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, Western Catholic was the most common religious affiliation among residents in Fairfield Heights, accounting for 26.3% (2,170 people). This share was similar to Fairfield (C) (26.3%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which decreased by 1,581 people and 30.8 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Fairfield Heights - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Fairfield Heights in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Fairfield (C) and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Fairfield Heights, with comparison markers for Fairfield (C).
Western Catholic
2021 count
2,170
% of total
26.3%
Change from 2016
+3.9pp
2,170
26.3%
+3.9pp
Buddhism
2021 count
928
% of total
11.2%
Change from 2016
+10.3pp
928
11.2%
+10.3pp
Assyrian Church of the East
2021 count
875
% of total
10.6%
Change from 2016
-
875
10.6%
-
No Religion, so described
2021 count
761
% of total
9.2%
Change from 2016
-30.8pp
761
9.2%
-30.8pp
Chaldean Catholic
2021 count
604
% of total
7.3%
Change from 2016
-
604
7.3%
-
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
565
% of total
6.8%
Change from 2016
+5.5pp
565
6.8%
+5.5pp
Not stated
2021 count
546
% of total
6.6%
Change from 2016
-2.1pp
546
6.6%
-2.1pp
Islam
2021 count
514
% of total
6.2%
Change from 2016
+6.0pp
514
6.2%
+6.0pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
137
% of total
1.7%
Change from 2016
-15.1pp
137
1.7%
-15.1pp
Greek Orthodox
2021 count
112
% of total
1.4%
Change from 2016
+0.7pp
112
1.4%
+0.7pp
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Western Catholic
+860
+3.9pp
Buddhism
+877
+10.3pp
No Religion, so described
-1,581
-30.8pp
Christianity, nfd
+489
+5.5pp
Not stated
+37
-2.1pp
Islam
+501
+6.0pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-846
-15.1pp
Greek Orthodox
+73
+0.7pp
Serbian Orthodox
+103
+1.2pp
Baptist
+44
+0.4pp
Data table
Religion for Fairfield Heights. 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 | |
| Western Catholic | 2,170 | 26.3% | 26.3% | 1,310 | 22.4% | 28.1% | +860 | +3.9pp |
| Buddhism | 928 | 11.2% | 19.9% | 51 | 0.9% | 20.7% | +877 | +10.3pp |
| Assyrian Church of the East | 875 | 10.6% | 4.0% | - | - | 3.2% | - | - |
| No Religion, so described | 761 | 9.2% | 14.6% | 2,342 | 40.0% | 12.6% | -1,581 | -30.8pp |
| Chaldean Catholic | 604 | 7.3% | 3.0% | - | - | 2.2% | - | - |
| Christianity, nfd | 565 | 6.8% | 4.0% | 76 | 1.3% | 3.6% | +489 | +5.5pp |
| Not stated | 546 | 6.6% | 7.0% | 509 | 8.7% | 7.0% | +37 | -2.1pp |
| Islam | 514 | 6.2% | 6.3% | 13 | 0.2% | 5.9% | +501 | +6.0pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 137 | 1.7% | 2.6% | 983 | 16.8% | 3.7% | -846 | -15.1pp |
| Greek Orthodox | 112 | 1.4% | 1.3% | 39 | 0.7% | 1.3% | +73 | +0.7pp |
| Total | 8,252 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 5,849 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +2,403 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.