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 South Maitland, accounting for 44.5% (187 people). This share was higher than Maitland (C) (38.1%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 78 people and 20.9 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
South Maitland - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for South Maitland in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Maitland (C) and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for South Maitland, with comparison markers for Maitland (C).
No Religion, so described
2021 count
187
% of total
44.5%
Change from 2016
+20.9pp
187
44.5%
+20.9pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
92
% of total
21.9%
Change from 2016
-1.7pp
92
21.9%
-1.7pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
77
% of total
18.3%
Change from 2016
-1.4pp
77
18.3%
-1.4pp
Not stated
2021 count
37
% of total
8.8%
Change from 2016
-12.0pp
37
8.8%
-12.0pp
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+78
+20.9pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-17
-1.7pp
Western Catholic
-14
-1.4pp
Not stated
-59
-12.0pp
Data table
Religion for South Maitland. 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 | 187 | 44.5% | 38.1% | 109 | 23.6% | 24.0% | +78 | +20.9pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 92 | 21.9% | 18.3% | 109 | 23.6% | 24.1% | -17 | -1.7pp |
| Western Catholic | 77 | 18.3% | 22.9% | 91 | 19.7% | 26.6% | -14 | -1.4pp |
| Not stated | 37 | 8.8% | 4.9% | 96 | 20.8% | 7.0% | -59 | -12.0pp |
| Total | 420 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 462 | 100.0% | 100.0% | -42 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.