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 Bentley Park, accounting for 42.1% (3,518 people). This share was higher than Cairns (R) (41.7%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 3,503 people and 8.8 percentage points.

Section overview

Religion - Ranked by size

Bentley Park - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises religion for Bentley Park in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Cairns (R) and change since 2016.

Religion - Ranked by size snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Bentley Park, with comparison markers for Cairns (R).

Bentley Park
Cairns (R)

No Religion, so described

2021 count

3,518

% of total

42.1%

Change from 2016

+8.8pp

Western Catholic

2021 count

1,765

% of total

21.1%

Change from 2016

+10.0pp

Anglican Church of Australia

2021 count

728

% of total

8.7%

Change from 2016

-11.3pp

Not stated

2021 count

724

% of total

8.7%

Change from 2016

-15.7pp

Christianity, nfd

2021 count

261

% of total

3.1%

Change from 2016

-

Uniting Church

2021 count

211

% of total

2.5%

Change from 2016

-8.6pp

Presbyterian

2021 count

160

% of total

1.9%

Change from 2016

-

Pentecostal, nfd

2021 count

149

% of total

1.8%

Change from 2016

-

Baptist

2021 count

102

% of total

1.2%

Change from 2016

-

Jehovah's Witnesses

2021 count

90

% of total

1.1%

Change from 2016

-

Data table

Religion for Bentley Park. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Cairns (R).

Religion for Bentley Park. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Cairns (R).
Religion for Bentley Park. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Cairns (R).
Category20212016Change
Count%Cairns (R)%Count%Cairns (R)%Countpp
No Religion, so described3,51842.1%41.7%1533.3%31.7%+3,503+8.8pp
Western Catholic1,76521.1%19.9%511.1%22.8%+1,760+10.0pp
Anglican Church of Australia7288.7%9.9%920.0%13.4%+719-11.3pp
Not stated7248.7%10.2%1124.4%11.5%+713-15.7pp
Christianity, nfd2613.1%2.7%--2.7%--
Uniting Church2112.5%2.6%511.1%3.6%+206-8.6pp
Presbyterian1601.9%2.1%--2.9%--
Pentecostal, nfd1491.8%1.2%--1.2%--
Baptist1021.2%0.9%--1.1%--
Jehovah's Witnesses901.1%0.5%--0.6%--
Total8,360100.0%100.0%45100.0%100.0%+8,3150.0pp

Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.