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 Hornsby (A), accounting for 36% (54,621 people). This share was higher than Greater Sydney (30.3%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 13,446 people and 7.1 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Hornsby (A) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Hornsby (A) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Greater Sydney and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Hornsby (A), with comparison markers for Greater Sydney.
No Religion, so described
2021 count
54,621
% of total
36.0%
Change from 2016
+7.1pp
54,621
36.0%
+7.1pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
28,013
% of total
18.4%
Change from 2016
-2.4pp
28,013
18.4%
-2.4pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
18,581
% of total
12.2%
Change from 2016
-3.3pp
18,581
12.2%
-3.3pp
Hinduism
2021 count
10,190
% of total
6.7%
Change from 2016
+2.1pp
10,190
6.7%
+2.1pp
Not stated
2021 count
6,564
% of total
4.3%
Change from 2016
-2.6pp
6,564
4.3%
-2.6pp
Buddhism
2021 count
4,953
% of total
3.3%
Change from 2016
+0.3pp
4,953
3.3%
+0.3pp
Uniting Church
2021 count
4,312
% of total
2.8%
Change from 2016
-1.2pp
4,312
2.8%
-1.2pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
4,128
% of total
2.7%
Change from 2016
+0.3pp
4,128
2.7%
+0.3pp
Baptist
2021 count
3,450
% of total
2.3%
Change from 2016
-0.1pp
3,450
2.3%
-0.1pp
Presbyterian
2021 count
3,316
% of total
2.2%
Change from 2016
-0.5pp
3,316
2.2%
-0.5pp
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+13,446
+7.1pp
Western Catholic
-1,689
-2.4pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-3,478
-3.3pp
Hinduism
+3,674
+2.1pp
Not stated
-3,300
-2.6pp
Buddhism
+605
+0.3pp
Uniting Church
-1,332
-1.2pp
Christianity, nfd
+724
+0.3pp
Baptist
+39
-0.1pp
Presbyterian
-525
-0.5pp
Data table
Religion for Hornsby (A). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Greater Sydney.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Greater Sydney% | Count | % | Greater Sydney% | Count | pp | |
| No Religion, so described | 54,621 | 36.0% | 30.3% | 41,175 | 28.9% | 24.6% | +13,446 | +7.1pp |
| Western Catholic | 28,013 | 18.4% | 22.1% | 29,702 | 20.8% | 24.2% | -1,689 | -2.4pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 18,581 | 12.2% | 9.2% | 22,059 | 15.5% | 12.0% | -3,478 | -3.3pp |
| Hinduism | 10,190 | 6.7% | 4.8% | 6,516 | 4.6% | 3.5% | +3,674 | +2.1pp |
| Not stated | 6,564 | 4.3% | 6.2% | 9,864 | 6.9% | 8.5% | -3,300 | -2.6pp |
| Buddhism | 4,953 | 3.3% | 3.8% | 4,348 | 3.0% | 3.9% | +605 | +0.3pp |
| Uniting Church | 4,312 | 2.8% | 1.5% | 5,644 | 4.0% | 2.0% | -1,332 | -1.2pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 4,128 | 2.7% | 2.5% | 3,404 | 2.4% | 2.2% | +724 | +0.3pp |
| Baptist | 3,450 | 2.3% | 1.2% | 3,411 | 2.4% | 1.2% | +39 | -0.1pp |
| Presbyterian | 3,316 | 2.2% | 1.5% | 3,841 | 2.7% | 1.9% | -525 | -0.5pp |
| Total | 151,835 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 142,639 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +9,196 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.