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, No religion was the most common religious affiliation among residents in Melville (NSW), accounting for 36.7% (22 people). This share was lower than Maitland (C) (38.1%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 7 people and 10.8 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Melville (NSW) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Melville (NSW) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Maitland (C) and change since 2016.
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Melville (NSW), with comparison markers for Maitland (C).
No Religion, so described
Anglican Church of Australia
Western Catholic
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+7
+10.8pp
Anglican Church of Australia
+7
+11.0pp
Western Catholic
-6
-11.4pp
Data table
Religion for Melville (NSW). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Maitland (C).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Maitland (C)% | Count | % | Maitland (C)% | Count | pp | |
| No Religion, so described | 22 | 36.7% | 38.1% | 15 | 25.9% | 24.0% | +7 | +10.8pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 18 | 30.0% | 18.3% | 11 | 19.0% | 24.1% | +7 | +11.0pp |
| Western Catholic | 17 | 28.3% | 22.9% | 23 | 39.7% | 26.6% | -6 | -11.4pp |
| Total | 60 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 58 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +2 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.