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 Federal (NSW), accounting for 63.3% (490 people). This share was higher than Byron (A) (57.7%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 125 people and 9.2 percentage points.

Section overview

Religion - Ranked by size

Federal (NSW) - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises religion for Federal (NSW) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Byron (A) and change since 2016.

Religion - Ranked by size snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Federal (NSW), with comparison markers for Byron (A).

Federal (NSW)
Byron (A)

No Religion, so described

2021 count

490

% of total

63.3%

Change from 2016

+9.2pp

Not stated

2021 count

99

% of total

12.8%

Change from 2016

-4.1pp

Western Catholic

2021 count

71

% of total

9.2%

Change from 2016

-1.0pp

Anglican Church of Australia

2021 count

36

% of total

4.7%

Change from 2016

-0.6pp

Christianity, nfd

2021 count

16

% of total

2.1%

Change from 2016

0.0pp

Buddhism

2021 count

14

% of total

1.8%

Change from 2016

-2.5pp

Data table

Religion for Federal (NSW). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Byron (A).

Religion for Federal (NSW). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Byron (A).
Religion for Federal (NSW). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Byron (A).
Category20212016Change
Count%Byron (A)%Count%Byron (A)%Countpp
No Religion, so described49063.3%57.7%36554.1%46.3%+125+9.2pp
Not stated9912.8%11.9%11416.9%15.6%-15-4.1pp
Western Catholic719.2%10.4%6910.2%12.5%+2-1.0pp
Anglican Church of Australia364.7%6.8%365.3%9.7%0-0.6pp
Christianity, nfd162.1%1.1%142.1%1.3%+20.0pp
Buddhism141.8%2.1%294.3%2.5%-15-2.5pp
Total774100.0%100.0%675100.0%100.0%+990.0pp

Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.