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 Central Highlands (R) (Qld), accounting for 35.9% (9,967 people). This share was lower than Regional Qld (40.1%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 4,120 people and 15 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Central Highlands (R) (Qld) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Central Highlands (R) (Qld) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Regional Qld and change since 2016.
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Central Highlands (R) (Qld), with comparison markers for Regional Qld.
No Religion, so described
2021 count
9,967
% of total
35.9%
Change from 2016
+15.0pp
9,967
35.9%
+15.0pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
5,683
% of total
20.4%
Change from 2016
-5.0pp
5,683
20.4%
-5.0pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
3,577
% of total
12.9%
Change from 2016
-5.0pp
3,577
12.9%
-5.0pp
Not stated
2021 count
3,493
% of total
12.6%
Change from 2016
-1.3pp
3,493
12.6%
-1.3pp
Uniting Church
2021 count
1,344
% of total
4.8%
Change from 2016
-2.2pp
1,344
4.8%
-2.2pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
1,119
% of total
4.0%
Change from 2016
+0.4pp
1,119
4.0%
+0.4pp
Presbyterian
2021 count
582
% of total
2.1%
Change from 2016
-0.9pp
582
2.1%
-0.9pp
Baptist
2021 count
288
% of total
1.0%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
288
1.0%
0.0pp
Pentecostal, nfd
2021 count
264
% of total
0.9%
Change from 2016
-0.5pp
264
0.9%
-0.5pp
Lutheran
2021 count
242
% of total
0.9%
Change from 2016
-0.2pp
242
0.9%
-0.2pp
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+4,120
+15.0pp
Western Catholic
-1,421
-5.0pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-1,427
-5.0pp
Not stated
-399
-1.3pp
Uniting Church
-609
-2.2pp
Christianity, nfd
+101
+0.4pp
Presbyterian
-253
-0.9pp
Baptist
-3
0.0pp
Pentecostal, nfd
-131
-0.5pp
Lutheran
-65
-0.2pp
Data table
Religion for Central Highlands (R) (Qld). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional Qld.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Regional Qld% | Count | % | Regional Qld% | Count | pp | |
| No Religion, so described | 9,967 | 35.9% | 40.1% | 5,847 | 20.9% | 27.9% | +4,120 | +15.0pp |
| Western Catholic | 5,683 | 20.4% | 18.7% | 7,104 | 25.4% | 22.0% | -1,421 | -5.0pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 3,577 | 12.9% | 12.8% | 5,004 | 17.9% | 17.1% | -1,427 | -5.0pp |
| Not stated | 3,493 | 12.6% | 8.8% | 3,892 | 13.9% | 10.1% | -399 | -1.3pp |
| Uniting Church | 1,344 | 4.8% | 4.0% | 1,953 | 7.0% | 5.6% | -609 | -2.2pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 1,119 | 4.0% | 3.0% | 1,018 | 3.6% | 3.0% | +101 | +0.4pp |
| Presbyterian | 582 | 2.1% | 2.3% | 835 | 3.0% | 3.2% | -253 | -0.9pp |
| Baptist | 288 | 1.0% | 1.4% | 291 | 1.0% | 1.6% | -3 | 0.0pp |
| Pentecostal, nfd | 264 | 0.9% | 1.1% | 395 | 1.4% | 1.2% | -131 | -0.5pp |
| Lutheran | 242 | 0.9% | 1.1% | 307 | 1.1% | 1.3% | -65 | -0.2pp |
| Total | 27,799 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 28,001 | 100.0% | 100.0% | -202 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.