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 Manningham (C), accounting for 37% (46,191 people). This share was similar to Greater Melbourne (36.9%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 10,451 people and 6.3 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Manningham (C) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Manningham (C) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Greater Melbourne and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Manningham (C), with comparison markers for Greater Melbourne.
No Religion, so described
2021 count
46,191
% of total
37.0%
Change from 2016
+6.3pp
46,191
37.0%
+6.3pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
24,402
% of total
19.6%
Change from 2016
-2.7pp
24,402
19.6%
-2.7pp
Greek Orthodox
2021 count
9,799
% of total
7.9%
Change from 2016
-0.2pp
9,799
7.9%
-0.2pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
7,133
% of total
5.7%
Change from 2016
-1.6pp
7,133
5.7%
-1.6pp
Not stated
2021 count
5,685
% of total
4.6%
Change from 2016
-2.7pp
5,685
4.6%
-2.7pp
Buddhism
2021 count
5,460
% of total
4.4%
Change from 2016
+0.4pp
5,460
4.4%
+0.4pp
Islam
2021 count
4,247
% of total
3.4%
Change from 2016
+1.2pp
4,247
3.4%
+1.2pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
3,719
% of total
3.0%
Change from 2016
+0.3pp
3,719
3.0%
+0.3pp
Baptist
2021 count
3,057
% of total
2.5%
Change from 2016
+0.2pp
3,057
2.5%
+0.2pp
Uniting Church
2021 count
2,753
% of total
2.2%
Change from 2016
-0.7pp
2,753
2.2%
-0.7pp
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+10,451
+6.3pp
Western Catholic
-1,470
-2.7pp
Greek Orthodox
+397
-0.2pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-1,342
-1.6pp
Not stated
-2,757
-2.7pp
Buddhism
+791
+0.4pp
Islam
+1,659
+1.2pp
Christianity, nfd
+569
+0.3pp
Baptist
+351
+0.2pp
Uniting Church
-627
-0.7pp
Data table
Religion for Manningham (C). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Greater Melbourne.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Greater Melbourne% | Count | % | Greater Melbourne% | Count | pp | |
| No Religion, so described | 46,191 | 37.0% | 36.9% | 35,740 | 30.7% | 31.0% | +10,451 | +6.3pp |
| Western Catholic | 24,402 | 19.6% | 20.5% | 25,872 | 22.3% | 23.2% | -1,470 | -2.7pp |
| Greek Orthodox | 9,799 | 7.9% | 3.3% | 9,402 | 8.1% | 3.5% | +397 | -0.2pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 7,133 | 5.7% | 5.5% | 8,475 | 7.3% | 7.6% | -1,342 | -1.6pp |
| Not stated | 5,685 | 4.6% | 5.8% | 8,442 | 7.3% | 8.6% | -2,757 | -2.7pp |
| Buddhism | 5,460 | 4.4% | 3.9% | 4,669 | 4.0% | 3.8% | +791 | +0.4pp |
| Islam | 4,247 | 3.4% | 5.3% | 2,588 | 2.2% | 4.2% | +1,659 | +1.2pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 3,719 | 3.0% | 2.7% | 3,150 | 2.7% | 2.6% | +569 | +0.3pp |
| Baptist | 3,057 | 2.5% | 1.3% | 2,706 | 2.3% | 1.3% | +351 | +0.2pp |
| Uniting Church | 2,753 | 2.2% | 1.7% | 3,380 | 2.9% | 2.3% | -627 | -0.7pp |
| Total | 124,690 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 116,232 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +8,458 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.