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 Oswald, accounting for 40.3% (31 people). This share was higher than Maitland (C) (38.1%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 20 people and 28.1 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Oswald - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Oswald 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 Oswald, 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
+20
+28.1pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-8
-4.4pp
Western Catholic
-7
-5.5pp
Data table
Religion for Oswald. 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 | 31 | 40.3% | 38.1% | 11 | 12.2% | 24.0% | +20 | +28.1pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 24 | 31.2% | 18.3% | 32 | 35.6% | 24.1% | -8 | -4.4pp |
| Western Catholic | 12 | 15.6% | 22.9% | 19 | 21.1% | 26.6% | -7 | -5.5pp |
| Total | 77 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 90 | 100.0% | 100.0% | -13 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.