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 Beechworth, accounting for 53.4% (2,274 people). This share was higher than Indigo (S) (47.2%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 2,265 people, while its share fell by 2.9 percentage points.

Section overview

Religion - Ranked by size

Beechworth - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises religion for Beechworth in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Indigo (S) and change since 2016.

Religion - Ranked by size snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Beechworth, with comparison markers for Indigo (S).

Beechworth
Indigo (S)

No Religion, so described

2021 count

2,274

% of total

53.4%

Change from 2016

-2.9pp

Western Catholic

2021 count

645

% of total

15.1%

Change from 2016

-

Anglican Church of Australia

2021 count

431

% of total

10.1%

Change from 2016

-

Not stated

2021 count

423

% of total

9.9%

Change from 2016

-33.9pp

Uniting Church

2021 count

149

% of total

3.5%

Change from 2016

-

Christianity, nfd

2021 count

84

% of total

2.0%

Change from 2016

-

Presbyterian

2021 count

62

% of total

1.5%

Change from 2016

-

Inadequately described

2021 count

31

% of total

0.7%

Change from 2016

-

Baptist

2021 count

31

% of total

0.7%

Change from 2016

-

Buddhism

2021 count

22

% of total

0.5%

Change from 2016

-

Data table

Religion for Beechworth. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Indigo (S).

Religion for Beechworth. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Indigo (S).
Religion for Beechworth. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Indigo (S).
Category20212016Change
Count%Indigo (S)%Count%Indigo (S)%Countpp
No Religion, so described2,27453.4%47.2%956.3%33.1%+2,265-2.9pp
Western Catholic64515.1%17.5%--20.7%--
Anglican Church of Australia43110.1%13.4%--18.6%--
Not stated4239.9%8.0%743.8%9.3%+416-33.9pp
Uniting Church1493.5%4.3%--6.4%--
Christianity, nfd842.0%2.3%--2.6%--
Presbyterian621.5%2.2%--3.1%--
Inadequately described310.7%0.5%--0.3%--
Baptist310.7%0.9%--1.3%--
Buddhism220.5%0.4%--0.7%--
Total4,258100.0%100.0%16100.0%100.0%+4,2420.0pp

Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.