Cultural diversity
Religion
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.
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, Western Catholic was the most common religious affiliation among residents in Balnagowan, accounting for 37% (162 people). This share was higher than Mackay (R) (23.6%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 73 people and 15.9 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Balnagowan - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Balnagowan in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Mackay (R) and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Balnagowan, with comparison markers for Mackay (R).
Western Catholic
No Religion, so described
Anglican Church of Australia
Uniting Church
Not stated
Christianity, nfd
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Western Catholic
-26
-7.7pp
No Religion, so described
+73
+15.9pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-6
-1.9pp
Uniting Church
-11
-2.9pp
Not stated
+2
+0.3pp
Christianity, nfd
-8
-2.1pp
Data table
Religion for Balnagowan. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Mackay (R).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Mackay (R)% | Count | % | Mackay (R)% | Count | pp | |
| Western Catholic | 162 | 37.0% | 23.6% | 188 | 44.7% | 28.0% | -26 | -7.7pp |
| No Religion, so described | 149 | 34.0% | 36.6% | 76 | 18.1% | 23.6% | +73 | +15.9pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 53 | 12.1% | 11.6% | 59 | 14.0% | 16.3% | -6 | -1.9pp |
| Uniting Church | 26 | 5.9% | 6.0% | 37 | 8.8% | 8.5% | -11 | -2.9pp |
| Not stated | 19 | 4.3% | 10.2% | 17 | 4.0% | 9.4% | +2 | +0.3pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 15 | 3.4% | 2.6% | 23 | 5.5% | 2.7% | -8 | -2.1pp |
| Total | 438 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 421 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +17 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.