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 Charles Sturt (C), accounting for 36.9% (44,978 people). This share was lower than Greater Adelaide (44.6%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 12,504 people and 7.9 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Charles Sturt (C) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Charles Sturt (C) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Greater Adelaide and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Charles Sturt (C), with comparison markers for Greater Adelaide.
No Religion, so described
2021 count
44,978
% of total
36.9%
Change from 2016
+7.9pp
44,978
36.9%
+7.9pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
30,138
% of total
24.7%
Change from 2016
-1.9pp
30,138
24.7%
-1.9pp
Greek Orthodox
2021 count
6,969
% of total
5.7%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
6,969
5.7%
0.0pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
6,849
% of total
5.6%
Change from 2016
-1.9pp
6,849
5.6%
-1.9pp
Not stated
2021 count
5,673
% of total
4.7%
Change from 2016
-3.0pp
5,673
4.7%
-3.0pp
Uniting Church
2021 count
4,129
% of total
3.4%
Change from 2016
-1.5pp
4,129
3.4%
-1.5pp
Islam
2021 count
3,202
% of total
2.6%
Change from 2016
+0.3pp
3,202
2.6%
+0.3pp
Buddhism
2021 count
3,175
% of total
2.6%
Change from 2016
-0.2pp
3,175
2.6%
-0.2pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
2,795
% of total
2.3%
Change from 2016
-0.1pp
2,795
2.3%
-0.1pp
Hinduism
2021 count
2,291
% of total
1.9%
Change from 2016
+0.6pp
2,291
1.9%
+0.6pp
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+12,504
+7.9pp
Western Catholic
+360
-1.9pp
Greek Orthodox
+570
0.0pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-1,490
-1.9pp
Not stated
-2,879
-3.0pp
Uniting Church
-1,335
-1.5pp
Islam
+655
+0.3pp
Buddhism
+86
-0.2pp
Christianity, nfd
+97
-0.1pp
Hinduism
+812
+0.6pp
Data table
Religion for Charles Sturt (C). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Greater Adelaide.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Greater Adelaide% | Count | % | Greater Adelaide% | Count | pp | |
| No Religion, so described | 44,978 | 36.9% | 44.6% | 32,474 | 29.0% | 35.6% | +12,504 | +7.9pp |
| Western Catholic | 30,138 | 24.7% | 16.4% | 29,778 | 26.6% | 18.9% | +360 | -1.9pp |
| Greek Orthodox | 6,969 | 5.7% | 2.4% | 6,399 | 5.7% | 2.5% | +570 | 0.0pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 6,849 | 5.6% | 7.0% | 8,339 | 7.5% | 9.8% | -1,490 | -1.9pp |
| Not stated | 5,673 | 4.7% | 5.2% | 8,552 | 7.7% | 8.0% | -2,879 | -3.0pp |
| Uniting Church | 4,129 | 3.4% | 3.9% | 5,464 | 4.9% | 5.8% | -1,335 | -1.5pp |
| Islam | 3,202 | 2.6% | 2.8% | 2,547 | 2.3% | 2.1% | +655 | +0.3pp |
| Buddhism | 3,175 | 2.6% | 2.3% | 3,089 | 2.8% | 2.2% | +86 | -0.2pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 2,795 | 2.3% | 2.7% | 2,698 | 2.4% | 2.8% | +97 | -0.1pp |
| Hinduism | 2,291 | 1.9% | 2.7% | 1,479 | 1.3% | 1.7% | +812 | +0.6pp |
| Total | 121,820 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 111,789 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +10,031 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.