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 Tempe, accounting for 50.2% (1,774 people). This share was higher than Inner West (A) (49.7%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 376 people and 10.7 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Tempe - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Tempe in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Inner West (A) and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Tempe, with comparison markers for Inner West (A).
No Religion, so described
2021 count
1,774
% of total
50.2%
Change from 2016
+10.7pp
1,774
50.2%
+10.7pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
581
% of total
16.4%
Change from 2016
-2.7pp
581
16.4%
-2.7pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
162
% of total
4.6%
Change from 2016
-1.3pp
162
4.6%
-1.3pp
Not stated
2021 count
160
% of total
4.5%
Change from 2016
-3.2pp
160
4.5%
-3.2pp
Buddhism
2021 count
145
% of total
4.1%
Change from 2016
-1.7pp
145
4.1%
-1.7pp
Greek Orthodox
2021 count
135
% of total
3.8%
Change from 2016
-0.9pp
135
3.8%
-0.9pp
Macedonian Orthodox
2021 count
131
% of total
3.7%
Change from 2016
-0.5pp
131
3.7%
-0.5pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
82
% of total
2.3%
Change from 2016
+0.8pp
82
2.3%
+0.8pp
Islam
2021 count
73
% of total
2.1%
Change from 2016
-0.2pp
73
2.1%
-0.2pp
Hinduism
2021 count
55
% of total
1.6%
Change from 2016
+0.2pp
55
1.6%
+0.2pp
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+376
+10.7pp
Western Catholic
-95
-2.7pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-47
-1.3pp
Not stated
-111
-3.2pp
Buddhism
-62
-1.7pp
Greek Orthodox
-33
-0.9pp
Macedonian Orthodox
-19
-0.5pp
Christianity, nfd
+28
+0.8pp
Islam
-9
-0.2pp
Hinduism
+6
+0.2pp
Data table
Religion for Tempe. 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 | 1,774 | 50.2% | 49.7% | 1,398 | 39.5% | 40.4% | +376 | +10.7pp |
| Western Catholic | 581 | 16.4% | 19.9% | 676 | 19.1% | 21.9% | -95 | -2.7pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 162 | 4.6% | 5.8% | 209 | 5.9% | 7.1% | -47 | -1.3pp |
| Not stated | 160 | 4.5% | 5.4% | 271 | 7.7% | 10.1% | -111 | -3.2pp |
| Buddhism | 145 | 4.1% | 3.3% | 207 | 5.8% | 3.6% | -62 | -1.7pp |
| Greek Orthodox | 135 | 3.8% | 3.5% | 168 | 4.7% | 3.6% | -33 | -0.9pp |
| Macedonian Orthodox | 131 | 3.7% | 0.2% | 150 | 4.2% | 0.2% | -19 | -0.5pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 82 | 2.3% | 1.4% | 54 | 1.5% | 1.3% | +28 | +0.8pp |
| Islam | 73 | 2.1% | 1.4% | 82 | 2.3% | 1.4% | -9 | -0.2pp |
| Hinduism | 55 | 1.6% | 2.1% | 49 | 1.4% | 2.4% | +6 | +0.2pp |
| Total | 3,534 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 3,541 | 100.0% | 100.0% | -7 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.