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 Metford, accounting for 39.2% (1,841 people). This share was higher than Maitland (C) (38.1%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 688 people and 15 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Metford - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Metford in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Maitland (C) and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Metford, with comparison markers for Maitland (C).
No Religion, so described
2021 count
1,841
% of total
39.2%
Change from 2016
+15.0pp
1,841
39.2%
+15.0pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
926
% of total
19.7%
Change from 2016
-3.8pp
926
19.7%
-3.8pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
801
% of total
17.1%
Change from 2016
-5.8pp
801
17.1%
-5.8pp
Not stated
2021 count
256
% of total
5.5%
Change from 2016
-1.5pp
256
5.5%
-1.5pp
Uniting Church
2021 count
164
% of total
3.5%
Change from 2016
-1.8pp
164
3.5%
-1.8pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
139
% of total
3.0%
Change from 2016
-0.4pp
139
3.0%
-0.4pp
Baptist
2021 count
114
% of total
2.4%
Change from 2016
-0.9pp
114
2.4%
-0.9pp
Presbyterian
2021 count
105
% of total
2.2%
Change from 2016
-0.8pp
105
2.2%
-0.8pp
Hinduism
2021 count
51
% of total
1.1%
Change from 2016
-0.3pp
51
1.1%
-0.3pp
Buddhism
2021 count
45
% of total
1.0%
Change from 2016
+0.3pp
45
1.0%
+0.3pp
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+688
+15.0pp
Western Catholic
-193
-3.8pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-290
-5.8pp
Not stated
-77
-1.5pp
Uniting Church
-89
-1.8pp
Christianity, nfd
-22
-0.4pp
Baptist
-43
-0.9pp
Presbyterian
-39
-0.8pp
Hinduism
-14
-0.3pp
Buddhism
+13
+0.3pp
Data table
Religion for Metford. 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 | 1,841 | 39.2% | 38.1% | 1,153 | 24.2% | 24.0% | +688 | +15.0pp |
| Western Catholic | 926 | 19.7% | 22.9% | 1,119 | 23.5% | 26.6% | -193 | -3.8pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 801 | 17.1% | 18.3% | 1,091 | 22.9% | 24.1% | -290 | -5.8pp |
| Not stated | 256 | 5.5% | 4.9% | 333 | 7.0% | 7.0% | -77 | -1.5pp |
| Uniting Church | 164 | 3.5% | 3.4% | 253 | 5.3% | 4.9% | -89 | -1.8pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 139 | 3.0% | 2.1% | 161 | 3.4% | 2.2% | -22 | -0.4pp |
| Baptist | 114 | 2.4% | 1.5% | 157 | 3.3% | 1.9% | -43 | -0.9pp |
| Presbyterian | 105 | 2.2% | 2.2% | 144 | 3.0% | 3.0% | -39 | -0.8pp |
| Hinduism | 51 | 1.1% | 0.7% | 65 | 1.4% | 0.5% | -14 | -0.3pp |
| Buddhism | 45 | 1.0% | 0.5% | 32 | 0.7% | 0.6% | +13 | +0.3pp |
| Total | 4,694 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 4,767 | 100.0% | 100.0% | -73 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.