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 Merivale, accounting for 54.1% (46 people). This share was higher than Esperance (S) (48.9%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Anglican Church of Australia, which decreased by 11 people and 12.1 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Merivale - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Merivale in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Esperance (S) and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Merivale, with comparison markers for Esperance (S).
No Religion, so described
2021 count
46
% of total
54.1%
Change from 2016
+12.1pp
46
54.1%
+12.1pp
Not stated
2021 count
14
% of total
16.5%
Change from 2016
+1.7pp
14
16.5%
+1.7pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
12
% of total
14.1%
Change from 2016
+5.0pp
12
14.1%
+5.0pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
10
% of total
11.8%
Change from 2016
-12.1pp
10
11.8%
-12.1pp
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+9
+12.1pp
Not stated
+1
+1.7pp
Western Catholic
+4
+5.0pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-11
-12.1pp
Data table
Religion for Merivale. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Esperance (S).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Esperance (S)% | Count | % | Esperance (S)% | Count | pp | |
| No Religion, so described | 46 | 54.1% | 48.9% | 37 | 42.0% | 33.1% | +9 | +12.1pp |
| Not stated | 14 | 16.5% | 11.8% | 13 | 14.8% | 13.3% | +1 | +1.7pp |
| Western Catholic | 12 | 14.1% | 11.6% | 8 | 9.1% | 15.9% | +4 | +5.0pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 10 | 11.8% | 10.8% | 21 | 23.9% | 17.2% | -11 | -12.1pp |
| Total | 85 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 88 | 100.0% | 100.0% | -3 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.