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 Ferndale (WA), accounting for 44% (1,960 people). This share was higher than Canning (C) (33.4%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 544 people and 11.1 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Ferndale (WA) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Ferndale (WA) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Canning (C) and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Ferndale (WA), with comparison markers for Canning (C).
No Religion, so described
2021 count
1,960
% of total
44.0%
Change from 2016
+11.1pp
1,960
44.0%
+11.1pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
721
% of total
16.2%
Change from 2016
-3.4pp
721
16.2%
-3.4pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
433
% of total
9.7%
Change from 2016
-4.5pp
433
9.7%
-4.5pp
Not stated
2021 count
283
% of total
6.4%
Change from 2016
-3.6pp
283
6.4%
-3.6pp
Islam
2021 count
170
% of total
3.8%
Change from 2016
+0.1pp
170
3.8%
+0.1pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
149
% of total
3.3%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
149
3.3%
0.0pp
Buddhism
2021 count
143
% of total
3.2%
Change from 2016
+0.9pp
143
3.2%
+0.9pp
Baptist
2021 count
86
% of total
1.9%
Change from 2016
-0.7pp
86
1.9%
-0.7pp
Hinduism
2021 count
74
% of total
1.7%
Change from 2016
+0.4pp
74
1.7%
+0.4pp
Uniting Church
2021 count
72
% of total
1.6%
Change from 2016
-0.6pp
72
1.6%
-0.6pp
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+544
+11.1pp
Western Catholic
-123
-3.4pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-177
-4.5pp
Not stated
-147
-3.6pp
Islam
+11
+0.1pp
Christianity, nfd
+5
0.0pp
Buddhism
+45
+0.9pp
Baptist
-28
-0.7pp
Hinduism
+20
+0.4pp
Uniting Church
-24
-0.6pp
Data table
Religion for Ferndale (WA). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Canning (C).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Canning (C)% | Count | % | Canning (C)% | Count | pp | |
| No Religion, so described | 1,960 | 44.0% | 33.4% | 1,416 | 32.9% | 28.0% | +544 | +11.1pp |
| Western Catholic | 721 | 16.2% | 16.6% | 844 | 19.6% | 19.6% | -123 | -3.4pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 433 | 9.7% | 6.5% | 610 | 14.2% | 9.7% | -177 | -4.5pp |
| Not stated | 283 | 6.4% | 5.2% | 430 | 10.0% | 7.8% | -147 | -3.6pp |
| Islam | 170 | 3.8% | 7.1% | 159 | 3.7% | 5.8% | +11 | +0.1pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 149 | 3.3% | 4.2% | 144 | 3.3% | 4.2% | +5 | 0.0pp |
| Buddhism | 143 | 3.2% | 6.4% | 98 | 2.3% | 5.9% | +45 | +0.9pp |
| Baptist | 86 | 1.9% | 2.0% | 114 | 2.6% | 2.1% | -28 | -0.7pp |
| Hinduism | 74 | 1.7% | 6.3% | 54 | 1.3% | 4.6% | +20 | +0.4pp |
| Uniting Church | 72 | 1.6% | 1.6% | 96 | 2.2% | 2.1% | -24 | -0.6pp |
| Total | 4,451 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 4,308 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +143 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.