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 Dows Creek, accounting for 44.5% (65 people). This share was higher than Mackay (R) (36.6%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 29 people and 17.6 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Dows Creek - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Dows Creek in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Mackay (R) and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Dows Creek, with comparison markers for Mackay (R).
No Religion, so described
2021 count
65
% of total
44.5%
Change from 2016
+17.6pp
65
44.5%
+17.6pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
34
% of total
23.3%
Change from 2016
+7.6pp
34
23.3%
+7.6pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
21
% of total
14.4%
Change from 2016
-7.2pp
21
14.4%
-7.2pp
Not stated
2021 count
11
% of total
7.5%
Change from 2016
-7.4pp
11
7.5%
-7.4pp
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+29
+17.6pp
Western Catholic
+13
+7.6pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-8
-7.2pp
Not stated
-9
-7.4pp
Data table
Religion for Dows Creek. 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 | |
| No Religion, so described | 65 | 44.5% | 36.6% | 36 | 26.9% | 23.6% | +29 | +17.6pp |
| Western Catholic | 34 | 23.3% | 23.6% | 21 | 15.7% | 28.0% | +13 | +7.6pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 21 | 14.4% | 11.6% | 29 | 21.6% | 16.3% | -8 | -7.2pp |
| Not stated | 11 | 7.5% | 10.2% | 20 | 14.9% | 9.4% | -9 | -7.4pp |
| Total | 146 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 134 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +12 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.