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 Balmain East (part), accounting for 51.2% (964 people). This share was higher than Inner West (A) (49.7%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 185 people and 10.6 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Balmain East (part) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Balmain East (part) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Inner West (A) and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Balmain East (part), with comparison markers for Inner West (A).
No Religion, so described
2021 count
964
% of total
51.2%
Change from 2016
+10.6pp
964
51.2%
+10.6pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
400
% of total
21.2%
Change from 2016
-1.4pp
400
21.2%
-1.4pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
209
% of total
11.1%
Change from 2016
-2.1pp
209
11.1%
-2.1pp
Not stated
2021 count
114
% of total
6.1%
Change from 2016
-5.3pp
114
6.1%
-5.3pp
Uniting Church
2021 count
26
% of total
1.4%
Change from 2016
-1.1pp
26
1.4%
-1.1pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
24
% of total
1.3%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
24
1.3%
0.0pp
Presbyterian
2021 count
23
% of total
1.2%
Change from 2016
-0.3pp
23
1.2%
-0.3pp
Buddhism
2021 count
21
% of total
1.1%
Change from 2016
-0.2pp
21
1.1%
-0.2pp
Greek Orthodox
2021 count
19
% of total
1.0%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
19
1.0%
0.0pp
Lutheran
2021 count
16
% of total
0.8%
Change from 2016
+0.3pp
16
0.8%
+0.3pp
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+185
+10.6pp
Western Catholic
-34
-1.4pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-45
-2.1pp
Not stated
-105
-5.3pp
Uniting Church
-21
-1.1pp
Christianity, nfd
0
0.0pp
Presbyterian
-5
-0.3pp
Buddhism
-3
-0.2pp
Greek Orthodox
0
0.0pp
Lutheran
+6
+0.3pp
Data table
Religion for Balmain East (part). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Inner West (A).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Inner West (A)% | Count | % | Inner West (A)% | Count | pp | |
| No Religion, so described | 964 | 51.2% | 49.7% | 779 | 40.6% | 40.4% | +185 | +10.6pp |
| Western Catholic | 400 | 21.2% | 19.9% | 434 | 22.6% | 21.9% | -34 | -1.4pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 209 | 11.1% | 5.8% | 254 | 13.2% | 7.1% | -45 | -2.1pp |
| Not stated | 114 | 6.1% | 5.4% | 219 | 11.4% | 10.1% | -105 | -5.3pp |
| Uniting Church | 26 | 1.4% | 0.9% | 47 | 2.5% | 1.2% | -21 | -1.1pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 24 | 1.3% | 1.4% | 24 | 1.3% | 1.3% | 0 | 0.0pp |
| Presbyterian | 23 | 1.2% | 1.0% | 28 | 1.5% | 1.3% | -5 | -0.3pp |
| Buddhism | 21 | 1.1% | 3.3% | 24 | 1.3% | 3.6% | -3 | -0.2pp |
| Greek Orthodox | 19 | 1.0% | 3.5% | 19 | 1.0% | 3.6% | 0 | 0.0pp |
| Lutheran | 16 | 0.8% | 0.2% | 10 | 0.5% | 0.2% | +6 | +0.3pp |
| Total | 1,883 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 1,917 | 100.0% | 100.0% | -34 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.