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 Hurstville, accounting for 38.6% (12,034 people). This share was higher than Georges River (A) (29.4%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Hinduism, which increased by 2,396 people and 7.3 percentage points.

Section overview

Religion - Ranked by size

Hurstville - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises religion for Hurstville in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Georges River (A) and change since 2016.

Religion - Ranked by size snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Hurstville, with comparison markers for Georges River (A).

Hurstville
Georges River (A)

No Religion, so described

2021 count

12,034

% of total

38.6%

Change from 2016

-4.1pp

Hinduism

2021 count

4,842

% of total

15.5%

Change from 2016

+7.3pp

Western Catholic

2021 count

3,441

% of total

11.0%

Change from 2016

-0.7pp

Buddhism

2021 count

2,664

% of total

8.6%

Change from 2016

+0.5pp

Not stated

2021 count

1,927

% of total

6.2%

Change from 2016

-1.1pp

Islam

2021 count

1,202

% of total

3.9%

Change from 2016

+0.3pp

Anglican Church of Australia

2021 count

1,020

% of total

3.3%

Change from 2016

-0.5pp

Greek Orthodox

2021 count

917

% of total

2.9%

Change from 2016

-0.2pp

Christianity, nfd

2021 count

797

% of total

2.6%

Change from 2016

+0.1pp

Macedonian Orthodox

2021 count

438

% of total

1.4%

Change from 2016

-0.2pp

Data table

Religion for Hurstville. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Georges River (A).

Religion for Hurstville. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Georges River (A).
Religion for Hurstville. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Georges River (A).
Category20212016Change
Count%Georges River (A)%Count%Georges River (A)%Countpp
No Religion, so described12,03438.6%29.4%12,74342.7%27.4%-709-4.1pp
Hinduism4,84215.5%6.8%2,4468.2%4.6%+2,396+7.3pp
Western Catholic3,44111.0%19.8%3,48211.7%21.0%-41-0.7pp
Buddhism2,6648.6%4.8%2,4248.1%4.8%+240+0.5pp
Not stated1,9276.2%5.7%2,1647.3%7.2%-237-1.1pp
Islam1,2023.9%4.6%1,0723.6%3.8%+130+0.3pp
Anglican Church of Australia1,0203.3%6.9%1,1333.8%8.7%-113-0.5pp
Greek Orthodox9172.9%7.8%9363.1%7.4%-19-0.2pp
Christianity, nfd7972.6%2.8%7412.5%2.5%+56+0.1pp
Macedonian Orthodox4381.4%2.0%4831.6%2.0%-45-0.2pp
Total31,147100.0%100.0%29,832100.0%100.0%+1,3150.0pp

Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.