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 Ball Bay, accounting for 32.6% (124 people). This share was lower than Mackay (R) (36.6%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 51 people and 12.1 percentage points.

Section overview

Religion - Ranked by size

Ball Bay - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises religion for Ball Bay in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Mackay (R) and change since 2016.

Religion - Ranked by size snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Ball Bay, with comparison markers for Mackay (R).

Ball Bay
Mackay (R)

No Religion, so described

2021 count

124

% of total

32.6%

Change from 2016

+12.1pp

Western Catholic

2021 count

93

% of total

24.5%

Change from 2016

+2.3pp

Anglican Church of Australia

2021 count

80

% of total

21.1%

Change from 2016

-5.0pp

Not stated

2021 count

36

% of total

9.5%

Change from 2016

+0.2pp

Uniting Church

2021 count

33

% of total

8.7%

Change from 2016

-0.6pp

Presbyterian

2021 count

11

% of total

2.9%

Change from 2016

-3.8pp

Data table

Religion for Ball Bay. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Mackay (R).

Religion for Ball Bay. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Mackay (R).
Religion for Ball Bay. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Mackay (R).
Category20212016Change
Count%Mackay (R)%Count%Mackay (R)%Countpp
No Religion, so described12432.6%36.6%7320.5%23.6%+51+12.1pp
Western Catholic9324.5%23.6%7922.2%28.0%+14+2.3pp
Anglican Church of Australia8021.1%11.6%9326.1%16.3%-13-5.0pp
Not stated369.5%10.2%339.3%9.4%+3+0.2pp
Uniting Church338.7%6.0%339.3%8.5%0-0.6pp
Presbyterian112.9%1.9%246.7%2.9%-13-3.8pp
Total380100.0%100.0%356100.0%100.0%+240.0pp

Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.