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 Greater Geelong (C), accounting for 43.9% (118,999 people). This share was lower than Regional Vic. (44.9%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 40,509 people and 10.3 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Greater Geelong (C) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Greater Geelong (C) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Regional Vic. and change since 2016.
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Greater Geelong (C), with comparison markers for Regional Vic..
No Religion, so described
2021 count
118,999
% of total
43.9%
Change from 2016
+10.3pp
118,999
43.9%
+10.3pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
60,221
% of total
22.2%
Change from 2016
-3.1pp
60,221
22.2%
-3.1pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
21,701
% of total
8.0%
Change from 2016
-2.8pp
21,701
8.0%
-2.8pp
Not stated
2021 count
17,091
% of total
6.3%
Change from 2016
-2.6pp
17,091
6.3%
-2.6pp
Uniting Church
2021 count
9,906
% of total
3.7%
Change from 2016
-1.5pp
9,906
3.7%
-1.5pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
6,637
% of total
2.4%
Change from 2016
-0.2pp
6,637
2.4%
-0.2pp
Presbyterian
2021 count
4,888
% of total
1.8%
Change from 2016
-0.9pp
4,888
1.8%
-0.9pp
Baptist
2021 count
4,737
% of total
1.7%
Change from 2016
-0.2pp
4,737
1.7%
-0.2pp
Islam
2021 count
4,020
% of total
1.5%
Change from 2016
+0.4pp
4,020
1.5%
+0.4pp
Hinduism
2021 count
3,630
% of total
1.3%
Change from 2016
+0.6pp
3,630
1.3%
+0.6pp
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+40,509
+10.3pp
Western Catholic
+1,163
-3.1pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-3,588
-2.8pp
Not stated
-3,730
-2.6pp
Uniting Church
-2,159
-1.5pp
Christianity, nfd
+680
-0.2pp
Presbyterian
-1,445
-0.9pp
Baptist
+287
-0.2pp
Islam
+1,491
+0.4pp
Hinduism
+1,941
+0.6pp
Data table
Religion for Greater Geelong (C). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional Vic..
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Regional Vic.% | Count | % | Regional Vic.% | Count | pp | |
| No Religion, so described | 118,999 | 43.9% | 44.9% | 78,490 | 33.6% | 33.7% | +40,509 | +10.3pp |
| Western Catholic | 60,221 | 22.2% | 19.7% | 59,058 | 25.3% | 22.7% | +1,163 | -3.1pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 21,701 | 8.0% | 9.8% | 25,289 | 10.8% | 13.3% | -3,588 | -2.8pp |
| Not stated | 17,091 | 6.3% | 7.7% | 20,821 | 8.9% | 9.8% | -3,730 | -2.6pp |
| Uniting Church | 9,906 | 3.7% | 4.7% | 12,065 | 5.2% | 6.5% | -2,159 | -1.5pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 6,637 | 2.4% | 2.1% | 5,957 | 2.6% | 2.1% | +680 | -0.2pp |
| Presbyterian | 4,888 | 1.8% | 2.2% | 6,333 | 2.7% | 3.2% | -1,445 | -0.9pp |
| Baptist | 4,737 | 1.7% | 1.2% | 4,450 | 1.9% | 1.3% | +287 | -0.2pp |
| Islam | 4,020 | 1.5% | 0.9% | 2,529 | 1.1% | 0.7% | +1,491 | +0.4pp |
| Hinduism | 3,630 | 1.3% | 0.7% | 1,689 | 0.7% | 0.4% | +1,941 | +0.6pp |
| Total | 271,035 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 233,428 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +37,607 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.