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 Carnarvon (S), accounting for 37% (1,945 people). This share was lower than Regional WA (45.6%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Western Catholic, which decreased by 220 people and 3 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Carnarvon (S) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Carnarvon (S) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Regional WA and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Carnarvon (S), with comparison markers for Regional WA.
No Religion, so described
2021 count
1,945
% of total
37.0%
Change from 2016
+5.4pp
1,945
37.0%
+5.4pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
1,146
% of total
21.8%
Change from 2016
-3.0pp
1,146
21.8%
-3.0pp
Not stated
2021 count
951
% of total
18.1%
Change from 2016
+1.6pp
951
18.1%
+1.6pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
442
% of total
8.4%
Change from 2016
-3.6pp
442
8.4%
-3.6pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
130
% of total
2.5%
Change from 2016
+0.7pp
130
2.5%
+0.7pp
Buddhism
2021 count
118
% of total
2.2%
Change from 2016
-0.5pp
118
2.2%
-0.5pp
Churches of Christ (Conference)
2021 count
97
% of total
1.8%
Change from 2016
+0.4pp
97
1.8%
+0.4pp
Uniting Church
2021 count
70
% of total
1.3%
Change from 2016
-0.7pp
70
1.3%
-0.7pp
Presbyterian
2021 count
69
% of total
1.3%
Change from 2016
-0.4pp
69
1.3%
-0.4pp
Islam
2021 count
44
% of total
0.8%
Change from 2016
+0.7pp
44
0.8%
+0.7pp
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+205
+5.4pp
Western Catholic
-220
-3.0pp
Not stated
+39
+1.6pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-220
-3.6pp
Christianity, nfd
+31
+0.7pp
Buddhism
-30
-0.5pp
Churches of Christ (Conference)
+20
+0.4pp
Uniting Church
-42
-0.7pp
Presbyterian
-26
-0.4pp
Islam
+37
+0.7pp
Data table
Religion for Carnarvon (S). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional WA.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Regional WA% | Count | % | Regional WA% | Count | pp | |
| No Religion, so described | 1,945 | 37.0% | 45.6% | 1,740 | 31.6% | 33.8% | +205 | +5.4pp |
| Western Catholic | 1,146 | 21.8% | 15.7% | 1,366 | 24.8% | 19.3% | -220 | -3.0pp |
| Not stated | 951 | 18.1% | 12.1% | 912 | 16.5% | 12.4% | +39 | +1.6pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 442 | 8.4% | 11.3% | 662 | 12.0% | 16.4% | -220 | -3.6pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 130 | 2.5% | 3.2% | 99 | 1.8% | 3.3% | +31 | +0.7pp |
| Buddhism | 118 | 2.2% | 0.9% | 148 | 2.7% | 1.0% | -30 | -0.5pp |
| Churches of Christ (Conference) | 97 | 1.8% | 0.3% | 77 | 1.4% | 0.4% | +20 | +0.4pp |
| Uniting Church | 70 | 1.3% | 2.1% | 112 | 2.0% | 3.2% | -42 | -0.7pp |
| Presbyterian | 69 | 1.3% | 0.9% | 95 | 1.7% | 1.4% | -26 | -0.4pp |
| Islam | 44 | 0.8% | 0.7% | 7 | 0.1% | 0.6% | +37 | +0.7pp |
| Total | 5,253 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 5,513 | 100.0% | 100.0% | -260 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.