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 Sydenham (NSW), accounting for 48.9% (525 people). This share was lower than Inner West (A) (49.7%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 522 people and 35.3 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Sydenham (NSW) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Sydenham (NSW) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Inner West (A) and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Sydenham (NSW), with comparison markers for Inner West (A).
No Religion, so described
2021 count
525
% of total
48.9%
Change from 2016
+35.3pp
525
48.9%
+35.3pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
174
% of total
16.2%
Change from 2016
-24.7pp
174
16.2%
-24.7pp
Buddhism
2021 count
98
% of total
9.1%
Change from 2016
-
98
9.1%
-
Greek Orthodox
2021 count
53
% of total
4.9%
Change from 2016
-
53
4.9%
-
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
50
% of total
4.7%
Change from 2016
-18.0pp
50
4.7%
-18.0pp
Not stated
2021 count
37
% of total
3.4%
Change from 2016
-19.3pp
37
3.4%
-19.3pp
Hinduism
2021 count
35
% of total
3.3%
Change from 2016
-
35
3.3%
-
Islam
2021 count
32
% of total
3.0%
Change from 2016
-
32
3.0%
-
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
30
% of total
2.8%
Change from 2016
-
30
2.8%
-
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+522
+35.3pp
Western Catholic
+165
-24.7pp
Anglican Church of Australia
+45
-18.0pp
Not stated
+32
-19.3pp
Data table
Religion for Sydenham (NSW). 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 | 525 | 48.9% | 49.7% | 3 | 13.6% | 40.4% | +522 | +35.3pp |
| Western Catholic | 174 | 16.2% | 19.9% | 9 | 40.9% | 21.9% | +165 | -24.7pp |
| Buddhism | 98 | 9.1% | 3.3% | - | - | 3.6% | - | - |
| Greek Orthodox | 53 | 4.9% | 3.5% | - | - | 3.6% | - | - |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 50 | 4.7% | 5.8% | 5 | 22.7% | 7.1% | +45 | -18.0pp |
| Not stated | 37 | 3.4% | 5.4% | 5 | 22.7% | 10.1% | +32 | -19.3pp |
| Hinduism | 35 | 3.3% | 2.1% | - | - | 2.4% | - | - |
| Islam | 32 | 3.0% | 1.4% | - | - | 1.4% | - | - |
| Christianity, nfd | 30 | 2.8% | 1.4% | - | - | 1.3% | - | - |
| Total | 1,073 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 22 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +1,051 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.