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 Portsmith, accounting for 30.9% (101 people). This share was lower than Cairns (R) (41.7%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 25 people and 1.9 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Portsmith - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Portsmith in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Cairns (R) and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Portsmith, with comparison markers for Cairns (R).
Not stated
2021 count
159
% of total
48.6%
Change from 2016
+7.0pp
159
48.6%
+7.0pp
No Religion, so described
2021 count
101
% of total
30.9%
Change from 2016
+1.9pp
101
30.9%
+1.9pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
26
% of total
8.0%
Change from 2016
+2.3pp
26
8.0%
+2.3pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
19
% of total
5.8%
Change from 2016
-7.9pp
19
5.8%
-7.9pp
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Not stated
+50
+7.0pp
No Religion, so described
+25
+1.9pp
Western Catholic
+11
+2.3pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-17
-7.9pp
Data table
Religion for Portsmith. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Cairns (R).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Cairns (R)% | Count | % | Cairns (R)% | Count | pp | |
| Not stated | 159 | 48.6% | 10.2% | 109 | 41.6% | 11.5% | +50 | +7.0pp |
| No Religion, so described | 101 | 30.9% | 41.7% | 76 | 29.0% | 31.7% | +25 | +1.9pp |
| Western Catholic | 26 | 8.0% | 19.9% | 15 | 5.7% | 22.8% | +11 | +2.3pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 19 | 5.8% | 9.9% | 36 | 13.7% | 13.4% | -17 | -7.9pp |
| Total | 327 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 262 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +65 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.