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 Petersham, accounting for 54.5% (4,462 people). This share was higher than Inner West (A) (49.7%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 4,365 people and 23.4 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Petersham - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Petersham in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Inner West (A) and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Petersham, with comparison markers for Inner West (A).
No Religion, so described
2021 count
4,462
% of total
54.5%
Change from 2016
+23.4pp
4,462
54.5%
+23.4pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
1,522
% of total
18.6%
Change from 2016
-1.3pp
1,522
18.6%
-1.3pp
Not stated
2021 count
531
% of total
6.5%
Change from 2016
-4.1pp
531
6.5%
-4.1pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
438
% of total
5.4%
Change from 2016
-11.6pp
438
5.4%
-11.6pp
Greek Orthodox
2021 count
238
% of total
2.9%
Change from 2016
+0.3pp
238
2.9%
+0.3pp
Buddhism
2021 count
169
% of total
2.1%
Change from 2016
-
169
2.1%
-
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
102
% of total
1.2%
Change from 2016
-1.7pp
102
1.2%
-1.7pp
Islam
2021 count
82
% of total
1.0%
Change from 2016
-
82
1.0%
-
Hinduism
2021 count
70
% of total
0.9%
Change from 2016
-
70
0.9%
-
Uniting Church
2021 count
68
% of total
0.8%
Change from 2016
-3.7pp
68
0.8%
-3.7pp
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+4,365
+23.4pp
Western Catholic
+1,460
-1.3pp
Not stated
+498
-4.1pp
Anglican Church of Australia
+385
-11.6pp
Greek Orthodox
+230
+0.3pp
Christianity, nfd
+93
-1.7pp
Uniting Church
+54
-3.7pp
Presbyterian
+40
-2.6pp
Baptist
+16
-3.5pp
Pentecostal, nfd
+10
-1.7pp
Data table
Religion for Petersham. 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 | 4,462 | 54.5% | 49.7% | 97 | 31.1% | 40.4% | +4,365 | +23.4pp |
| Western Catholic | 1,522 | 18.6% | 19.9% | 62 | 19.9% | 21.9% | +1,460 | -1.3pp |
| Not stated | 531 | 6.5% | 5.4% | 33 | 10.6% | 10.1% | +498 | -4.1pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 438 | 5.4% | 5.8% | 53 | 17.0% | 7.1% | +385 | -11.6pp |
| Greek Orthodox | 238 | 2.9% | 3.5% | 8 | 2.6% | 3.6% | +230 | +0.3pp |
| Buddhism | 169 | 2.1% | 3.3% | - | - | 3.6% | - | - |
| Christianity, nfd | 102 | 1.2% | 1.4% | 9 | 2.9% | 1.3% | +93 | -1.7pp |
| Islam | 82 | 1.0% | 1.4% | - | - | 1.4% | - | - |
| Hinduism | 70 | 0.9% | 2.1% | - | - | 2.4% | - | - |
| Uniting Church | 68 | 0.8% | 0.9% | 14 | 4.5% | 1.2% | +54 | -3.7pp |
| Total | 8,185 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 312 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +7,873 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.