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 Colac-Otway (S), accounting for 45.9% (10,286 people). This share was higher than Regional Vic. (44.9%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 2,991 people and 11.1 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Colac-Otway (S) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Colac-Otway (S) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Regional Vic. and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Colac-Otway (S), with comparison markers for Regional Vic..
No Religion, so described
2021 count
10,286
% of total
45.9%
Change from 2016
+11.1pp
10,286
45.9%
+11.1pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
4,958
% of total
22.1%
Change from 2016
-3.0pp
4,958
22.1%
-3.0pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
1,844
% of total
8.2%
Change from 2016
-2.8pp
1,844
8.2%
-2.8pp
Not stated
2021 count
1,832
% of total
8.2%
Change from 2016
-1.4pp
1,832
8.2%
-1.4pp
Uniting Church
2021 count
1,209
% of total
5.4%
Change from 2016
-2.5pp
1,209
5.4%
-2.5pp
Presbyterian
2021 count
583
% of total
2.6%
Change from 2016
-1.7pp
583
2.6%
-1.7pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
384
% of total
1.7%
Change from 2016
+0.1pp
384
1.7%
+0.1pp
Baptist
2021 count
186
% of total
0.8%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
186
0.8%
0.0pp
Pentecostal, nfd
2021 count
176
% of total
0.8%
Change from 2016
+0.2pp
176
0.8%
+0.2pp
Buddhism
2021 count
174
% of total
0.8%
Change from 2016
+0.3pp
174
0.8%
+0.3pp
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+2,991
+11.1pp
Western Catholic
-311
-3.0pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-474
-2.8pp
Not stated
-180
-1.4pp
Uniting Church
-451
-2.5pp
Presbyterian
-315
-1.7pp
Christianity, nfd
+58
+0.1pp
Baptist
+10
0.0pp
Pentecostal, nfd
+58
+0.2pp
Buddhism
+60
+0.3pp
Data table
Religion for Colac-Otway (S). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional Vic..
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Regional Vic.% | Count | % | Regional Vic.% | Count | pp | |
| No Religion, so described | 10,286 | 45.9% | 44.9% | 7,295 | 34.8% | 33.7% | +2,991 | +11.1pp |
| Western Catholic | 4,958 | 22.1% | 19.7% | 5,269 | 25.1% | 22.7% | -311 | -3.0pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 1,844 | 8.2% | 9.8% | 2,318 | 11.0% | 13.3% | -474 | -2.8pp |
| Not stated | 1,832 | 8.2% | 7.7% | 2,012 | 9.6% | 9.8% | -180 | -1.4pp |
| Uniting Church | 1,209 | 5.4% | 4.7% | 1,660 | 7.9% | 6.5% | -451 | -2.5pp |
| Presbyterian | 583 | 2.6% | 2.2% | 898 | 4.3% | 3.2% | -315 | -1.7pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 384 | 1.7% | 2.1% | 326 | 1.6% | 2.1% | +58 | +0.1pp |
| Baptist | 186 | 0.8% | 1.2% | 176 | 0.8% | 1.3% | +10 | 0.0pp |
| Pentecostal, nfd | 176 | 0.8% | 0.7% | 118 | 0.6% | 0.7% | +58 | +0.2pp |
| Buddhism | 174 | 0.8% | 0.9% | 114 | 0.5% | 0.8% | +60 | +0.3pp |
| Total | 22,421 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 20,986 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +1,435 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.