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 Lane Cove (A), accounting for 40.3% (15,910 people). This share was higher than Greater Sydney (30.3%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 4,355 people and 8.2 percentage points.

Section overview

Religion - Ranked by size

Lane Cove (A) - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises religion for Lane Cove (A) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Greater Sydney and change since 2016.

Religion - Ranked by size snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Lane Cove (A), with comparison markers for Greater Sydney.

Lane Cove (A)
Greater Sydney

No Religion, so described

2021 count

15,910

% of total

40.3%

Change from 2016

+8.2pp

Western Catholic

2021 count

9,720

% of total

24.6%

Change from 2016

-2.2pp

Anglican Church of Australia

2021 count

4,015

% of total

10.2%

Change from 2016

-2.8pp

Not stated

2021 count

1,981

% of total

5.0%

Change from 2016

-3.0pp

Hinduism

2021 count

1,292

% of total

3.3%

Change from 2016

+0.2pp

Buddhism

2021 count

1,089

% of total

2.8%

Change from 2016

+0.1pp

Christianity, nfd

2021 count

711

% of total

1.8%

Change from 2016

+0.3pp

Uniting Church

2021 count

607

% of total

1.5%

Change from 2016

-0.6pp

Presbyterian

2021 count

587

% of total

1.5%

Change from 2016

-0.4pp

Islam

2021 count

582

% of total

1.5%

Change from 2016

+0.2pp

Data table

Religion for Lane Cove (A). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Greater Sydney.

Religion for Lane Cove (A). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Greater Sydney.
Religion for Lane Cove (A). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Greater Sydney.
Category20212016Change
Count%Greater Sydney%Count%Greater Sydney%Countpp
No Religion, so described15,91040.3%30.3%11,55532.1%24.6%+4,355+8.2pp
Western Catholic9,72024.6%22.1%9,66626.8%24.2%+54-2.2pp
Anglican Church of Australia4,01510.2%9.2%4,68213.0%12.0%-667-2.8pp
Not stated1,9815.0%6.2%2,8798.0%8.5%-898-3.0pp
Hinduism1,2923.3%4.8%1,1123.1%3.5%+180+0.2pp
Buddhism1,0892.8%3.8%9752.7%3.9%+114+0.1pp
Christianity, nfd7111.8%2.5%5401.5%2.2%+171+0.3pp
Uniting Church6071.5%1.5%7682.1%2.0%-161-0.6pp
Presbyterian5871.5%1.5%6921.9%1.9%-105-0.4pp
Islam5821.5%6.3%4541.3%5.3%+128+0.2pp
Total39,455100.0%100.0%36,037100.0%100.0%+3,4180.0pp

Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.