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 Carrum Downs, accounting for 47.4% (10,413 people). This share was lower than Frankston (C) (50.2%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 2,884 people and 11 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Carrum Downs - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Carrum Downs in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Frankston (C) and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Carrum Downs, with comparison markers for Frankston (C).
No Religion, so described
2021 count
10,413
% of total
47.4%
Change from 2016
+11.0pp
10,413
47.4%
+11.0pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
4,022
% of total
18.3%
Change from 2016
-2.5pp
4,022
18.3%
-2.5pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
1,567
% of total
7.1%
Change from 2016
-3.7pp
1,567
7.1%
-3.7pp
Not stated
2021 count
1,291
% of total
5.9%
Change from 2016
-2.8pp
1,291
5.9%
-2.8pp
Hinduism
2021 count
624
% of total
2.8%
Change from 2016
-0.2pp
624
2.8%
-0.2pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
593
% of total
2.7%
Change from 2016
-0.3pp
593
2.7%
-0.3pp
Buddhism
2021 count
436
% of total
2.0%
Change from 2016
+0.2pp
436
2.0%
+0.2pp
Greek Orthodox
2021 count
423
% of total
1.9%
Change from 2016
+0.4pp
423
1.9%
+0.4pp
Islam
2021 count
355
% of total
1.6%
Change from 2016
+0.2pp
355
1.6%
+0.2pp
Presbyterian
2021 count
319
% of total
1.5%
Change from 2016
-1.0pp
319
1.5%
-1.0pp
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+2,884
+11.0pp
Western Catholic
-274
-2.5pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-675
-3.7pp
Not stated
-518
-2.8pp
Hinduism
+1
-0.2pp
Christianity, nfd
-35
-0.3pp
Buddhism
+62
+0.2pp
Greek Orthodox
+115
+0.4pp
Islam
+73
+0.2pp
Presbyterian
-192
-1.0pp
Data table
Religion for Carrum Downs. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Frankston (C).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Frankston (C)% | Count | % | Frankston (C)% | Count | pp | |
| No Religion, so described | 10,413 | 47.4% | 50.2% | 7,529 | 36.4% | 38.9% | +2,884 | +11.0pp |
| Western Catholic | 4,022 | 18.3% | 17.4% | 4,296 | 20.8% | 20.1% | -274 | -2.5pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 1,567 | 7.1% | 8.8% | 2,242 | 10.8% | 12.3% | -675 | -3.7pp |
| Not stated | 1,291 | 5.9% | 6.4% | 1,809 | 8.7% | 9.1% | -518 | -2.8pp |
| Hinduism | 624 | 2.8% | 1.0% | 623 | 3.0% | 1.0% | +1 | -0.2pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 593 | 2.7% | 2.6% | 628 | 3.0% | 2.9% | -35 | -0.3pp |
| Buddhism | 436 | 2.0% | 1.2% | 374 | 1.8% | 1.2% | +62 | +0.2pp |
| Greek Orthodox | 423 | 1.9% | 1.6% | 308 | 1.5% | 1.5% | +115 | +0.4pp |
| Islam | 355 | 1.6% | 0.8% | 282 | 1.4% | 0.7% | +73 | +0.2pp |
| Presbyterian | 319 | 1.5% | 1.6% | 511 | 2.5% | 2.5% | -192 | -1.0pp |
| Total | 21,954 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 20,700 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +1,254 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.