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 Calen, accounting for 31.2% (132 people). This share was lower than Mackay (R) (36.6%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 43 people and 8.1 percentage points.

Section overview

Religion - Ranked by size

Calen - Total persons (Usual residence)

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

Religion - Ranked by size snapshot

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

Calen
Mackay (R)

No Religion, so described

2021 count

132

% of total

31.2%

Change from 2016

+8.1pp

Not stated

2021 count

95

% of total

22.5%

Change from 2016

+12.4pp

Western Catholic

2021 count

71

% of total

16.8%

Change from 2016

-4.0pp

Uniting Church

2021 count

47

% of total

11.1%

Change from 2016

-5.8pp

Anglican Church of Australia

2021 count

34

% of total

8.0%

Change from 2016

-11.7pp

Presbyterian

2021 count

14

% of total

3.3%

Change from 2016

+0.4pp

Data table

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

Religion for Calen. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Mackay (R).
Religion for Calen. 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 described13231.2%36.6%8923.1%23.6%+43+8.1pp
Not stated9522.5%10.2%3910.1%9.4%+56+12.4pp
Western Catholic7116.8%23.6%8020.8%28.0%-9-4.0pp
Uniting Church4711.1%6.0%6516.9%8.5%-18-5.8pp
Anglican Church of Australia348.0%11.6%7619.7%16.3%-42-11.7pp
Presbyterian143.3%1.9%112.9%2.9%+3+0.4pp
Total423100.0%100.0%385100.0%100.0%+380.0pp

Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.