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 Fairfield East, accounting for 19.8% (1,025 people). This share was higher than Fairfield (C) (6.3%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Western Catholic, which increased by 957 people, while its share fell by 14.7 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Fairfield East - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Fairfield East in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Fairfield (C) and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Fairfield East, with comparison markers for Fairfield (C).
Islam
2021 count
1,025
% of total
19.8%
Change from 2016
-
1,025
19.8%
-
Buddhism
2021 count
991
% of total
19.1%
Change from 2016
-
991
19.1%
-
Western Catholic
2021 count
964
% of total
18.6%
Change from 2016
-14.7pp
964
18.6%
-14.7pp
No Religion, so described
2021 count
756
% of total
14.6%
Change from 2016
-
756
14.6%
-
Not stated
2021 count
495
% of total
9.6%
Change from 2016
-
495
9.6%
-
Baptist
2021 count
179
% of total
3.5%
Change from 2016
-
179
3.5%
-
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
133
% of total
2.6%
Change from 2016
-
133
2.6%
-
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
112
% of total
2.2%
Change from 2016
-40.7pp
112
2.2%
-40.7pp
Greek Orthodox
2021 count
63
% of total
1.2%
Change from 2016
-
63
1.2%
-
Chaldean Catholic
2021 count
49
% of total
0.9%
Change from 2016
-
49
0.9%
-
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Western Catholic
+957
-14.7pp
Anglican Church of Australia
+103
-40.7pp
Presbyterian
+19
-23.3pp
Data table
Religion for Fairfield East. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Fairfield (C).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Fairfield (C)% | Count | % | Fairfield (C)% | Count | pp | |
| Islam | 1,025 | 19.8% | 6.3% | - | - | 5.9% | - | - |
| Buddhism | 991 | 19.1% | 19.9% | - | - | 20.7% | - | - |
| Western Catholic | 964 | 18.6% | 26.3% | 7 | 33.3% | 28.1% | +957 | -14.7pp |
| No Religion, so described | 756 | 14.6% | 14.6% | - | - | 12.6% | - | - |
| Not stated | 495 | 9.6% | 7.0% | - | - | 7.0% | - | - |
| Baptist | 179 | 3.5% | 1.1% | - | - | 1.2% | - | - |
| Christianity, nfd | 133 | 2.6% | 4.0% | - | - | 3.6% | - | - |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 112 | 2.2% | 2.6% | 9 | 42.9% | 3.7% | +103 | -40.7pp |
| Greek Orthodox | 63 | 1.2% | 1.3% | - | - | 1.3% | - | - |
| Chaldean Catholic | 49 | 0.9% | 3.0% | - | - | 2.2% | - | - |
| Total | 5,181 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 21 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +5,160 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.