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 Merrylands West, accounting for 25.1% (1,774 people). This share was higher than Cumberland (A) (22.8%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Islam, which increased by 450 people and 5 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Merrylands West - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Merrylands West in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Cumberland (A) and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Merrylands West, with comparison markers for Cumberland (A).
Islam
2021 count
1,774
% of total
25.1%
Change from 2016
+5.0pp
1,774
25.1%
+5.0pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
1,511
% of total
21.4%
Change from 2016
-5.1pp
1,511
21.4%
-5.1pp
No Religion, so described
2021 count
836
% of total
11.8%
Change from 2016
-0.1pp
836
11.8%
-0.1pp
Not stated
2021 count
624
% of total
8.8%
Change from 2016
+1.9pp
624
8.8%
+1.9pp
Maronite Catholic
2021 count
501
% of total
7.1%
Change from 2016
+0.8pp
501
7.1%
+0.8pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
378
% of total
5.3%
Change from 2016
-2.4pp
378
5.3%
-2.4pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
183
% of total
2.6%
Change from 2016
+0.8pp
183
2.6%
+0.8pp
Buddhism
2021 count
179
% of total
2.5%
Change from 2016
+0.5pp
179
2.5%
+0.5pp
Hinduism
2021 count
153
% of total
2.2%
Change from 2016
-0.3pp
153
2.2%
-0.3pp
Greek Orthodox
2021 count
139
% of total
2.0%
Change from 2016
-0.5pp
139
2.0%
-0.5pp
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Islam
+450
+5.0pp
Western Catholic
-236
-5.1pp
No Religion, so described
+51
-0.1pp
Not stated
+168
+1.9pp
Maronite Catholic
+85
+0.8pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-128
-2.4pp
Christianity, nfd
+64
+0.8pp
Buddhism
+49
+0.5pp
Hinduism
-12
-0.3pp
Greek Orthodox
-27
-0.5pp
Data table
Religion for Merrylands West. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Cumberland (A).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Cumberland (A)% | Count | % | Cumberland (A)% | Count | pp | |
| Islam | 1,774 | 25.1% | 22.8% | 1,324 | 20.1% | 21.9% | +450 | +5.0pp |
| Western Catholic | 1,511 | 21.4% | 16.8% | 1,747 | 26.5% | 19.9% | -236 | -5.1pp |
| No Religion, so described | 836 | 11.8% | 14.7% | 785 | 11.9% | 13.8% | +51 | -0.1pp |
| Not stated | 624 | 8.8% | 8.5% | 456 | 6.9% | 8.0% | +168 | +1.9pp |
| Maronite Catholic | 501 | 7.1% | 4.3% | 416 | 6.3% | 3.8% | +85 | +0.8pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 378 | 5.3% | 3.2% | 506 | 7.7% | 4.6% | -128 | -2.4pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 183 | 2.6% | 2.3% | 119 | 1.8% | 2.1% | +64 | +0.8pp |
| Buddhism | 179 | 2.5% | 4.0% | 130 | 2.0% | 4.3% | +49 | +0.5pp |
| Hinduism | 153 | 2.2% | 13.4% | 165 | 2.5% | 10.2% | -12 | -0.3pp |
| Greek Orthodox | 139 | 2.0% | 1.4% | 166 | 2.5% | 1.6% | -27 | -0.5pp |
| Total | 7,068 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 6,585 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +483 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.