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 Maitland (NSW), accounting for 43.7% (857 people). This share was higher than Maitland (C) (38.1%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 853 people, while its share fell by 56.3 percentage points.

Section overview

Religion - Ranked by size

Maitland (NSW) - Total persons (Usual residence)

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

Religion - Ranked by size snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Maitland (NSW), with comparison markers for Maitland (C).

Maitland (NSW)
Maitland (C)

No Religion, so described

2021 count

857

% of total

43.7%

Change from 2016

-56.3pp

Western Catholic

2021 count

401

% of total

20.4%

Change from 2016

-

Anglican Church of Australia

2021 count

311

% of total

15.8%

Change from 2016

-

Not stated

2021 count

105

% of total

5.3%

Change from 2016

-

Christianity, nfd

2021 count

51

% of total

2.6%

Change from 2016

-

Presbyterian

2021 count

44

% of total

2.2%

Change from 2016

-

Uniting Church

2021 count

40

% of total

2.0%

Change from 2016

-

Islam

2021 count

21

% of total

1.1%

Change from 2016

-

Inadequately described

2021 count

18

% of total

0.9%

Change from 2016

-

Baptist

2021 count

18

% of total

0.9%

Change from 2016

-

Data table

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

Religion for Maitland (NSW). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Maitland (C).
Religion for Maitland (NSW). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Maitland (C).
Category20212016Change
Count%Maitland (C)%Count%Maitland (C)%Countpp
No Religion, so described85743.7%38.1%4100.0%24.0%+853-56.3pp
Western Catholic40120.4%22.9%--26.6%--
Anglican Church of Australia31115.8%18.3%--24.1%--
Not stated1055.3%4.9%--7.0%--
Christianity, nfd512.6%2.1%--2.2%--
Presbyterian442.2%2.2%--3.0%--
Uniting Church402.0%3.4%--4.9%--
Islam211.1%0.6%--0.4%--
Inadequately described180.9%0.4%--0.4%--
Baptist180.9%1.5%--1.9%--
Total1,963100.0%100.0%4100.0%100.0%+1,9590.0pp

Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.