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 Doncaster, accounting for 39.9% (9,965 people). This share was higher than Manningham (C) (37%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 9,839 people and 1.2 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Doncaster - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Doncaster in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Manningham (C) and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Doncaster, with comparison markers for Manningham (C).
No Religion, so described
2021 count
9,965
% of total
39.9%
Change from 2016
+1.2pp
9,965
39.9%
+1.2pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
3,835
% of total
15.3%
Change from 2016
-4.9pp
3,835
15.3%
-4.9pp
Greek Orthodox
2021 count
2,097
% of total
8.4%
Change from 2016
-
2,097
8.4%
-
Buddhism
2021 count
1,622
% of total
6.5%
Change from 2016
-
1,622
6.5%
-
Not stated
2021 count
1,288
% of total
5.2%
Change from 2016
-4.3pp
1,288
5.2%
-4.3pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
1,222
% of total
4.9%
Change from 2016
-5.8pp
1,222
4.9%
-5.8pp
Islam
2021 count
900
% of total
3.6%
Change from 2016
-
900
3.6%
-
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
746
% of total
3.0%
Change from 2016
+1.8pp
746
3.0%
+1.8pp
Hinduism
2021 count
551
% of total
2.2%
Change from 2016
-
551
2.2%
-
Baptist
2021 count
512
% of total
2.0%
Change from 2016
-
512
2.0%
-
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+9,839
+1.2pp
Western Catholic
+3,769
-4.9pp
Not stated
+1,257
-4.3pp
Anglican Church of Australia
+1,187
-5.8pp
Christianity, nfd
+742
+1.8pp
Uniting Church
+443
-14.9pp
Presbyterian
+397
+0.4pp
Data table
Religion for Doncaster. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Manningham (C).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Manningham (C)% | Count | % | Manningham (C)% | Count | pp | |
| No Religion, so described | 9,965 | 39.9% | 37.0% | 126 | 38.7% | 30.7% | +9,839 | +1.2pp |
| Western Catholic | 3,835 | 15.3% | 19.6% | 66 | 20.2% | 22.3% | +3,769 | -4.9pp |
| Greek Orthodox | 2,097 | 8.4% | 7.9% | - | - | 8.1% | - | - |
| Buddhism | 1,622 | 6.5% | 4.4% | - | - | 4.0% | - | - |
| Not stated | 1,288 | 5.2% | 4.6% | 31 | 9.5% | 7.3% | +1,257 | -4.3pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 1,222 | 4.9% | 5.7% | 35 | 10.7% | 7.3% | +1,187 | -5.8pp |
| Islam | 900 | 3.6% | 3.4% | - | - | 2.2% | - | - |
| Christianity, nfd | 746 | 3.0% | 3.0% | 4 | 1.2% | 2.7% | +742 | +1.8pp |
| Hinduism | 551 | 2.2% | 1.9% | - | - | 1.5% | - | - |
| Baptist | 512 | 2.0% | 2.5% | - | - | 2.3% | - | - |
| Total | 25,004 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 326 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +24,678 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.