 | +1.0pp |
| Not stated | 2,754 | 6.9% | 6.2% | 2,901 | 7.9% | 8.5% | -147 | -1.0pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 1,415 | 3.5% | 9.2% | 1,651 | 4.5% | 12.0% | -236 | -1.0pp |
| Greek Orthodox | 1,170 | 2.9% | 2.3% | 1,239 | 3.4% | 2.4% | -69 | -0.5pp |
| Maronite Catholic | 996 | 2.5% | 0.8% | 786 | 2.1% | 0.7% | +210 | +0.4pp |
| Presbyterian | 879 | 2.2% | 1.5% | 1,017 | 2.8% | 1.9% | -138 | -0.6pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 856 | 2.1% | 2.5% | 699 | 1.9% | 2.2% | +157 | +0.2pp |
| Total | 40,201 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 36,781 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +3,420 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.