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, Islam was the most common religious affiliation among residents in Christmas Island, accounting for 22.4% (374 people). This share was higher than Other Territories (16.1%).
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Christmas Island - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Christmas Island in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Other Territories and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Christmas Island, with comparison markers for Other Territories.
Not stated
2021 count
451
% of total
27.0%
Change from 2016
-
451
27.0%
-
Islam
2021 count
374
% of total
22.4%
Change from 2016
-
374
22.4%
-
No Religion, so described
2021 count
333
% of total
19.9%
Change from 2016
-
333
19.9%
-
Buddhism
2021 count
258
% of total
15.4%
Change from 2016
-
258
15.4%
-
Western Catholic
2021 count
123
% of total
7.4%
Change from 2016
-
123
7.4%
-
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
35
% of total
2.1%
Change from 2016
-
35
2.1%
-
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
31
% of total
1.9%
Change from 2016
-
31
1.9%
-
Baptist
2021 count
28
% of total
1.7%
Change from 2016
-
28
1.7%
-
Uniting Church
2021 count
18
% of total
1.1%
Change from 2016
-
18
1.1%
-
Hinduism
2021 count
10
% of total
0.6%
Change from 2016
-
10
0.6%
-
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Data table
Religion for Christmas Island. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Other Territories.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Other Territories% | Count | % | Other Territories% | Count | pp | |
| Not stated | 451 | 27.0% | 20.2% | - | - | 17.4% | - | - |
| Islam | 374 | 22.4% | 16.1% | - | - | 16.8% | - | - |
| No Religion, so described | 333 | 19.9% | 27.1% | - | - | 20.8% | - | - |
| Buddhism | 258 | 15.4% | 5.6% | - | - | 7.5% | - | - |
| Western Catholic | 123 | 7.4% | 8.3% | - | - | 9.2% | - | - |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 35 | 2.1% | 12.1% | - | - | 15.2% | - | - |
| Christianity, nfd | 31 | 1.9% | 1.7% | - | - | 1.9% | - | - |
| Baptist | 28 | 1.7% | 0.9% | - | - | 0.5% | - | - |
| Uniting Church | 18 | 1.1% | 3.9% | - | - | 4.3% | - | - |
| Hinduism | 10 | 0.6% | 0.3% | - | - | 0.2% | - | - |
| Total | 1,671 | 100.0% | 100.0% | - | - | 100.0% | - | - |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.