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 South Lismore, accounting for 48.6% (862 people). This share was higher than Lismore (C) (43.1%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 183 people and 12.4 percentage points.

Section overview

Religion - Ranked by size

South Lismore - Total persons (Usual residence)

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

Religion - Ranked by size snapshot

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

South Lismore
Lismore (C)

No Religion, so described

2021 count

862

% of total

48.6%

Change from 2016

+12.4pp

Western Catholic

2021 count

335

% of total

18.9%

Change from 2016

-2.2pp

Anglican Church of Australia

2021 count

203

% of total

11.5%

Change from 2016

-3.1pp

Not stated

2021 count

128

% of total

7.2%

Change from 2016

-3.4pp

Uniting Church

2021 count

52

% of total

2.9%

Change from 2016

-1.7pp

Christianity, nfd

2021 count

51

% of total

2.9%

Change from 2016

+1.2pp

Presbyterian

2021 count

44

% of total

2.5%

Change from 2016

-2.0pp

Buddhism

2021 count

22

% of total

1.2%

Change from 2016

-0.7pp

Data table

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

Religion for South Lismore. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Lismore (C).
Religion for South Lismore. 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 described86248.6%43.1%67936.2%32.7%+183+12.4pp
Western Catholic33518.9%18.3%39521.1%21.1%-60-2.2pp
Anglican Church of Australia20311.5%11.5%27414.6%14.6%-71-3.1pp
Not stated1287.2%8.9%19810.6%10.5%-70-3.4pp
Uniting Church522.9%3.5%864.6%4.7%-34-1.7pp
Christianity, nfd512.9%2.6%321.7%2.4%+19+1.2pp
Presbyterian442.5%3.5%844.5%4.7%-40-2.0pp
Buddhism221.2%1.2%351.9%1.3%-13-0.7pp
Total1,772100.0%100.0%1,875100.0%100.0%-1030.0pp

Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.