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 Fremantle (C), accounting for 54% (17,237 people). This share was higher than Greater Perth (41.8%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 4,975 people and 11.5 percentage points.

Section overview

Religion - Ranked by size

Fremantle (C) - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises religion for Fremantle (C) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Greater Perth and change since 2016.

Religion - Ranked by size change

Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.

2016
2021

No Religion, so described

+4,975

+11.5pp

Western Catholic

-383

-3.4pp

Anglican Church of Australia

-443

-2.4pp

Not stated

-949

-4.1pp

Christianity, nfd

+98

+0.1pp

Buddhism

-50

-0.3pp

Uniting Church

-65

-0.4pp

Presbyterian

-47

-0.3pp

Baptist

0

-0.1pp

Islam

+49

+0.1pp

Data table

Religion for Fremantle (C). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Greater Perth.

Religion for Fremantle (C). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Greater Perth.
Religion for Fremantle (C). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Greater Perth.
Category20212016Change
Count%Greater Perth%Count%Greater Perth%Countpp
No Religion, so described17,23754.0%41.8%12,26242.5%32.1%+4,975+11.5pp
Western Catholic6,29619.7%19.4%6,67923.1%22.0%-383-3.4pp
Anglican Church of Australia2,5998.1%9.9%3,04210.5%13.8%-443-2.4pp
Not stated2,3867.5%6.2%3,33511.6%9.1%-949-4.1pp
Christianity, nfd5191.6%3.4%4211.5%3.4%+98+0.1pp
Buddhism4111.3%2.5%4611.6%2.5%-50-0.3pp
Uniting Church3591.1%1.5%4241.5%2.0%-65-0.4pp
Presbyterian2980.9%1.2%3451.2%1.6%-47-0.3pp
Baptist2180.7%1.6%2180.8%1.7%0-0.1pp
Islam1940.6%3.0%1450.5%2.4%+49+0.1pp
Total31,936100.0%100.0%28,861100.0%100.0%+3,0750.0pp

Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.