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 Eltham (NSW), accounting for 54.5% (183 people). This share was higher than Lismore (C) (43.1%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 52 people and 15 percentage points.

Section overview

Religion - Ranked by size

Eltham (NSW) - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises religion for Eltham (NSW) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Lismore (C) and change since 2016.

Religion - Ranked by size snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Eltham (NSW), with comparison markers for Lismore (C).

Eltham (NSW)
Lismore (C)

No Religion, so described

2021 count

183

% of total

54.5%

Change from 2016

+15.0pp

Western Catholic

2021 count

41

% of total

12.2%

Change from 2016

-5.6pp

Anglican Church of Australia

2021 count

30

% of total

8.9%

Change from 2016

-7.1pp

Not stated

2021 count

30

% of total

8.9%

Change from 2016

+3.2pp

Presbyterian

2021 count

12

% of total

3.6%

Change from 2016

-3.3pp

Uniting Church

2021 count

11

% of total

3.3%

Change from 2016

-3.0pp

Data table

Religion for Eltham (NSW). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Lismore (C).

Religion for Eltham (NSW). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Lismore (C).
Religion for Eltham (NSW). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Lismore (C).
Category20212016Change
Count%Lismore (C)%Count%Lismore (C)%Countpp
No Religion, so described18354.5%43.1%13139.5%32.7%+52+15.0pp
Western Catholic4112.2%18.3%5917.8%21.1%-18-5.6pp
Anglican Church of Australia308.9%11.5%5316.0%14.6%-23-7.1pp
Not stated308.9%8.9%195.7%10.5%+11+3.2pp
Presbyterian123.6%3.5%236.9%4.7%-11-3.3pp
Uniting Church113.3%3.5%216.3%4.7%-10-3.0pp
Total336100.0%100.0%332100.0%100.0%+40.0pp

Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.